Maritime beauty.

Boats are endowed with character, personality; they have first names and feature in artists' portrait works; they are valued at a sentimental level. Whether framed in a romantic light, or depicted for their design and technical aspects, they are the pride and joy of those who ride and maintain them with dedication and courage.

This new exhibit will open your eyes to the moving beauty of late 18th and early 19th-century boat oil paintings, drawings, sketches, etc. Paintings signed Jean-Dominique Drouin, some of which were specially restored for this event, are a sign of the kind of quality that one could expect from art commissions in Le Havre under Louis Philippe.

Monet and his garden.

This exhibition is entirely dedicated to Monet's Gardens at his home in Giverny (throughout 1883). The expo traces the life and work of this fantastic painter and the part played by this beautiful garden in his artistic development.

Broken into three sections the exhibition will display paintings, photographs and archive documents to give visitors a vision of what Monet achieved during his stay in Giverny. The landscape artist/impressionist painter is here celebrated with displays of works graciously lent by the Orsay and Marmottan Monet museums.

War machines of the Middle Ages.

Prepare for a breath-taking historic experience! Two soldiers from the army of Charles VII will be presenting the Giants of Medieval warfare that Discover deadly war machines in all their complexity; learn of the design and their deadly efficacy, and even try out one yourself!

This is a great way learn about history in a fun, interactive manner for family and friends.

Rock hybrids!

After two very successful editions, Rock'N Caux is back on track for another weekend of pure madness. The 2009 line-up will be something out of this world!

The event features French celebrity performers as well as young talents from Normandy and the surrounding region.

Gallo-Roman factories…

The famed Journées Romaines are a weekend dedicated to experimental archaeology. In a nutshell, the exhibition is made up of reconstituted artefacts including a potter's oven and a reduction oven (for minerals). Other displays include Roman and Gallo-Roman artisan works: jewellery, pottery, weaving, tanning, wickerwork, cooking and baking. All is geared towards a real understanding of these practises; children can even learn antique pottery techniques.

Giving song to the good word

In June 2001, Master Music created the first urban gospel group in France : the New Gospel Family.

For the most part the members are residents of Paris and nearby disenfranchised Paris suburbs. Nevertheless, the choir shares with audiences their sincerity and the force of the gospel message. Alleluia!

Solo trumpet master.

Claude Egea is no less than a jazz and blues virtuoso. Born in Trèbes about 40 years ago, his first contact with the music world was manipulating a trumpet. He was only a toddler, but the seed was planted then and there. By age 12 he was taking classes at the Toulouse national conservatory, and five years later he was awarded 1st prize for his mastery of the instrument.

By the 90s he was a performer in high demand; he played for the National Jazz Orchestra, for example. It was here that he had the chance of playing with some of the greats, including Michel Legrand, Claude Bowling, and Henri Salvador…

Today he will be going solo on stage to the delight of jazz enthusiasts and music lovers. Don't miss out!

Good impressions.

After the stunning success of the previous show, namely Cathedral: from Monet to Pixels, Rouen will once again be commissioning the Skertzo company to put together a magical show.

Their latest production, entitled Impressionist Nights will once again take the city's architectural heritage and show it in a completely new light. There will be an installation on the cathedral forecourt, as usual, but the Fine-Arts museum will also be revamped with projections on the façade. This event is bound to leave a good impression!

Normandy in the Iron Age.

The exhibition being displayed in Rouen this Summer deals with the ever-famous Gaulish tribe and their interaction with Roman civilisation between the 2nd century BC and the 2nd century AD. The influence of Rome on the Gauls was notable, spilling into habitat, religion and funeral rites.

This fascinating collection of artefacts tells us a great deal about the Iron Age in Normandy, so be prepared to expand your horizons…

A spectacular event!

This traditional fête is organised every year by the people of Le Havre. The event involves a grand parade of flower-covered floats and people singing and dancing through the streets of the city centre.

Disguises and life-size paper-maché characters are part of the tradition, so don't be afraid if you see strange-looking, inanimate people… Not to miss!

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the circus is back in town.

Young or old, goofy or serious... Everyone in the family loves going to the circus.
The famed Cirque Pinder is back in town, with the usual cavalcade of clowns, horses, acrobats and all the traditional circus ring characters.

The Pinder circus manages one of the largest collection of wild cats in the world - so beware!

Vintage beauties.

This fascinating event is dedicated to vintage cars and bikes, exclusively pre-1970 models… A whole range of old-style vehicles and rarities will be lined up along the lake front near the Grand Casino, so be sure to bring your camera!

