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…

Good deals and good humour.

Many bargains will be struck at this sale organised to coincide with the Spring Fair: no less than 300 exhibitors, professional and private sellers, will offer their selections of all sorts of items: books, furniture, and decorative objects, and so on. It's up to you to dig out the rare, unique piece!
Clowns in the street will get the party spirit going, and there will be food available on site.

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.

A city reconstructed.

Le Havre's classification in 2005 as a World Heritage site triggered, after decades of misunderstanding and rejection, a new phase in the city's development: one of curiosity and openness in the story of the relationship between the city and the people (both residents and visitors passing through). People's perception of the city has clearly changed.

Over the course of three years, six artists, including photographers and video artists came to Le Havre after a public order was passed by the Commune of Normandy and the Ministry of Culture, to work in this seaside city which was rebuilt by Auguste Perret. Other artists spontaneously followed them. This exhibition presents their latest work.

Jazzy times under the apple trees…

Let your curiosity take you where it will throughout the city of Coutances... The "Jazz under the Apple Trees" Festival is an invitation to wander aimlessly to the soothing sound of quality music.

The festival's program grew out of extensive teamwork, debates and discussions: Festival organisers compared and contrasted their likes and dislikes, creating a wide thematic with new, innovative and fresh ideas.

Experience the latest acts, unseen in France and even Europe; big names alongside the new generations of musicians; and different band formations, from the trio to the concert band. A program which sometimes makes unorthodox combinations of artists is what give this festival character and originality.

Verneuil, capital of naive art.

Boasting more than 1,500 artworks from all around the world, this naive art festival is one of the richest events of its kind. This year, the guest of honour will be Poland, and the festival will even feature a Mongolian-style "Yurt" set up in the abbey. Within, you can admire beautiful pieces coming from the Polish nation, and experience a colourful, positive art form.

Colour conquers all.

A major figure within lyric abstract art, Serge Poliakoff was born in Moscow in 1900. After moving to Paris in 1923, he exhibited his work at the Salon des Indépendants in 1938.

His first large exhibition took place in 1953 at the Palace of Fine Arts in Brussels: 45 paintings and 5 gouaches went on display.

In 1962 the artist obtained French citizenship. He died in 1969 in Paris.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Pont-Avon offers visitors the opportunity to discover this artist's work through the 70 paintings and gouaches on display. Follow the stylistic development of this great painter for whom colour was perhaps the most fundamental element of artistic creation.

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!

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.

A year of special events and activities.

In 1860 the seaside resort of Deauville was born. To celebrate its 150th birthday this town in Normandy will host all kinds of events all throughout the year. With concerts, trade fairs, fêtes, theatre and dance, sporting events and so on there is plenty for everyone.
Special highlights include the New Year festivities, the Asian film festival, the Omnivore food festival, the festival of American cinema, and guided tours of interesting places in town.

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"…

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.

Rock your world.

Art Rock is one of the leading festivals on France's cultural calendar. The musical programme is thus one of high calibre - French and international artists, both well-established and new talents, with folk, rock, world music and electro.

Alongside the music, spectators will have an opportunity to experience stunning digital and visual art throughout one of the many exhibitions and shows, and an impressive program of theatre and dance events.

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 absolute must for fans of equestrian sports.

Every May, the seaside resort of La Baule hosts a major show jumping competition to honour this most noble of sports.

Beautiful horses and an exciting, competitive atmosphere make this an absolute must-see for fans of equestrian sports. High-level performance, graceful movement, awe-inspiring majesty… This sequence of ten events will keep you riveted from start to finish.

Nantes, a modern, contemporary city.

From industrial architecture like the Batignolles plant or the famous Lefèvre-Utile (LU) factory, now home to the Nantes national theatre, from religious buildings like the parish church of Sainte-Thérèse, from modern housing or offices (Le Corbusier's Delamarre building) to post-war reconstruction, from Art Nouveau (villa Jeannette) to Art Déco (CGA building), Nantes is chock-full of an exciting urban contemporary architectural heritage most of which was built during the "Trente Glorieuses", the heady years of post-war expansion from 1945 to 1975.

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.

36,000 hectares of unspoilt nature.

