Outsiders…

Le Mans has been part of the French Ligue 1 (Premier League) since their ascension in 2005 - their last season however was a poor performance, as then were listed 16th on the scoreboard.

If they want to keep their place in the elite league, and even win some actual cups, they will have to reclaim the game play that helped the MUC 72 rise to where they are today.

The commercial rendez-vous.

This year's trade fair will take place at the exhibition centre and will be themed "dreams of the future in Pays d'Auge, the professions of tomorrow". Several different "villages" will be set up for you to explore: at home and outdoors, ingenious gadgets, furniture and decorations, crafts, wine and food, car and motorbike, multimedia, tourism and leisure, nature and well-being, and economic institutions.

Culture on canvas.

Graphic arts (be it painting or drawing, charcoal or gouache, watercolour or spray-paint) are a doorway in to the mindscape of the artist. Taking part in an art exhibition, in a museum or gallery, is the perfect opportunity to learn about technique, but also about the concepts, themes and subjects that artists work with.

Seeing is believing…

The Voir, Savoir expo is in essence a study of the relationship between pedagogical content and graphic images… The core concept was to map out the usage of images throughout Western history, in particular their usage in educational contexts.

More than 300 documents will be on display and set up so that the visitor may admire them chronologically. From the first prints to our current image-saturated culture, learn the truth behind the expression "seeing is believing"…

Old and new, side by side…

This fascinating expo will feature a selection of works borrowed from the Morlaix museum collections, along with a series of works from the Eugène Boudin museum in Honfleur and the Musée de Dieppe.

The exhibition will also feature works by contemporary artists Laure Calvié et Agnès Prévost, making it a combined expo of ancient and modern art…

Going it alone.

The year 2010 marks the return of Bernie Bonvoisin as a solo artist with the release of a new album "Democrature ou dictacratie" ("Democraship or dictatorcy") in February 2010.

Trust, Antisocial, Les Démons de Jésus, Blanche, Sirop d’la rue… Bernie is at once actor, director, author and singer. This multi-faceted artist is a real success machine. His secret? Most probably his humanity.

Today Bernie continues to spread his messages through his songs while at the same time launching into a new adventure: a solo album. While his social and political preoccupations, as ever, play a large role in Bernie's lyrics, certain songs reveal a poetic and dreamlike side to him. This former rebellious spirit performs on stage, accompanied by his new group, with a newfound sensitivity in "Democrature ou dictacratie"… you can be sure this isn't the last you'll hear of it!

On the road to victory!

After their tenth spot in the previous season, Vannes Olympique Club surprised everyone with their first achievements in Ligue 2. By reaching the finals of the Coupe de la Ligue, they have managed to impress their fans.

The Vannes team, led by Stéphane Le Mignan, will be hoping to keep up their A Game at a consistent level, perhaps going further than any would have expected.

A musical festival to celebrate springtime.

Hundreds of musicians in traditional Breton "bagad" groups: involving musicians with bagpipes, bombardes and drummers, will gather to herald the spring.
Concerts and parades in the streets and squares will lift everyone's spirits.
When all the musicians play together the sound of springtime is pretty powerful!

A thousand good ideas.

With over 650 stands from all walks of life, the Rouen International Fair is a 10-day event with thousands of innovative ideas to be shared among participants.
Whether it be for the household or recreation, handicrafts or traditional products, this fair is buzzing with good ideas, all of which takes place in a festive, family-oriented atmosphere.

Fun festival for young entrepreneurs.

The Ram Dam festival has been promoting debut projects for the past decade, giving young locals opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. The idea is to provide them a framework in which their efforts will be recognised by the public and local institutions.

Ram Dam is dedicated to those between the age of 15 and 30 who are looking to find jobs, a place to live or simply organise projects they can be proud of.

The objective is to promote a culture of interdependence, citizenly pride and solidarity; and if one can have a bit of fun in the process then everyone is a winner!

Musical M, genius from A to Z.

-M-, born Matthieu Chédid, is no Jimi Hendrix, but he's far from an amateur when it comes to music. This multi-instrumentalist shakes off any label; they just don't stick with him. His songs blend snarky social commentary with irony and touching love stories, and he boasts a number of Victoires de la Musique awards thanks to his creative genius and song writing.