This is also great way to discover local culture as the local cultural calendar suddenly goes into overdrive during the festival…

Normandy from A to Z.

The Fine-Arts Museum in Rouen, the Malraux museum in Le Havre and the Fine-Arts museum in Caen will be working together on a special project, a three-step event entitled "Picturesque Journeys, 1820-2009".

These three exhibitions will be presented simultaneously in each museum; at heart they are dedicated to Normandy and its five counties as represented in artwork. The expos will revolve around three specific series (early 19th-century lithographies, late 19th-century heliographs and 20th century photographs). These will shed light on the cultural and visual influences that came to define Norman identity. This event will retrace the evolution in styles and recurrent icons, but also the development of art techniques through the ages. Discover the picturesque through the centuries, from its golden age to Romanticism to what could be called post-picturesque contemporary art.

Excavating history.

The Evreux Museum will be presenting a major exhibition dedicated to Normandy in the Neolithic era, originally entitled La Hache et la meule, les premiers paysans du néolithique en Normandie.

This expo was the result of a collaboration between the INRAP, the regional Archaeology services of Upper and Lower Normandy, and the museum itself. Here you will see recently acquired artefacts that date back to the dawn of humanity…

On the treasure trail…

This summer why not get together with family and friends for a magical treasure hunt in Evreux. Imagine yourself finding the famed Captal Sun (Soleil du Captal), a mythical buried treasure which hasn't been seen since 1364!

Evreux Country is a rich repository of legends and old stories, being the site of many important historic events.

Heritage in the spotlight.

The Musicales de Normandie is a festival that aims to put Normandy's architectural heritage in the limelight by organising a series of classical and traditional concerts. Every week, music in a variety of styles will be filling the soundwaves thanks to a great team effort by local businesses and municipal workers.

Ocean-bound…

The famed Brocantelle maritime, a thrift market for maritime-related items, will be taking place on July 19th in Le Havre. For this 17th edition you can expect to find a wealth of sailor's outfits and navigational gear, anchors and telescopes and quadrants and sextants…

All those with a taste for the sailor style get yourself to the Promenade des Régates early in the morning to get your hands on the best deals. There is a huge variety of things to choose from, so choose wisely and don't forget to haggle the seller!

Normandy from A to Z.

The Fine-Arts Museum in Rouen, the Malraux museum in Le Havre and the Fine-Arts museum in Caen will be working together on a special project, a three-step event entitled "Picturesque Journeys, 1820-2009".

These three exhibitions will be presented simultaneously in each museum; at heart they are dedicated to Normandy and its five counties as represented in artwork. The expos will revolve around three specific series (early 19th-century lithographies, late 19th-century heliographs and 20th century photographs). These will shed light on the cultural and visual influences that came to define Norman identity. This event will retrace the evolution in styles and recurrent icons, but also the development of art techniques through the ages. Discover the picturesque through the centuries, from its golden age to Romanticism to what could be called post-picturesque contemporary art.

For all levels.

The 1001 nights company has put together a series of workshops for all to discover the magical, sensual world of oriental dancing. Taking place in a beautiful 12th century edifice with its own garden, only 1 hour from Paris, this is a weekend for those who really want to learn.

Surrounded by professional dancers, you will undertake an intensive training programme: 16 workshops over 2 days with 4 teachers from the company; 10 themes will add colour to the workshops that are tailored to suit all needs.

Graduates can go home with a diploma to prove to the world that they had what it takes to be an oriental dancer.

The Empire lives on…

This magnificent show has been put together by none other than Kamel Ouali, the legendary choreographer and dance teacher of the Star Academy (French reality TV show). Experience the destiny of a beautiful and fascinating historic figure: Cleopatra, that most famous of Egyptian queens.

The tragic character will be played by Sofia Essaïdi, a semi-finalist of the last "Star Ac" season, thanks to who Cleopatra will come back to life to grace the stage...
Six additional performers will accompany her (Caesar, Mark Anthony, Octavio and others) for this extraordinary rendition of a timeless tale.

Twin musical traditions.

India's music culture is a real cocktail of influences, but at the core there are two distinct traditions from which all stemmed: the Northern heritage (Hindustani) and that of the South (Carnatic coast). Though built on the same system they are completely different in many ways: the concepts expressed in music, the instruments, and the choice of "Ragas" (classical Indian melodic modes). Rare are those musicians who master both: Sridhar is one of them.

