Events & festivals in France in November

A garden that jumps off the page.

The Chantenay library will be displaying a collection of art-photos signed Jean Renaudineau for this exceptional "Couleurs et saveurs du jardin" exhibition.

Over 30 works will be on display and all are focused on a bucolic, refreshing theme: tomatoes! The visitor will be drawn into a lush green and red world full of summertime flavours…

In honour of the Celts.

The Celtomania festival came about in 1989 as an official celebration dedicated to Celtic music, culture and heritage. Nantes and the nearby cities will be ablaze with festive events for two whole months! You can expect concerts, exhibitions and various activities and events.

It will be a great opportunity to discover local performers or bands that have made a reputation in France.

Brilliant and romantic.

The Rajko Orchestra will be offering spectators an intense magical moment. Founded in 1952, this emeritus orchestra has been developing and promoting the culture of improvisation. They have managed this based on a single factor: their unrivalled skill.

Talentum is a highly-reputed dance company; they focus on traditional styles, modern dance, operetta and in particular ballroom dancing. This flexible repertoire allows for rich and rounded performances.

With such skilled ensembles, you can be sure to fully experience the magic of Strauss's Waltzes…

A passion for the picturesque.

Canadian-born Mark Lewis, now a resident of the UK, is first of all a professional photographer - he is also a contemporary artist and an artistic film-maker who enjoys working with themes such as "the urban", art and cinema, and the grey area between film and painting…

In 2003 he took part in an international contemporary art fair, and was chosen to represent Canada at the Visual arts Biennial in Venice in 2009.

A genius…

Djamel Tatah was already working with abstract art as early as 1986 as a student of the Saint-Etienne Fine-Arts school. His focus was isolated figures on a monochrome background, a strange, unsettling work that is the result of unperturbable constance and dedication…

Iran's Persian heritage…

Abbas Bakhtiari has performed alongside some of the big names of world music: Tony Gatlif, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tûni, or Tomatito… This unusual band is steeped in classical Persian traditions and Sufi culture generally.

Being exceptionally well-versed in the daf and zarb (Iranian percussion instruments), Abbas Bakhtiari offers you a gateway into an ancestral culture.

Kindertotenlieder is a contemporary dance show centred on the representation of terror and the intimately-linked representation of death. Once again, these are linked to the characteristics of human beings, such as bodily appearance and behaviour.

This fascinating dance piece links the representation of terror with what Freud called "the uncanny".

Simple, authentic, and real.

This third edition of the Salon du Vin Naturel will be taking place in late November.

The two previous editions were such a success that this show has become a yearly event much expected in the region. Here is where you will find authentic, traditional produce.

With 24 vintners from the whole of France, along with an army of producers from Normandy and the "terroir" more generally, visitors will be only tasting the best of the best.

The struggle to the top

Anglo-Pakistani band Asian Dub Foundation had to fight for recognition in England... After five albums and numerous concerts worldwide, the whole of Europe knows that ADF is a major Asian beat group.

Their distinctive sound is a combination of jungle, ragga rhythms, indo-dub baselines, sitar and 'traditional' sounds; they were the first band to discover the perfect recipe: rock, Indian ambiance, hip-hop, techno and dub.

But back in 1995, Dr Das (bass) teamed up with DJ Pandit G and the young rapper Deeder Zaman to form a sound system and campaign against racism. With the arrival of guitarist Chandrasonic and Sun-J later on, ADF was complete and ready to roll in new directions.

Their debut album, 'Facts and Fictions', did make a certain amount of noise, yet ADF had to work hard to get attention -- skin just a bit too dark, lyrics just a bit too political and their image a far cry from the neat and tidy norms of Brit Pop.

So ADF left to take their words elsewhere, develop their performance skills and acquire their characteristic power and energy.
It wasn't until 1998, after a tour with Primal Scream, that ADF finally achieved the recognition they deserved in their country.

Admire portraits from the ages.

The Maison de l'Armateur in Le Havre will be presenting a collection of portraits that are intimately linked to the building itself. The Foache family, owner of the house until 1836, married into the Begouen Demeaux family, and both are the subjects of some excellent portraits signed Alexandre Roslin and Guillaume Voiriot.

Flash loaded, armed and ready.

The Fine-Arts Museum in Caen has been working with the Boréales Festival to organise this major exhibition dedicated to Anne Clarén. Holding is a sort of documentary/diary of Anna Clarén's life at a time when she was taking pictures literally 24/7; in the evenings she would leave the shutter open with a trigger system. The characters in this exhibition are close ones, family members and random passer-by met in the streets…

Explore the artwork of a port city.

