Events & Festivals in Normandy in September

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!

Down in the crushing depths where man has no place…

A new attraction is available for visitors of the Cité de la Mer. From February 2nd, you can enjoy this fantastic experience thanks to cutting-edge 3D-animation and simulator technology: discover the abyss from the point of view of a submarine surrounded by deep-sea creatures!

From there you can enjoy an hour-long virtual tour… Open your eyes and admire the riches of Neptune's Kingdom!

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.

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 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…

Just around the château corner…

These works are an illustration of the evolution of sculpture. Each is a step in the progress of modern and contemporary sculpture either because of aesthetic choices, or because of the materials used. These works are obviously an important addition the the museum's collections, but more importantly they represent an arresting scene, an artistic surprise for the wanderers and visitors passing by…

The Longest Day.

A short distance from the beaches of the Normandy Landings, the Battle of Normandy memorial museum in Bayeux, the first town to be liberated on the morning of 7 June 1944, presents a unique and exhaustive picture of the fighting that took place on Norman soil between 7 June and 29 August 1944.
The museum displays were updated in 2006 and now alternate a classic historical account with themed sections, a new 25-minute archive film and presentations of Second World War equipment and uniforms illustrating the historical account. The new presentation gives a better understanding of the enormous war effort made in the course of this battle to win back freedom in Europe.

A sanctuary made of silica.

10km from Arromanches, the Juno Beach Centre is the only Canadian museum on the Normandy Landings. It retraces the history of Canada during the Second World War and presents a picture of Canada today (films, interactive terminals, sound archives, collections, etc.). The Juno Beach Centre is also the only museum offering guided tours of the beach and its remains of the Atlantic Wall.

An architectural monument.

Built in 1631 to plans drawn up by architect François Mansart, the Château de Balleroy is part of one of the first town-planning schemes ever executed in France, and that was to inspire Versailles.
In 1975, the first Balloon Museum was founded by Malcolm S. Forbes in one of the former stable buildings.
The 17th century dovecote and the grounds are also not to be missed.

Sticky but delicious.

Before it gets to that annoying but delicious stage of sticking to our teeth and palates, toffee has to go through a series of transformations, all of which are described in this factory tour which takes visitors through every phase of the manufacturing process.

From bubbling in a copper vat, with the addition of different ingredients that produce various toffees, through to the packaged product, you'll find your mouth watering from start to finish.

Porcelain and old lace.

The Hôtel du Doyen presents part of the artistic and historical collections of the Musée Baron Gérard (porcelain and Bayeux lace, paintings) in the form of temporary exhibitions.
Admission is free on presentation of the ticket to the Tapestry Museum.

A place of character.

This tiny commune surrounded by forest is a site of historic, architectural, geological and botanical interest.
When you visit, don't miss:

- the chapel of Saint-Michel, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, lies on the pilgrim routes used throughout the Middle Ages by pilgrims making their way to Mont Saint-Michel.
It suffered during the Wars of Religion and under the Revolution.

- The priory: it features an 11th century Romanesque porch, undoubtedly the finest of its kind in Normandy, six splendid capitals representing hunting scenes, and some restored frescoes.

- Neolithic settlement: the settlement has four enclosure walls looking down over the valley of the Cance.
According to local tradition, it was once a Roman military camp.
It is certainly an ancient site dating from th Bronze Age and would have served as a place of refuge, a defensive position and a look-out post.

Panorama of the Liberation.

At Arromanches 360, you are at the very heart of things. An outstanding film entitled Le Prix de la Liberté, (The Price of freedom) is projected onto 9 screens in a circular room.
Combining images of the Landings in 1944 and scenes of Normandy today, this 360° cinema will be an unforgettable experience.

A green monument.

The public park in Bayeux is a 2.6 hectare landscaped site created in 1859 by Eugène Bülher. Of the 400 trees in the park, the most spectacular is undoubtedly the famous "weeping beech", listed as a natural monument in 1932 and designated an "arbre remarquable de France" (a tree of special interest) in 2001.
The park is an integral part of Bayeux's heritage, with a signposted walk and information points providing the keys to an understanding of the gardens and the main plant species found there.

Help yourself!

Fine French and foreign foods, dinner + show, snacks, business functions, birthdays or get-togethers.
Whether in the centre of Cherbourg, around a table in one of the many restaurants of Haut-Cotentin or on the traditional markets, every day or for that special occasion, treat yourself to delicious old favourites or new taste sensations.

An open history-book...