After his hit album Je dis aime in 1999, and Qui de nous deux in 2005, -M- worked with French star musicians such as Vanessa Paradis and Brigitte Fontaine, effectively gaining even more respect in the professional music world.

In 2006, with his work on the soundtrack of hit French film Ne le dis a personne, he was awarded yet another Victoire de la Musique. After a musical comedy and a string of performances, -M- is back in 2009 with a new album: Mister Mystère.

Spectacular.

Basketball is one of the most popular team sports in the world. This is in part due to its simple rules and small court, making it easy to watch, and the spectacular nature of game play. Its origins were attributed to a certain James Naismith, a sports teacher looking to develop a game to be played indoors, in winter.

Teams are made up of five active players who must score points by placing a large ball through a hoop which is about 3 meters from the ground.

The American women's elite, or WNBA, is the most prestigious all-women's league in the world.

The indefatigable Iggy…

Iggy Pop is one of those eternal rebels, a crazed and carefree rockstar who was labelled everything from the Antichrist to a sex-symbol by American society. As a teen, James Osterberg was little more than your typical trailer trash family member. He chanelled his anger and frustration into music and his raw, uncut power quickly became his musical trademark, the very reason fans connected with hom.

He founded the Stooges in 1967 and rode the wave of 60s psychedelic music, conquering all of America over the years. Now, 40 years later, they are still rock gods who can fill a stadium…

A quest for redemption.

After two seasons playing with the elite in Ligue 1, the SM Caen team has fallen back to Ligue 2. It was during the last days of the Championship that they finally fell before the mighty Bordeaux team.

Franck Dumas' team will have to work hard to reach the level they need to move forwards. Their opponents, however, will not make it any easier…

Ink worth its weight in gold.

Building on the success of the "Cartooning for Peace" foundation, the Caen memorial will be displaying a selection of works dealing with this powerful, universal theme. Cartoonists, illustrators and professionals in graphic arts were called upon to produce a number of works to explore the theme.

Organised for the first time in October 2006 at the UN headquarters, the event draws artists and illustrators from throughout the world to take part in an artistic melting pot unlike any other…

An explosive cocktail!

In just two years Yuksek has managed to make a name for himself on the international electro scene… He hit hard at the Fabric in London and Berlin with his irresistible French-touch, and wreaked havoc on the Nuits Sonores as much as the MEG festival, proving himself to be an excellent live act.

His EPs (signed with Relish, I'm a Cliché and Rise) are simply too hot to handle, and DJs throughout the world have been lapping his tunes up voraciously. Groovy beats, a little pop feel, angry beats and breaks, sharp melodies and a psychedelic, trance, rock'n'roll vibe give his music a unique character that few can resist.

This cocktail is what made Yuksek one of the leading figures of the modern French-touch scene, gaining attention from such stars as ShitDisco, Zombie Nation, Chromeo, Naast, Detect, Teenage Bad Girl and Adam Kesher…

Get creative!

At a time when creative craftwork is back in fashion and handmade objects are more highly prized than ever, 90 exhibitors gather to unveil their new products. This fair brings together different creative domains such as embroidery, beadwork, haberdashery, floral decoration, calligraphy and lots more. These myriad exhibitors open their workshops to the public. You will find everything necessary to express your creative desires. Creative recreation is emerging as a real social phenomenon. Get involved!

A popular and authentic event.

Although the festival takes place outside of the traditional carnival season, it remains one of the most original and most famous carnivals in France.
More than 100,000 visitors take part in the unique parade every year.
In the week between the daytime and the night-time carnival processions, Cholet is awash with excitement, with firework displays, music and a special carnival for children on Wednesday.

An explosive cocktail!

In just two years Yuksek has managed to make a name for himself on the international electro scene… He hit hard at the Fabric in London and Berlin with his irresistible French-touch, and wreaked havoc on the Nuits Sonores as much as the MEG festival, proving himself to be an excellent live act.

His EPs (signed with Relish, I'm a Cliché and Rise) are simply too hot to handle, and DJs throughout the world have been lapping his tunes up voraciously. Groovy beats, a little pop feel, angry beats and breaks, sharp melodies and a psychedelic, trance, rock'n'roll vibe give his music a unique character that few can resist.