Le Havre is among those French and Euopean cities whose identity was defined by port activity. A panoramic view of the local museum's collections are a reflection of a culture which is intimately tied to a port city economy.

The Malraux museum in Le Havre will be presenting a major exhibition made up of over 160 works (including 48 photographs) revolving around the "port" theme. In particular, the exhibition will focus on the port as a major emblem, and how this image mutated from the mid 19th century to the mid 20th.

Potter, the jazz magician…

With 15 years and a dozen or so albums under his belt (working with Mingus Big Band, the Electric Be-Bop Band, Paul Motian, Dave Holland, Dave Douglas and Steely Dan) Chris Potter's career as a sax-player suddenly exploded around the turn of the millennium. His two albums, Gratitude and Travelling Mercies dans la foulée earned him critical attention like never before, and most of it positive.

His talent was suddenly brought into the limelight with Lift, recorded in public at the Village Vanguard with his quartet. Potter isn't the type to get comfortable with his success or his almost inhuman skills. He has the virtues that place him among the greats in the business: integrity and perfectionism.

An indefatigable attempt to promote music from the margins.

The Europa Jazz Festival is much more than just another anodyne classic jazz festival. Rather than invite once-glorious oldies to come perform for a blasé public, Europa organisers have since 1980 encouraged people to discover a whole mix of music. They have strived to set up a program that is rattle bag of surprises, a musical event which actively promotes new movements and artists rather than simply relying on sure-fire sales.

Instead of being fixed in one place and one venue, as it was in its early days, over time the Europa Jazz Festival has strived to create a 'regionalised' festival. The key to this is a highly-developed promotion and distribution network with strong and long-lasting links between artist, audience and venue.

Europa Jazz has since the 80's managed to create a unique distribution network in the Pays de la Loire and Lower Normandy, so that music can flow from the town centre to the suburbs, from Le Mans to the countryside, from Sarthe to the surrounding region and from the Pays de la Loire to Europe.

Blues for the African continent.

Boubacar Traoré, nicknamed "Kar Kar", is considered a bluesman in the West; yet in his eyes he is only a man, albeit one passionate about music. Kar Kar boasts an unnerving musical ease, he distills emotion into the purest and most simple of sounds.

His warm, powerful voice tells the story of his country, the hopes, dreams and despairs of the people of Mali. His melodies are catchy, captivating, always inspired by the Kassonké musical heritage, the traditions of his homeland. His style is unique, inimitable, at once warm and melancholic. Experience his latest album, Kongo Magni…

Starkly coloured.

Les Boréales festival is a whole universe of Northern colours… Granted, at first this may seem like a contradiction, and yet far up North is a land of warmth. Not the kind one would expect, but warmth nonetheless.

Art, heart-stopping landscapes, a social, convivial culture; literature, dance, concerts, films, exhibitions… Experience the colours of the North, the beautiful Borealis…

Folklore Mexican.

A total of 40 spectacular musicians and dancers! Founded in 1964, this troupe rose to feature among the most popular and respected in their home country, Mexico. Artistic excellence and a profound respect for folk traditions… These are the traits that have helped build their solid reputation.

The struggle to the top

Anglo-Pakistani band Asian Dub Foundation had to fight for recognition in England... After five albums and numerous concerts worldwide, the whole of Europe knows that ADF is a major Asian beat group.

Their distinctive sound is a combination of jungle, ragga rhythms, indo-dub baselines, sitar and 'traditional' sounds; they were the first band to discover the perfect recipe: rock, Indian ambiance, hip-hop, techno and dub.

But back in 1995, Dr Das (bass) teamed up with DJ Pandit G and the young rapper Deeder Zaman to form a sound system and campaign against racism. With the arrival of guitarist Chandrasonic and Sun-J later on, ADF was complete and ready to roll in new directions.

Their debut album, 'Facts and Fictions', did make a certain amount of noise, yet ADF had to work hard to get attention -- skin just a bit too dark, lyrics just a bit too political and their image a far cry from the neat and tidy norms of Brit Pop.

So ADF left to take their words elsewhere, develop their performance skills and acquire their characteristic power and energy.
It wasn't until 1998, after a tour with Primal Scream, that ADF finally achieved the recognition they deserved in their country.

A collector with a taste for greatness.

The Fine-Arts museum in Nantes will be dedicating a major exhibition to Gildas Fardel (Vannes, 1906-Paris, 1977), an art amateur who in 1958 made a substantial donation to the museum, offering ten inestimable works.