Situated in the centre of the Orne département, a stone's throw from the forest of Ecouves, Sées has been an episcopal town city since the 5th century and has managed over the centuries to retain all the charm of a small town while gradually acquiring the essential facilities of everyday life.
Any visitor who enjoys characterful towns will appreciate the simple pleasure of exploring the historic, craft and gastronomic legacy of this administrative centre of 5,000 souls living around their cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art bearing witness to a long history of some considerable interest.

To explore Sées is, above all, to open up a precious history book to be deciphered street by street, monument by monument, with an epilogue that gives pride of place to local craftsmanship.
The Tourist Office organises guided tours of the episcopal city and its cathedral, by appointment only and for groups.

Fresh produce!

The ID Fruits orchards at Villiers-le-Sec open their gates to the public in June and July from Monday to Friday between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m..
Get your fresh cherries here!
From October to April, pears and apples are on sale.

"A wondrous pyramid".

On the border between Brittany and Normandy, between Cancale and Granville, the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is a fascinating place. The Mount itself, perched on a rocky outcrop, forms a tiny village whose Grande Rue (the main and, indeed, the only street on the Mount) climbs up to meet the Benedictine abbey at its summit.

The bay, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, is a land of history and legend, shaped over the millennia by the hidden forces of nature. It is here that you will find the highest tides in Europe.
Don't leave the village without tasting the delicious omelette de la Mère Poulard.

Changing over the centuries.

Attractive in its austerity, the castle of Carrouges is a distillation of history from the 14th to the 20th century. Initially a fortress that came under siege by the Plantagenets, it was rebuilt during the Hundred Years War (keep), extended in the 15th century (Blosset wing), ornamented during the Renaissance (Cardinal Le Veneur's pavilion) and fortified yet again during the Wars of Religion (western bastion). In the 16th century, it became a magnificent residence (suite of spacious apartments) and was redesigned under the Enlightenment (music room).
The former canonry, founded by Louis XI, is now the headquarters for the Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine.

A concept to discover.

Discover the Mont Saint Michel like never before. The Archéoscope is a new multimedia project put together by Yves Devraine, a concept which will represents a completely new approach to visiting this historic edifice. The Archéoscope is a sound and light show designed to paint the Mont and adjoining abbey with video projections, a laser show, holograms… Expect a fantastic show and see the Mont in its finest, most original attire!

A giant preserved.

The Château de Fontaine-Henry is perched high over the rich green valley of the Mue.
Its dizzyingly high roofs top a richly sculpted building in the 15th and 16th century styles.
Follow the guide around the interior of the chateau and admire an outstanding collection of furniture and old masters. Children will enjoy the special activities laid on for them in the grounds, and the old-fashioned toys and games.

Mediaeval Bayeux.

The ancient historic centre of Bayeux has remained entirely mediaeval in its structure. Completely spared by the Allied bombardments of 1944, it proudly displays an extraordinary architectural heritage.
Solemnly consecrated on 14 July 1077, in the presence of William, Duke of Normandy and King of England, the cathedral underwent further expansion and embellishment from the 13th to the 15th century.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere.

In the course of your visit, you will learn all about the history of the building of the artificial Mulberry harbour that was the key to the success of the Battle of Normandy.
The museum also presents the various phases of the Allied landings, from the design of the artificial harbour known as Port Winston to the liberation of the coast (mechanical models, diorama, video, etc.), plus screenings of British Admiralty archive film footage of the construction and operation of the Mulberry harbours.

Bringing to life the epic history of William the Conqueror.

This mind-blowingly immense tapestry, made entirely from wool, has told the story of the conquest of England by William Duke of Normandy for the past millenium…

This archaic comic strip, truly a graphic history book, will transport you into a medieval epic filled with viking "Drakkars" and Normand knights.

Abbey founded in the 6th century by Saint Evroult.

The abbey was pillaged and rebuilt in the 18th century, then dissolved at the time of the Revolution.
In 1839, the abbey became a major seminary.
The present Neo-Classical chapel dates from this period.
Purchased in 1936 by a national health fund, the Caisse d'Assurance Maladie of the Ile-de-France, the abbey is now used as a physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre.
It is only open for visits on national heritage days (Journées du Patrimoine).

Norman collection.

The museum owns an extensive collection of 15th and 19th century works. From Fra Angelico to Camille Claudel by way of Guillaume Fouace and David, the museum offers a splendid collection of some 300 paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
As Normandy's third largest museum, it houses a unique collection of the works of Jean-François Millet, Van Gogh's "spiritual father" (some thirty paintings, plus sketches, charcoals and prints).
One room is entirely given over to the works of Guillaume Fouace, a local artist who enjoyed considerable success during his lifetime, particularly with his still-lifes. They hang in the section following the Millet exhibition...