This cocktail is what made Yuksek one of the leading figures of the modern French-touch scene, gaining attention from such stars as ShitDisco, Zombie Nation, Chromeo, Naast, Detect, Teenage Bad Girl and Adam Kesher…

Grace and elegance.

Cabaret is a story of characters caught up in their own private "fictions", haunted by cataclysmic scenes, who meet up in a bar…

A contortionist, a singer, a tight-rope walker and a few actors thus come together to offer a panoramic view of the archetypes in western contemporary fiction. Each personage is full and well-crafted, each telling their story in spectacular fashion!

Onwards to Ligue 1!

The Guigamp football team, En Avant Guingamp or EAG, really shocked the sports world when it overcame the mighty Rennes and snatched up the French Cup. Their Ligue 2 performance, however, was less impressive, leaving them in 13th position.

Training under Victor Zvunka, the Guingamp warriors will be battling tooth and nail to reclaim their former glory.

Stamps, coins, books…

Everyone has been a collector of something at least once in their life. Big or small, original or mundane, a collection is one of those joyful obsessions that people can be passionate about.

Collectors go from one show to the next, making connections and meeting other like-minded people so as not to miss that one piece they have been searching for.

A poet, a freedom-fighter.

Nazim Hikmet, who is no less than one of Turkey's greatest poets, fought for freedom his whole life.

The poet passed away at age 61, but only after being sentenced to 50 years of prison term - he finished his years in exile. One of the great tragedies of his life was to lose his Turkish nationality, yet his writings will forever remain powerful weapons in his battle for justice…

Killer tunes!

Noticed after their work on the soundtrack of French hit movie Dédales (the track "Spit" was an excellent addition), Shaka Ponk have recently made a name for themselves on the French indie scene. Their concerts in particular are reputed for their authentic feel and character.

Shaka Ponk is a quartet of Frenchmen exiled in Germany who deliver banging music born of many influences: a true musical melting-pot.

Their rules are simple: push the limits! This is why their tracks can for example swing from rock to dance music with a dash of heavy metal. Loco con da frenchy talkin is their first album and truly lives up to their reputation for live performances. Don't miss out!

Professional and amateur artists come together.

Honfleur's Greniers à sel (salt granaries), which are listed as a historic monument, will welcome 60 to 80 independent artists, both professional and amateur.
Organised in partnership with the Association Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque (Cardiac Surgery Patronage Association), painters and sculptors will be exhibiting and offering their work for sale, with many different styles to choose between.

Fine weather for the future…

The FC Lorient team has been part of the elite since 2006, winning regularly year after year thanks to a rich formation.

Christian Gourcuff's team will be once again working hard to keep the team up to speed. As always, it will be his encouragement and, of course, punishing training routines that keep the team on its toes!

Colours on the walls…

After a stint in various museums in Denmark and Germany, the 2nd European Triennial dedicated to tapestry, Artapestry, will be hosted by the Jean-Lurçat Museum in Angers. Put together by the ETF, this exhibition will feature 44 breath-taking creations put together by a total of 33 artists from 14 different European countries (northern European countries are particular fond of this art form).

The 2010 selection revolves around a few common themes: identity and memory, landscapes and nature, and finally architecture and spatial representation. After Angers, the expo will be moving to Luleå in Sweden. Be sure not to miss it!

Carnival time in downtown Nantes

Over 350 000 people are expected to attend the Nantes Carnival this year, with dozens of floats, brass bands and musicians from all over Europe filling the streets of Nantes with joy and boisterous music.
A number of parades will course the streets and a particular thematic colours the entire event: this year the carnival's main theme is The Circus. Be sure not to miss the traditional giant puppets during the parade!

Between the devil and the deep blue sea…

When it comes to nautical matters, Brittany has a head start on the rest of the country. With 2,700 kilometers of coastline, rivers and lakes in magnificent settings, a perfect climate with steady winds and a know-how rooted in their cultural heritage, the Breton is definitely the French sailor par excellence.

This is why the Spi Ouest-France - Bouygues Telecom boat-race is organised in the Trinité-sur-Mer area. Be sure to come witness the horde of professional skippers tearing through the waters towards the finish line!

World fusion.