The Perche is an ancient French province enjoying something of a revival, and is distinguished by a strong geographical, historical, landscape and architectural identity. The Parc Naturel Régional du Perche, created five years ago, covers 118 communes divided between two départements, the Eure-et-Loir and the Orne. The Perche is characterised by a wide diversity of natural habitats: bocages (a mixture of fields, hedgerows and woodland), pastures, 36,000 hectares of forest, ponds and wetlands, hillsides and moorland supporting over 1,200 plant species and a varied fauna including some thirty species listed as of European interest.
The Perche also enjoys a remarkable architecural heritage: manor houses, splendid farms and picturesque villages. The identity of the Perche is also expressed in its customs, local events, traditional activities and popular arts and crafts.
The Manoir de Courboyer, standing in a 65 hectare landscaped estate, houses the Maison du Parc. The estate is a focal point for tourism and cultural activities, offering a range of events and activities: tours of the manor house, exhibitions, Perche produce stalls, a gastronomy centre, etc.

Learn, understand, pick, enjoy!

Picking fruit and vegetables fresh from the garden is such a pleasure... But it's important to know when, where and how. All will be explained during this fruit-picking event: when to pick and how, because picking is not as easy at is might seem.

There is a method to the harvesting process, particular to each fruit or vegetable, in order to avoid damaging your hard-earned goods. Instructive, healthy and value for money: pick-your-own is a winner on every count.

A unique collection of plants.

The positioning of the buildings, the rainwater pool in the centre and the view over the railway have shaped the composition of the park.

An alley links the reception terrace (a reminder of the squared gardens of the Middle Ages) to the main terrace (a vast open space at the foot of the former Blanchisserie buildings where the cloth was bleached), where the edges of the rainwater pool are cut to a gentle slope to accommodate the bleached cloth.

The surround is decorated with a series of floral scenes organised (over 1,080m²) by colour (red and pink, yellow and orange, green, blue). Masses of shrubs create patches of shade, especially where the "Sauvageau river" enters the museum. Contrary to certain ideas, the "simples" are grown at random (some of the plants concerned grow by the roadside or in the countryside).

The heart of Nantes beats again.

After 15 years of restoration and 3 years completely closed to the public, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne has once again opened its doors. The city of Nantes launched a massive restoration programme to revive this outstanding heritage site in the city centre, a living monument to the history of the city and of Brittany. The restoration of this 15th, 16th and 18th century building paved the way for the opening of a new museum, classed as a Musée de France, dedicated to the history of the chateau and the city.

Over 800 exhibits from the musem's permanent collection will be presented as part of an historic and themed series of 32 rooms covering over 5,000m². Extensive multimedia resources, a total revamp of the museum design and modern architectural features will make the museum fully accessible to all visitors.

An outstanding example of architectural and artistic heritage to be rediscovered, the setting for and witness to the history of Nantes and Brittany.

The many lives of a building.

The Saint-Jean d’Orbestier abbey is reputed to have been founded in 1107. In 1251 it was destroyed by fire, and was subsequently partially rebuilt. The Hundred Year War and religious wars left deep marks on it. Several times, the building was damaged and rebuilt.

After being abandoned, the Saint-Jean d’Orbestier abbey was appropriated by the town in 1989, and now welcomes exhibitions and cultural events.

Very modern building.

The Saint-Thérèse church was built in 1972 after the destruction of the former building, in 1928.
The former was thought to be too small and in too bad a condition and was destroyed to be replaced by the current building. The church has an original architecture. Indeed, it was built from prefabricated parts.

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.

Have a walk on the quays.

During your visit to the town of Pouliguen, do not forget to have a stroll around the old port and on the quais.
The quais of Pouliguen were built from the 15th century and restored in the 19th. The Old Bridge was built in stone in 1860. Nowadays you can enjoy the sight of the numerous yachts, as the port's traditional activities have died out.

Under the sun.

Cap-Coz, not far from the Fouesnant Forest, is a fine sandy beach at the tip of the bay. Often crowded with families and groups of friends, the beach offers a variety of things to do including a variety of nautical activities. Whether you want to relax or really let loose and get fit, this is the perfect place. By walking all the way up the beach and following a little trail, you will reach a small rocky island from which the view is simply exceptional.

Art gallery and historical museum.

The art gallery and museum is divided into two sections:

- The Galerie d'Histoire
- The Galerie d'Art, featuring a selection of 18th and 19th century works on mythological, historical or religious themes and including both landscapes and portraits (C. Van Loo, J.-M. Nattier, N. Hallé). The collection of 20th century paintings offers a panorama of geometric abstract works, from Cubism to the present day, with works by A. Gleizes, G. Valmier, A. Herbin, F. Kupka, V. Vasarely, F. Morellet, M. Jouet, A. Nemours, J. Gorin, J. Dewasne, etc., illustrating all the major artistic movements of our time.