A moving homage.

In Conteville visitors can admire a beautiful monument dedicated to the soldiers of the 43rd, 49th and 51st infantry divisions of the British Army. These heroes sacrificed themselves while liberating the city on August 13th 1944; the operation code-name was Totalize.

This commemorative day will feature a special ceremony as an homage to these generous souls.

The EANA park will once again be hosting a sound and light show that goes back on the history of the conquest of Normandy.

Featuring hundreds of actors and stuntment, all in beautiful period costumes, and a special effects team worthy of the grandest movie set, this will be a show you won't soon forget!

Hosted by the Valasse Abbey, this magnificent historic fresco will bring you back to the Viking era!

Zoological history.

This expo will feature no less than 48 hand drawings depicting fish by famed zoologist Charles-Alexandre Lesueur. The whole collection is made up of prints that were taken at three different periods of his career.

Lesueur was the official graphic artist of the Australian expedition of 1800 to 1804 led by captain Nicolas Baudin. The selection of works presented here aims to be representative of all the fish drawings conserved at the museum.

Street performance, totally free!

This 7th edition of Z'estivales boasts an eclectic program chock-a-block full of events, in particular street performances and theatre arts.

Regional, National and International companies - over 50 troupes of professional performers - will be lined up for seven whole weekends this year.

For this 8th year of its existence, the festival will welcome a number of professional troupes and music performers for a series of electric nights on the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville in Le Havre.

Form and light.

Brachais's work could be described in many ways, but saying it belongs to a particular genre will always be difficult. Caught somewhere between figurative and abstract art, this artist produces very positive work where primitive shapes interact with light in a novel, beautiful way. This promising painter's technique is unique and perhaps completely avant-guard. On the whole, Brachais's work is well worth discovering.

Maritime artwork.

The "Transat" shipping company, known as the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, had always been close to the hearts of Normandy folk. The company was known for its numerous art commissions, which is one of the reasons it was so well-documented and described in historic literature.

Some of the most famous navy painters, such as Albert Sébille, Sandy Hook, Marin-Marie, Roger Chapelet and Albert Brenet, were part of this history.

Normans with an agenda…

Le Havre was unfortunate enough to be relegated to Ligue 2 in the previous season - the wound is still fresh. For this reason they might have 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 grandaddy of French clubs is one of the more stable elements of the season; they rarely dissapoint and there is no reason they should start now.

A whole weekend of activities and events.

Every year over 30 000 visitors come to the Epinay wood to witness this magical festival, the Fete du Cheval with its 1 000 horses.

Obstacle jumping, pony events, horse auctions and related events, but also a parrot trainer, an acrobatic basketball event, and a live country evening! Get into the equine mood for a weekend, enjoy the Horse festival in a beautiful setting.

Minigolf, maxi-fun!

If you haven't already, now's your chance to discover the wonderful world of minigolf!

Armed with a putting club, a ball and a note card for points, players are supposed to get their ball in the hole in as few shots as possible. The courses are, like golf, from 9 to 18 holes, and for each hole you are allowed a total of 7 shots. Above that, you lose…

Minigolf courses are often in lush, quiet natural settings and are beautifully decorated; the perfect place to practise your swing!

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.

New and improved impressionist museum.

Founded by Daniel J. Terra in 1992, The Giverny Museum of American Art was for its 16-year existence one of the most active art institutions in the country. Its programme of exhibitions, publications, debates, conferences and countless "in residence" programmes (for historians, artists, etc.) were for the most part dedicated to American Art generally speaking.

The new and improved museum, now turned towards Impressionism, will be opening its doors in 2009 thanks to a partnership with local givernment bodies, the Orsay museum and the Terra Foundation. This new establishment will be mostly centred on the impressionist tradition, starting with a major inaugural exhibition: Monet's Gardens in Giverny: Inventing a Landscape.

Over 5 centuries of the history of ceramics.

The museum is built around the core collection amassed by André Pottier (1799-1867), author of Histoire de la faïence de Rouen.
Established temporarily (1870) in a gallery in the cloister of the former convent of Sainte-Marie, already home to the Antiquities Museum of the Seine-Inférieure, the Ceramics Museum was officially opened on 15 August 1864.
The municipal collection of faïence remained here until February 1888, when it was transferred to the first floor of the new Musée des Beaux-Arts.
In the 1930s, there was talk of setting up a separate Ceramics Museum to offset the lack of space caused by the steady growth of the collections of both paintings and ceramics.