Karpatt is here to bring you their Cajun energy and fun-loving nature! Traditional Cajun music, gypsy jazz and java are the three founding pillars of his musical world, and these three musicians deliver only the best. Karpatt's latest album, Montreuil, came out in March 2009.

The Red Army comes in peace…

The choir, ballet and orchestra ensemble of Alexandrov's Red Army has inspired many and often been imitated, with varying degrees of faithfulness, but never rivalled… 2010 is the year of Russia in France, and for the Russian ensemble this is a chance to offer French music lovers and "Russiaphiles" a grand musical tour. 150 artists on stage for 2 hours of breathtaking song and dance and classical music - you won't be able to tear your eyes away...

Mor, who makes magic happen.

Life was kind to Mor Karbasi; her gift at birth was a magnificent voice, and she chose to use this gift well. Israeli singer Mor Karbasi is of Jewish-Moroccan and Jewish-Turkish descent. She sings in Spanish, Hebrew, Ladino and sometimes in English, and each of her songs is like discovering an ageless tradition (Jewish Andalusian songs) combined with a modern vision of music.

Art within the castle walls.

The Ramp'Arts and Easels exhibition (Remp'Arts et Chevalets) is back in Saint-Malo for a new edition. A hundred or so artists from the four corners of France will be displaying their artwork at the Duguay-Trouin Exhibition hall.

It will be an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to discover refreshing new artwork.

The latest mods and products!

The expected 115 000 visitors will be wandering amidst hundreds of exhibitors divided into a number of categories: furnishing and decoration; world institutions, services and handicrafts; fine wine and foods; well-being and relaxation; novelty products; photography; artisan work and creative products; construction and home-improvement; home and garden; swimming pools; outdoor recreation and a pavilion dedicated to farming.

Visitors can get aquainted with the latest fads and mods, check out the latest products, compare prices, discover new things and make good deals, all the while having an enjoyable time.

Normans with an agenda…

Le Havre was unfortunate enough to be relegated to Ligue 2 in the previous season. The wound is still fresh and this just might give the necessary motivation, the rage, to claw their way back into Ligue 1.

Nevertheless, Rage won't be enough if there isn't the skill and technique to back it up. This granddaddy of French clubs is one of the more stable elements of the season; they rarely disappoint and there is no reason they should start now.

Readers, writers and illustrators.

Enthusiasts of speech in bubbles will be gathering to exchange news in the world of the "bande dessiné" in Mayenne. There will be demonstrations, conferences and book signings.
The Prix Bull'gomme 53 will be awarded during the course of the fair, bringing together writers in genres as diverse as fantasy, detective novels and children's comic books.

Coutancier's sound and Célice's images.

Two worlds are united here in one exhibition. The abstract works of Pierre Célice are made using decoupage: collages layered on top of each other. His large format paintings regularly feature signs and symbols, the expression of a language without rules, where the lines and colours oscillate between balance and deconstruction. On top of all this, the visitor discovers the powerful creativity of Arnaud Coutancier, whose musical compositions give meaning and voice to this elusive language.

Scenic arts in scenic settings

You may be asking yourself, what is this mysterious "Coquecigrue"? It is a strange, mythical creature, a word coined by writer Rabelais - the word has come to mean illusion or fancy in common French. In Rennes, however, the Coquecigrue is something entirely different.

The festival organisers have have a knack for organising their events in the most original venues. Stories in and of themselves, (manors, historical buildings, parks, etc.), these sites just might arouse your curiosity regarding the city.

Like in other years, the programme is family-oriented; performances for adults are paralleled by special performances for children in adjacent settings (often with a little snack time afterwards).

In Spring, Turkey comes to France!

Organised as part of the French "Cultural Season" dedicated to Turkey, the city of Sablé has put together a major event: the Turkish Spring! It will be a grand experience filled with theatre, music and traditional dance. Admire the Spinning Dervish from Istanbul, or the famed Kolektif Istanbul troupe…

A taste for conquest…

Every since their 1995 season when they led the entire group, and 2005 when they just missed the French Champion title, ALM Evreux has been waiting for an opportunity to shine… This coming season is being taken as such, and the team has been practising as hard as they can to face off with the often strong opponents of the B league. This is their chance to reclaim the glory of olden days, and perhaps even exceed expectations and reach the elite leagues…