Get the taste of Angers!

At the very heart of the Val de Loire, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur make up the third biggest wine-growing region of France. Their wide variety of soils and selected grape varietals, specially chosen for the mild climate of Anjou, produce a great diversity of wines.
With 28 Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur offer a full range of wines, both in colour and in flavour.
Nor are the Angevins short of ideas on how to present their regional specialities and local fare to best advantage: rillauds (small chunks of belly pork cooked in their own fat), sander in a beurre blanc sauce accompanied by a Savennières white wine, blue chocolates known as quernons d'Ardoises, or greengage pie and desserts flavoured with Cointreau. Choose your menu!
Every week, in every quarter of Angers, B>discover the fresh produce, love of fine food and wine, tradition and savoir-faire offered by professionals, artisans, producers and farmers..

Gothic inspiration.

Built from 1860, Saint-Nicolas church was only finished in 1896. However, mass was celebrated here from 1864.
This church was built to replace another 17th century place of worship where the Halles are now located. The neo-gothic Saint-Nicolas church in Pouliguen shelters a rich religious heritage. Inside, admire the 19th century stained glass windows and the works of contemporary artist Jean Fréour.

In the heart of Laval.

The church of Saint-Vénérand in Laval is a Renaissance masterpiece: serving a parish created in the late Middle Ages, the church of Saint-Vénérand stands out as the most finished expression of Renaissance art in Laval.
Still in an excellent state of repair, the church is open to visitors keen to explore its history.

From the Middle Ages to the present.

Started in the 12th century and finished only in the 19th, the Saint-Vincent cathedral in Saint-Malo is a patchwork of styles from the different construction periods.
When you step into the building, you will first see a Romanesque nave, which takes you into a Gothic style choir with large windows through which light pours in.

The North transept was enlarged in the 16th century and the South chapel and facade date back to the 18th century. Finally, the spire, which was destroyed during the Second World War, was rebuilt in 1987.

A different world.

This display will cover 25 years of paintings signed Françoise Boueste-Coüasnon, an artist who reveals the world in a different light.

Her creations have a certain dream-like quality, a sense of the unreal that is hard to describe. Her works show a certain sensitivity, a certain warmth - in particular the dioramas and naturalist works. So don't think twice and step into a dreamscape, courtesy of Françoise Boueste-Coüasnon.

Neptune's bounty…

This museum was established to honour the world of sailors and their heritage. The museum's fascinating collections retrace the history of our time on the oceans from fishing to modern day leisure sailing.

The museum even boasts a display of actual ships, an homage to the work and culture of mariners throughout history.

A typical Breton work.

The Saint-André de Ploemel church was built between 1832 and 1845.
Inside, numerous liturgical objects and works of art from the town's old building. Amongst those objects, the Northern wing alter piece dated 1777. There is also a painting which depicts the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, from the same period as the alter piece.
During the reconstruction of the church in the mid 19th century, part of the furniture was renewed and the new pieces were made by local artists.

Bring a horse-shoe for good luck…

The city of Deauville boasts not one but two racecourses: Deauville - La Touques and Deauville - Clairefontaine. La Touques is a stunning, expansive racecourse with all the amenities to keep parents happy and children occupied (pony-rides included). Free tours are even organised on race days.

When it comes to the actual event, this racecourse is well-tended and run professionally and makes for an exciting, action-packed afternoon!

The everyday lives of sailors.

The Sailors' hostel of Le Guilvinec was built in 1910 on the initiative of Jacques de Thézac.
It was the first shelter of its kind, and fifteen others were built along the Breton coast afterwards. The Sailors' hostel welcomed sailors during the long winter months and organised many activities. It now houses the town's library. The original furniture, paintings and photographs remind us of this place's history.

Time-honoured knowhow.

The workshop exists to safeguard the knowhow handed down by the lace-makers of Bayeux from the 17th century.
The Conservatoire, a place to learn and perfect lace-making skills, keeps alive the technique of bobbin lace making.
Year-round exhibition, events and articles for sale.

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.

Everyone on horse-back!

The Centre Equestre du Havre Rouelles is located in the centre of the 6 hectare Parc de Loisirs de la Bouteillerie and offers a wide range of horse-riding activities.