This was the first time a provincial museum was given the privilege of displaying works signed Kandinsky, a pioneer of abstract art, such as Herunter. The other works were signed Gilioli, Julio Gonzalez, Roberta Gonzalez, Hartung, Magnelli, Poliakoff, Schneider and Soulages, major played on the international art scene.

Sailor's fashion…

This exhibition is dedicated to Brittany, and in particular historic Brittany with its unique and unusual costumes. A well known Breton aphorism stated: "a hundred countries, a hundred fashions" - each burg had its own traditional garb which was different from that of its neighbour.

This tour/expo will be an opportunity to discover the various garments of Breton country.

Looking for that rare item…

Caen's grand flea market is the biggest second hand sale in all of Lower Normandy. This will be a great opportunity to spend a weekend searching for good deals, improbably bargains and maybe even planning ahead for that perfect Christmas present.

In 2008 this market will be celebrating its 20th anniversary. The Puces Caennaises will be dedicated to "china" for the occasion - an ocean of trinkets, objects, clothes, equipment, etc, etc. will be flowing through Halls 1 and 2 of the Parc des Expositions. A total of 11 000m² of exhibition space for almost 200 exhibitors, all of which are professionals in the second hand trade.

The foundations of a city…

The Thomas Dobrée Archeological Museum in Nantes will for the duration of this exhibition become a gateway allowing you to travel back in time. Discover the history of Nantes and the region, from prehistory to the year one thousand.

From the apparition of humans to the first settlement, witness the birth and evolution of a city.

Art and design meet at last.

Philippe Daney and Michel Verjux are two artists that have been workign since the 80s in similar yet completely distinct fields. They are part of two worlds that often touch upon each other but rarely connect in any fundamental sense. Concepts of space, lighting and the object are central to both their works.

This meeing - a two-person exhibition, or two exhibitions alingside each other - questions the links (or lack thereof) between art and design.

A unique folklore…

The Espace Faïence, in collaboration with the Breton museum (musée départemental breton) is organising an exhibition dedicated to Breton history.

The round hats, the "bigoud" headdresses, clogs and other "Bretoneries"… Born from a particular phase in 19th-century Breton decorative arts, these are the elements of an imaginary vision that makes up the collective Breton culture.

Le Petit Breton à Malicorne is about a unique and fascinating folklore. The exhibition draws from the works of Hippolyte Lalaisse, and the famous Breton icon created by Léon Pouplard.

Humanism as a way of life.

La Phaze is made up of three wacky musicians: Dammy Baluteau, Arnaud Fournier and Dj Mouf.

Originally from Nantes, the trio is dedicated to humanism as a religion, almost as a way of life. They have unleashed their unique "pungle" style (a blend of jungle, D'n'B, free jazz and punk) on France and the world in general, to the delight of many new fans. Their latest album, Miracle, will be showcased on their French tour. Don't miss out!

Humanism as a way of life.

La Phaze is made up of three wacky musicians: Dammy Baluteau, Arnaud Fournier and Dj Mouf.

Originally from Nantes, the trio is dedicated to humanism as a religion, almost as a way of life. They have unleashed their unique "pungle" style (a blend of jungle, D'n'B, free jazz and punk) on France and the world in general, to the delight of many new fans. Their latest album, Miracle, will be showcased on their French tour. Don't miss out!

From swing to rhythm and blues…

From swing to rhythm and blues and even some choreographed street dance…the best music and the best dancers find their place in a succession of different sets presenting acrobatics, vocals, magic and dance.

To bring out the very best response in the audience, the troop of artists and magicians pull out all the stops: virtuosity, energy, seduction, glamour, etc.

This is a review that is suitable for families, offering everyone an evening of spectacular entertainment.

A wide open mind.

To meet Le Gentil Garçon ("The Good Boy") is an exciting experience. At once shy and hilariously witty, serious and yet modest, the artist brings you closer to his multi-layered, versatile work. No label fits him, thankfully.

This "boy" is straight-forward, down-to-earth, and will draw you into his parallel universe, that place you all know but try hard to avoid for its incomprehensible nature. In short, the world of childhood. The artist elicits smiles thanks to subtle tongue-in-cheek, savvy cultural references, and an undertone of politics. His is a world of unchecked, rampant thought and questioning fundamentals… His is a world that breaks every conceivable mould.

A solitary adventure.

Known as "The Everest of the Sea", this round-the-world solitary nautical race has become a career-making competition for the world's best navigators. The concept blends adventure with physical/psychological achievement: it is a solitary race with no assistance and no stopovers for those sailing the 60-foot single-hull boats. Les Sables d'Olonne is the only port of call…

The Vendée Globe takes place every four years; 20 of the planet's best skippers are selected to participate. Their journey passes three Capes (Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn) for a total of 43 000 kilometres of suffering and solitude; the nickname, Everest of the Sea, is definitely well-chosen.