The thrill of the deep.

La Cité de la Mer, which opened on 29 April 2002, is a vast scientific, cultural and fun centre devoted to the immense riches of the oceans and oceanographic exploration.
Exceeding all expectations, the Cité welcomed its millionth visitor in July 2005.!
Encouraged by these visitor numbers, the Cité de la Mer is now launching a second extension phase.
The origins of the Cité de la Mer, which enjoys an enviable situation in the former Cherbourg trans-Atlantic passenger docks, were twofold: to revive an Art Deco masterpiece, the former trans-Atlantic passenger terminal, and to make the nuclear submarine Le Redoutable the biggest submarine open to the public in the world. Those aims have been achieved.
The gradual descent into the abyss, during a three-hour journey into a fault in the ocean floor, is organised according to two major themes:
The Submarine, with an introduction to the Redoutable, the biggest submarine open to the public anywhere in the world.
For 45 minutes, the voice of the Captain explains how a nuclear submarine works and what life onboard is like for its crew.

The Ocean, which concentrates on exploring and using the rich resources of the ocean, and which centres around one of the deepest aquariums in Europe (10.70m) containing over 3,500 fish.

Entrancing in its beauty and serenity.

It is to the Benedictine monks of the Middle Ages and the Classical period that Caen owes the majesty of its Town Hall, which occupies the former abbey of Saint-Etienne, known as the Abbaye-aux-Hommes. And, of course, to William the Conqueror who built the castle and, with his wife Matilda, founded the two abbeys that dominate the landscape.

Lest we forget.

In chronological order, the museum retraces the different stages in the history of the Second World War, from the exodus to the Liberation.
It stresses the primordial role played by the port of Cherbourg as a supply base for the Allied armies fighting to win back France.
The permanent collection has been reorganised and new displays created: prisoners of war, everyday life under the Occupation, and the victims of genocide. Whether this is your first visit or one of many, the Liberation Museum is well worth your attention.

All the civilisations in one museum.

Founded in 1832 and surrounded by a magnificent botanical garden, the museum invites visitors to discover a fascinating and original collection of archaeological and ethnographic exhibits from the 5 continents.
Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the one-time "cabinets of curiosities" to discover a fabulous collection of stuffed animals, fossils, minerals and exotic objects (rooms dedicated to Egypt, Asia, Oceania, Africa and America) or yet more treasures unearthed by archaeological digs in the region.

Discover the Andouille fo Vire

Typical component in the cuisine of Normandy, and source of pride, the andouille (special sausage) of Vire is still produced artisanally in the Andouillerie in Sienne Valley.
Located near the Mont Saint-Michel and the D-Day beaches, this small family business, run by Jacqueline and Bernard Boscher, produces andouille, smoked ham, traditional pates and other regional products.

During guided tours of the facilities, the public is invited to discover the manuel fabrication of the andouille followed by a tasting of this speciality whose recipe has been passed down from generation to generation.

Where silence reigns.

With its church and conventual buildings, the abbey of Saint-Martin forms a fine classical example of the 18th century. Visit the abbey church, the sacristy and the main convent rooms including the extensive library containing 50,000 volumes.

In praise of "xocoatl".

Chocolate had to journey from the other side of the world to bring its delights to Europe. The Chocolate Museum prides itself on explaining that journey and the history of chocolate from the time of the first cocoa trees, venerated by the Maya, until the arrival of the precious cocoa beans in Europe to be processed and turned into various preparations.
The highlight of the show? Watching, from behind glass windows, the preparation of drakkars, chocolates, mouldings and apples in Calvados.

Art comes full circle…

Originality guaranteed! Philippe Guesdon blends colours with wool thread or paper, his creations always being located in the most unheard-of places... Guesdon always knows how to add value to his contemporary artwork.

This latest piece revolves around the concept of the wheel and of the "labyrinthine machine"…

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.

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.

Rouen's history laid out for you.

This exhibition will reveal the development of Rouen during the course of a century. Major events, cultural events… Discover a panoramic view of the "museum-city" over the years, and see how it was transformed from the early century until the present day.

The Museum's new life.

An unusual journey in itself, Rouen Museum is a place where time seems to have stood still. Since it was first founded in 1828 by Rouen scientist Félix-Archimède Pouchet, it was managed until 1965 by only three curators, each of whom left his mark on the history of the museum. Encyclopaedic minds, each the disciple of his predecessor and each respecting the curatorship of his mentor, left the museum with an extraordinary sense of uniformity.
In addition to the museum's own acquisition policy, the collections have constantly been swelled by donations from scientists and also from navigators, returning from their distant expeditions with objects from all over the world.
By a natural process, the museum has thus become one of the last witnesses in France to what the museums of the early 20th century once were.

