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.

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…

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"…

The young Flaubert.

Gustave Flaubert was born in 1821 in the Hôtel-Dieu in Rouen. His father was a surgeon in the hospital there and it was in Rouen that he was to live his early life. The Hôtel-Dieu has now become the Museum of Flaubert and the History of Medecine, and the institution invites the public to discover the youth of Gustave Flaubert. This temporary exhibition will take place in the room in which the writer was born. It will feature works little-known by the general public, depicting the writer and his family, and will plunge you into the literary world of the young Flaubert.

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.

A very recent heritage.

After visiting the church of Saint-Thomas, built in the 13th century, do not miss the opportunity to discover the more modern architecture of Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer church
. The town of Bénodet has a surprising religious heritage with this building from the 1960s which was inaugurated in 1968. Shaped as a rectangle, the church is topped with a large sloped roof and numerous abstract stained glass windows.

Perculiar architecture.

Formerly owned by the Derval family, the Kergoz Manor is an expansive lordly manor; today it is owned by the local municipality.

One of the assets of this structure is the pigeon house, dated to the 16th century, which is a listed Historic Monument. It was raised above the porch leading to the main entrance, a stunning part of the edifice flanked by two crenulated towers and dotted with Renaissance style windows.

Equatorial temperatures.

Feel like taking time out for relaxation, whether you live in Evreux or are just passing through?
The Equatorial Sauna, an open-minded gay and lesbian establishment, offers a sauna, hammam (steam bath), jacuzzi, relaxation area and alcohol-free bar.
Relax and recharge your batteries alone or with friends.

An unforgettable plunge into the world's oceans.

The fantastic journey provided by the Grand Aquarium is an attraction not to be missed in Saint-Malo. With its spectacular tanks and cutting-edge displays, the aquarium offers a captivating insight into the rich worlds to be found under the sea. Discover an astonishing 600 species!
Follow the direction of the visit, from the cold oceans of the north to tropical seas, via sharks in the 360° tank, to the mysterious denizens of the sunken galleon and brightly-coloured tropical species.
Enjoy the unique experience of undersea exploring in the Nautilus submarine.

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.

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...

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 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.

A castle and its inhabitants.

The Pornic castle, now a private residence, belonged to the famous Blue Beard, real name Gilles de Rais.
Built in the 10th century, the castle protected the city of Pornic. In the 11th century, it was handed to the Rais family. In the 18th century, it was owned by the Marquis of Brie-Serrant. It was in ruins and was extensively restored in the 19th century, when it acquired its current aspect.

Keeping fit in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

A little below par, or just want to feel fit? The 2,000m² of the Wellness centre help you get back in shape with your favourite sports and activities: squash, badminton, sun beds, sauna, bodybuilding or fitness training. The friendly way to keep fit.

Le Mans, a rich history.

Located right in the heart of Le Mans, the Maine Museum of Archaeology and History brings you the history of this fascinating region from its origins to the late 15th century. The museum boasts a number of prestigious collections: Trésor des Sablons, the suaire de Saint-Bertrand, Plantagenêt enamel work and Coëffort silverware.

The architect designed the space in terms of vast, airy spaces; a minimalist design in which even functional, technical elements (lighting, cameras, ventilation) are hidden.

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.

An elegant city hall…

The Trouville City Hall is a Louis XIII-style building that dominates the skyline in Trouville-sur-Mer. As you explore this historic beach resort, be sure to stop and admire this stunning edifice with its sober, elegant lines and red brick facades. It was designed by architects Paul and Laurent Farge.

The facade also includes one of the most original circular foreparts you will ever see, giving an unusual character to a building that is all angles and planes.

Beach babes and culture-vultures.

The Trouville museum, set up in the Villa Montebello, will tell you all about the history of this historic beach resort.

Ethnographic artefacts, along with rich art collections, retrace the history of this fascinating commune from different perspectives to give you a rounded view.

The museum's other halls are more focused, with for example a display space dedicated to Raymond Savignac and another to the André Hambourg collection. One of the galleries, on the dock of the harbour, hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

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.