Participants must follow a precise itinerary, and any deviation calls for immediate disqualification.

The once and future king.

This first ever exhibition dedicated to the legend of King Arthur aims to retrace, understand and explain the mythology related to Arthur. This event boasts the prestigious "Exposition d'intérêt national" label (or "exhibition of interest to the nation") which is granted by the ministry of culture.

This legend is one if not the most important literary and artistic theme in European culture, and it has always been a highly-popular story. The Champs Libre exhibition aims to reveal the actual King arthur, the keystone of a veritable literary institution that blends magic, war and love… Aside the actual historical fact, this expo refers to old sources as much as contemporary adaptations, in order to better understand the birth of an almost universal legend.

Over 200 works linked to the myth will be on display, along with a number of historical and iconographical documents.

Minimal yet powerful.

Angela Ferreira will be presenting his latest creation, the Hard Rain Show, at the Berardo Museum in Lisbon before moving on to La Criée in Rennes. This exhibition reveals a new take on Western modernity (for example architecture, French cinema, Russian constructivism) by making unexpected aesthetic and historical connections.

Ferreira will be displaying her centre-piece, Tropical House. This expansive wood and metal structure, shaped like a corridor, is a reference to the modernist housing projects put together by French architect Jean Prouvé in the 50s. Originally destined to be actual habitations, the constructions were acquired in the 90s and thereafter entered the modern art market.

Digging into the past…

For 20 years now, archaeological research has been taking place at Mez Notario, located at the centre of the Isle of Ouessant. The excavation site, managed by Jean-Paul Le Bihan, director of the Finistère Centre for Archaeological Research (CRAF), required 400 professional and volunteer diggers to help bring to light many fascinating details about the origin of Ouessant.

The Armoric Regional Natural Park and the CRAF have organized an exhibit which retraces the history of the digs at Mez Notario to be presented at the Museum of Phares and Balises ("Lighthouses and Beacons"). Numerous objects, scale models and preparation materials will be on display. Visitors will be able to easily reconstruct the history of this fascinating island by visiting the site.

Rest in peace…

Riders to the Sea is set on an island off the coast of Ireland. Old Maurya's two daughters Cathleen and Nora are wondering about the clothes found on the body fished from the sea up North. They need to know if these belonged to their brother Michaël who was lost at sea. In an effort to keep their mother from worrying, Cathleen hides them. Maurya tries to persuade her son Bartley not to go out to sea, and despite the rising winds he goes.

While he is gone, the daughters examine the clothes once again and learn that they did in fact belong to their brother. Maurya sees the her son's ghost and is terrified. Bartley is the only man of the family and she is terrified of losing her only remaining son. When the sailors scale the hill with Bartley's body, she prays, almost relieved, for she has nothing left that the ocean can take from her…

A cultural highpoint…

The Festival Automne in Normandy is celebrating its third edition after two years of hugely popular classical music. With 42 000 spectators in 2007, none can doubt that the programme will feature something for just about every possible taste.

Once again this year you can expect about a hundred performances and some highly unusual and innovative works, with great artists such as Vincent Dumestre or Joël Pommerat…

A story to commemorate the fallen.

This expo will be telling a story. The story of the World Trade Center; of an attack in 2001; of firemen and rescue workers and construction workers; of a police force and hospital workers; of the 2 700 people who lost their lives; and finally of the response that these events brought about…

These powerful themes are the very soul of this exhibition built on a collection of personal objects, pictures, films, testimonies and remains found amidst a mountain of rubble. The tale of rescue operations will be told through various things… Things that we all use in everyday life, objects, fragments, debris, a crooked steering wheel, a souvenir…

The weight of words.

Human interest stories, photo-exhibits, testimonies, debates… This grand festival is dedicated to those information craftsmen, but as such is also focused on current events throughout the world.

The Festival du Scoop et du Journalisme has developed an international reputation and awards the best informational pieces (photo, video, written press) that had an impact in the year. The entire city will be alive with exhibitions and events throughout the festival.

Never out of fashion.

This major show is destined to promote operetta music but also French music traditions.

You can expect to hear and even sing the most famous songs of the operetta repertoire. These songs have been so successful throughout the years that they have crossed the border from an esoteric genre into the mainstream of French music.

Conquering places.

At first associated with the punk and trash movement of the 80's, Claure Lévêque has today become an established, respected and yet highly alternative figure on the French arts scene.