The story of a life.

The Pavilion retraces the life of Gustave Flaubert: the room where he was born, his souvenirs, ceramics, pharmaceutical products, surgical instruments, documents on childbirth (an 18th century anatomical figure illustrating the process of delivery), hospital furniture, statues of saints known for their healing powers. The medicinal herb garden is also fascinating.

The genius and the mountain.

Victor Hugo, poet, literary master and author of such great works as Les Misérables, Choses vues, Notre-Dame de Paris, Dernier jour d'un condamné, was also driven into exile on account of his passionate opposition to the imperialism of Napoleon III, brandishing the written word like a sword.

Timeless Corneille...

Pierre Corneille is one of France's greatest 17th century playwrights.
Born in Rouen in 1606, the son of a magistrate, Corneille was initially destined for a career in the law. Life was to decide otherwise, however. It was after suffering a disappointment in love in 1629 that he began writing poetry and his first play.
With comedies such as Clitandre, La Veuve, La Galerie du Palais, La Suivante, La Place Royale, Médée and L'Illusion comique, he created a new form of theatre in which tragic sentiments were expressed in a contemporary context.
Corneille went on to become an "official" playwright to Cardinal Richelieu, writing plays glorifying nobility, such as the famous Le Cid.
He was elected to the Académie Française in 1647. His plays began to enjoy less success, however, with competition from Jean Racine, whose plays were more sentimental and less heroic than those of his rival.
Corneille never ceased experimenting with new ideas, however, and later returned to Greek tragedy in Oedipe.
After a life of triumphs and disappointments, Corneille died in Paris on 1 October 1684.

A meeting-place of artists.

A century ago, a colony of American Impressionist artists settled in Giverny near the home of Claude Monet. Following in their footsteps, the Musée d'Art Américain Giverny invites you to discover American art from 1750 to the present day, with new exhibitions mounted every year.

Designed by Philippe Robert of architects Reichen & Robert, the architecture of the building is intimately linked to the light and landscape that are such essential features of Giverny.

He has created a crossroads between art and nature, in which the Impressionist paintings form part of the surrounding landscape. Set into the hillside, in a natural hollow, the sober white museum building extends horizontally, half-hidden by the surrounding vegetation.

A large, light-filled entrance hall welcomes visitors, and the three exhibition rooms extend over several levels, following the slope of the hillside.

The lowest level houses a small exhibition room and a spacious auditorium equipped for lectures, films, concerts and corporate events.
The architecture us in perfect harmony with its setting and the Giverny site.

A choice of three circuits.

Here's a completely unheard-of way to explore the countryside and rural heritage of the Eure county. The train runs along the Eure Valley tour line, a stretch of the former Rouen-Orléans axis. Visitors have three circuits to choose from.
Every care has been taken to re-create a historic atmosphere: ticket offices, weighbridge, the goods shed, all the buildings that made Pacy one of the biggest stations on the Acquigny to Saint-Georges-Motel section of the line.
Adults enjoy it, and children are thrilled to play train-driver!

A great idea for a family outing...

Open space and animals

This is a wonderful day out for all the family. Find out about the heritage of the region while the children find out all about the farm animals.
The farm is six hectares big, and contains a maze, flower gardens and a whole farmyard menagerie.

Clear-skies, zero-gravity, and a healthy dose of adrenaline…

Ever dream of simply falling through the air, of being so high up you see the curve of the horizon and yet feel no fear whatsoever?

Well wake up because this is IT! Just take a deep breath, say a little prayer, check your straps and jump... And don't forget to look down or you'll miss all the fun!

Experience sky-diving, the thrill of a lifetime.

Gentleman burglar.

The Clos Arsène Lupin, which opened to the public in Etretat in 1999, recounts the life and memory of Maurice Leblanc, creator of the famous Arsène Lupin.
The visit is divided into 7 stages to create an original, entertaining adventure in the footsteps of the most famous and most charming of burglars.

Orchestra and beginners, please!

If you have a hankering for getting up on stage and revealing your talents, the Bateau Ivre is the place for you on an open-mike night at la Goguette. As well as the microphones and piano already in place, feel free to bring along your own instruments and show what you can do.

In honour of the dada artist.

Seven educational exchange projects involving the permanent collections of the FRAME (French Regional & American Museum Exchange) museums, financed by the Annenberg foundation, were chosen for 2006.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts, in association with the Denver Art Museum and the Dallas Museum of Art, put forw