All disciplines are covered, from the classics (dressage, show jumping) to less formal activities such as horse-ball or voltige.
Courses, lessons, initiation, etc. Instructors for every level from beginner to experienced rider.
The Centre has 60 loose-boxes, a tack-room, 2 schooling rings, 2 covered schools, a cross-country course and a field equipped for staging competitions.

Over 2,000 years of history...

Corseul is the oldest town in the département. Founded in around the year 10 B.C., capital of the Coriosoliti, an Armorican tribe, Corseul offers an introduction to Gallo-Roman civilisation in Armorica through some of its ancient remains.
1.5km from the centre, on the Dinan road, an ancient wall some ten metres high bears witness to Courseul's importance in remote times.
Before this wall of the cella, the room in which the stature of the divinity used to stand, there once stretched a vast expanse of buildings, covering over a hectare and surrounding a vast closed courtyard where the faithful come to pray at the temple would gather.
Mars was probably the deity worshipped in this sanctuary but no inscription has been discovered that would provide absolute proof.

As you will see, the ancient town of Fanum Martis (Corseul) was organised around a network of streets covering over 100 hectares, crossing at right angles and delineating quarters, each with its own activity: urban dwellings, shops and businesses, temples, baths, etc. Near the present-day town hall, archaeologists have unearthed an entire commercial complex in the main street of the town, lined by a gallery of porticoes. The site, which goes by the name of Monterfil, has now been reconstructed.

At the crossroads of the arts.

Housed since 1797 in the Logis Barrault (15th century) mansion, Angers' fine art gallery, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, reopened its doors in June 2004, after five years of restoration and renovation. Now bigger and more functional, its "Beaux-Arts" section features rich collections of paintings and sculptures from the 14th century to the present day.

A second section, "Histoire d'Angers", retraces the history of the town through archaeological exhibits and examples of art from Neolithic times to the present.
The museum also has a 550m² temporary exhibition space, which features contemporary artists and heritage exhibitions. A broad and varied cultural programme is also on offer (lectures, live shows, guided tours, etc.) encouraging cross-fertilisation between the arts and making works of art more approachable.

Quiberon stories…

The ground floor of the Maison du Patrimoine, or "Heritage Centre", is dedicated to the history and prehistory of the Quiberon peninsula, and Quiberon during the Second World War. There are of course other displays, including "Quiberon Folk 200 Years Ago", "The 1833 Land Survey" and "Bretons in Quiberon".

The first floor of the museum will teach you all there is to know about regional traditional cuisine thanks to reconstituted scenes from 1900-era lifestyle and period costumes. The second floor deals with "Maritime Professions" and the history of shipwrecks and maritime culture from the early 20th century.

The thrill of a lifetime.

Are your kids tired of smog and concrete? Do you dream of giving them fresh air, old-fashioned fun and a sense of adventure?

Well look no further, your answer is right here: acrobatic tree-climbing activities in the thick of the forest! Here old and young will be able to swing, climb, scale and jump from one tree to the next. Each circuit is perfectly suited to a certain age-group and general fitness. Let the little ones take to the trees as children have done since time immemorial. Thrills to be expected.

All nature's wealth.

A short distance from La Baule and the salt marshes of Guérande and only a few kilometres from Nantes, the Brière marshes, designated a Parc Naturel Régional in 1970, have been preserved for us through the work of generations of Briérons who subsisted by digging peat, grazing their animals, cutting thatch, fishing and hunting. This vast area of land now counts as one of the most biologically diverse in Europe in terms of its water-fowl and aquatic plants.
The thatched cottage, with its covering of reeds, is also a key feature of the Briéron landscape.

The marshes are now under threat and subject to considerable pressure: Park plans for the coming years are aimed at protecting the setting, preserving and restoring the region's biological treasures and keeping the Brière alive.

To feel the magic of the place, simply set off downstream in a punt steered by a Briéron guide, watch the birds and witness the life and activities of the marshes, glide through the thatched villages of Fédrun and Kerhinet, and explore the soul of the place by visiting the Park's 5 museums.

A fine church organ into the bargain.

The church of Saint-Rémi was first built in 1778, then rebuilt in 1930 after suffering damage. It was at the time of its reconstruction that it was consecrated to Saint Remi. Consisting mainly of a broad nave and a square sanctuary, the church is remarkable for a number of ancient paintings and statues, but more particularly for its modern stained-glass windows. These represent the battle of Camaret and also the defeat of the English at Trez Rouz.