Lévêque redefines exhibition spaces through his environmental creations: innovative lighting, sound and objects work together to create a unique and engaging atmosphere…

Hip hop in every possible form…

Mark Adjei, who was revealed on the "Chut" project, and his acolytes will be offering workshops in a variety of dance styles: break dancing, pop, boogaloo, house dance, new style, rocking, free rocking…

There will be demonstrations on a regular basis on the TNT stage or elsewhere, with an end of year performance… Get creative with your body!

Pictures from beyond the grave…

By looking through some 3 000 photographs of the reconstruction process in Normandy in the two post-war decades, researchers at the National Archives came across a small goldmine of documentary material… Dealing with two areas in particular, Rouen and Petit-Quevilly, these pictures amazed historians for their Atget-like precision and a humaneness comparable to that of Doisneau.

Forgotten in the archives of the ancient Ministry of Reconstruction and Urbanism, these pictures are the subject of a major exhibition split over both towns (Rouen and Petit-Quevilly) displaying 120 modern 30x30 prints based on the original negatives.

Skill that deserves to be noticed.

This NY-born musician was indeed born into the business; his father brought him into the world of Jazz early on, where he met great performers such as Bob Dylan and Gary Davis.

This virtuoso guitarist and composer is representative of a new generation of acoustic blues players, displaying a dexterous, harmonious and simly brilliant cocktail of folk, gospel and world music, mixing ragtime with contemporary works, and blowing us all away…

Fragile, but worthwhile art.

This fascinating exhibition deals with the history of porcelain production in Bayeux, some of the highest quality in the world!

The Porcelaine de Bayeux expo is a sort of grand retrospective based on the immense collections of Michel J. Morlent and Ginette Aulombard-Morlent. Expect to see some magnificent pieces!

Little tin soldiers…

With over 400 000 albums sold, Le Soldat Rose is a highly popular musical fairytale, a work signed Louis Chedid and Pierre-Dominique Burgaud. This unusual production has been adapted into a fully-fledged musical comedy.

Though spectators will recognize a number of songs from the album, the show will be full of surprises: new dialogue, choreography, live musicians and a new troupe of performers… The play as a whole will be staged in a poetic mise en scene courtesy of Corinne and Gilles Benizio. Don't miss out on this magical fairytale…

An old soul…

Recently revealed by the Even Cowgirls Get Blues compilation, Alela Diane Menis is a young Californian folk singer… Yet her folk has proved hauntingly powerful, a masterpiece in the genre.

With The Pirate's Gospel,, her first album, it seems she manages to hit every note with the perfection one would expect from a much more experienced musician. Alela Diane is of a long line of vocalists such as Karen Dalton, or others much further in history, who evolved outside the history books, in shadow. She has the natural grace of those the French call "Old Souls", les vieilles âmes…

With these eleven beautiful tracks (such as Tired Feet, The Rifle or Can you Blame the Sky?), Alela Diane reveals a unique blend of folk that will, quite simply, tear your heart out…

The beast within the mind…

Discover a world of unicorns, dragons, giants, Krakens, griffins and so many more unimaginable imaginary creatures…

This exhibition will be a fascinating experience for young and old, a trip into the mindscapes of history's great civilisations. Don't miss out on this fantastic journey into a world like no other.

The alphabet of history…

Museum collections have often been put together by seemingly ordinary men who were no more than victims of circumstance; brought by chance to discover a field of research, they often became passionate scholars, archeologists or explorers…

For example, naturalist Frédéric Cailliaud came across egyptian civilisation during the Napoleonic campaigns. In 1882 he embarked on an expidition up the Nile to the antique city of Meroë - he returned with countless artefacts and a mine of information. There is also Louis Audemard who travelled to Carthage in 1889 and brought back a collection of funerary urns…

These botanists, mineralogists, doctors, printers, artists, preachers and explorers all shared a common culture - they worshipped curiosity and asked only to transmit what they had learned.

A tour you won't soon forget.

The museum will be organising a special tour for the opening of the Hall of Ramparts. The tour will explore a forge, a 14th-century house, and a mysterious underground network.

Be sure to visit the belvedere, from which there is a unique view of the ducal palace and dungeon… To get there, you have to find the secret lift that runs up the Medieval tower.

Whopping success for Breton music.

The Yaouank festival, organised by Skeudenn Bro-Roazhon and affiliates, is back for another edition. The festival will feature a giant fest noz (a "night feast") and a number of concerts featuring some of the best Breton acts in Rennes and throughout Brittany. The Yaouank festival, dedicated to modern Breton music, draws larger crowds every year.

The green thumb of Rennes…

The city of Rennes is linked to the history of gardening. Though green areas were located solely outside the city during