A place of worship.

Built in 1862, the Saint-Sébastien church was built in the place of a chapel. It opened to parishioners in 1868, although the steeple and facade were finished in 1897. From the top of a hill, the church is imposing, with its shape and lines. The western facade has a large porch and features an oculus whilst the steeple is an original polygonal structure.

Caesar, its a Julius!

Also known as the Butte de César, the Tumiac Tumulus is, according to tradition, the place where Julius Caesar led the battle in 56 BC. Archaeological digs, which began in the 19th century, have found a closed cellar with engraved walls as well as hundreds of polished axes and approximately three hundred beads and pendants. These finds, which date back to the neolithic period, are a rare historic testimony to the past. Some of the objects are now in the Vannes museum.

Roaring good fun!

Planète Sauvage safari park is where man meets animals in the wild. As you drive along its 10km of safari trails, you will see over 2,000 amazing and majestic animals: elephants, big cats, zebras, camels, bears, etc. Admire whole herds of animals and share the secrets of their life.
After 2 hours of thrilling game-watching, it's time to visit the Cité Marine for a fantastic sea-lion show and demonstration flights by birds of prey.
The adventure continues in the bush village. Surrounded by animals, this is a world that will fascinate children and adults alike, before embarking on an extraordinary adventure on the Jungle Trail: crossing a liana bridge to track down a tribe of macaque monkeys.

Visit the Château de Quintin and its permanent collections.

Two chateaux for the price of one in the same park, in the centre of the characterful town of Quintin. An unfinished 17th century chateau, listed as an historic monument, and an 18th century chateau, also listed.
The base of the 17th century chateau, the richly furnished apartments of the 18th century chateau, the former kitchens (including a granite kitchen-garden of extraordinary size), the permanent collections of china, glassware, silverware, trinkets, christening robes and fans are open all year round.

Try out an organic market with 100% natural products.

As you stroll around the Sainte-Thérèse quarter, try some of the organic products for their quality and taste.

The Sainte-Thérèse market is sure to be selling its famous artichokes and cauliflowers and, if you happen to be there at the right time of year, maybe even the famous Coco de Paimpol white beans.

A striking symbol of Binic as it once was.

Along the busy quays, stroll through the market among a relaxed, easygoing crowd. A vivid market, with plenty of local colour on its picturesque stalls.
In season, anything up to 200 market traders are to be found here on a Thursday morning, selling regional specialities and fresh produce.
In addition to its picturesque side, the market is also a centuries-old setting for trade.
Since the 16th century, its strategic position and maritime history have made Binic a byword in the history of fairs and markets.
Goods of all sorts would once have been on sale here: the products of sea and land, of trade and merchant shipping.
Several fairs were held at a fixed date each year.
As early as the Revolutionary period, Binic market was always held on a Thursday morning.
At the same time, Binic became one of France's leading fishing ports.
Beyond a doubt, the market is a favourite meeting-place for the people of Binic, but also for all those who like to stroll around the market stalls.

Shop inside an architectural masterpiece.

Architect Jean-Baptiste Martenot was responsible for the two market halls in the Place des Lices.
The two constructions are the very quintessence of 19th century metallic architecture.

They lend themselves perfectly to exhibitions as well as to events like the Marché des Lices, recognised as the 3rd biggest market in France.

If wishes were horses…

Do you like nature? If you have always dreamed of learning to ride in idyllic natural surroundings, then Barbara and her horses will not disappoint. From complete beginners to experienced riders, from a walk on a lead rope to a challenging flatwork class, Barbara offers a friendly approach to riding.

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.

History and architecture.

When worked on the reconstruction of the citadel, from 1683, he put all his talent into the building that has become the symbol of Belle-Ile-en-Mer.
A proud and imposing monument, the citadel protects the history of the town with its stones. Follow the moats and cross the central place, history is there, you can feel it under every step. Now it is a cultural centre with a museum, and the citadel hosts many events.