The Hôtel d'Hocqueville, built in 1657 and redecorated in the 18th century, was acquired for the purpose in 1936, but it took another half-century for the project to reach completion.
The collection was finally transferred to the new museum in 1984.

The collection currently contains some 6,000 exhibits, ranging from the simple ceramic tile to monumental busts, two thirds of which were made in Rouen, giving the museum monographic status.
The visitor is offered a full historic and aesthetic overview, beginning with the first production of faïence by Masséot Abaquesne in the mid 16th century, then the second wave which began with Edme Poterat in 1647, flourished in the following century and disappeared at the beginning of the 19th century.

Japanese prints.

Claude Monet's property in Giverny has been owned by the foundation bearing his name since the year 1980. The figurehead of impressionism was a resident of Giverny from 1883 to 1926.

Within one can admire a collection of Japanese prints collected by the artist himself throughout his life. The exterior, while of interest, isn't particularly notable save the beautiful garden. Shifting in colour and atmosphere from one season to the next, this small, poetic universe is a nothing short of an artistic dreamland. The Japanese bridge, a favoured tourist attraction, can be seen in a number of Monet's paintings.

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.

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.

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.

Straight to the heart of the town's heritage.

Here is a circuit that will fascinate all ages, stepping into the history of Evreux: its cathedral consecrated in 1076, its town hall (in particular the marriage room) and former bishop's palace.
Walk classified as "easy" by the Comité Départemental de Randonnée Pédestre.

The historian and his work.

French writer and historian Jules Michelet (1798-1874) wrote many of his works in the castle tower where he installed his study.
As you pursue your course along the "Route historique des maisons d'écrivains" (homes of famous writers), you will be able to retrace the life and works of Jules Michelet,
author of such works as Histoire de France (a history of France) or Histoire de la Révolution française, a history of the French Revolution.

A rich natural heritage.

The Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine Normande lies between Rouen and Le Havre, in the Eure and the Seine-Maritime départements. Shaped by the meanders of the Seine, the area provides glorious panoramas and sweeps of well-watered meadows. Plateaux, valleys and hillsides carved out by the river make up the landscapes of the five natural regions of the Park: the Seine valley, the Pays de Caux, the Roumois, the Basse Vallée de la Risle and the Marais Vernier.
Three abbeys, rural museums, châteaux and thatched cottages forge the identity of the Park's cultural heritage. The wetlands, the Park's ecological highlight, sink into soft silences, punctuated by pollarded trees.
There are natural sites to be visited in the Marais Vernier and the Basse Vallée de la Risle, with or without a guide. These habitats, which are of vital importance to the Park as a whole, are the subject of special awareness and preservation campaigns.

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.

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...

Bowling late into the night.

Looking for an evening out with family or friends where you can relax and have fun? Look no further. Parvis Bowling in Evreux is open for bowling until late into the night.
There are plenty of other facilities to enjoy, too, including a bar, restaurant (closed Sunday and Monday except for groups), an ATM, TV screens, etc.

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.

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.

Architectural heritage and cultural events.

Periodic events: concerts and exhibitions of paintings and sculptures, seminars and symposia (programme available on request).
Permanent exhibition: visits by appointment:
Architectural heritage, workshops, turbines and exhibition rooms.

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.

Relaxation and sports.

The gardens are an ideal setting for relaxing, strolling and playing sports.
Against their splendid natural background, take advantage of the mini-golf, the exercise circuit, the BMX track, playgrounds and picnic spots.

How to…

Mrs Cozzi offers you private or group lessons of up to 5 people.
Learn to prepare and cook original and exotic dishes.
Simple, quick and economical.
Treat your friends to sweet and savoury delights!

Discover the monastic life.

The abbey was founded by Herluin, a Norman knight, in 1034 and had a far-reaching intellectual influence in the 11th century, owing mainly to the monks Lanfranc and Saint Anselme.
The present buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries when they were reconstructed by the Benedictine congregation of Saint-Maur around a vast courtyard adjoining the cloister. The two refectories, the old and the new, are perhaps the abbey's most remarkable rooms. The tall Saint-Nicolas tower dates from the 15th century.
The abbey of Bec-Hellouin was used as military stabling throughout the 19th century and suffered considerable damage. Since 1948, however, it has been home to a community of Olivetan Benedictine monks who have succeeded in restoring much of the abbey's former glory, with the help of the French historic monuments fund, the Caisse des Monuments Historiques et des Sites.

A half-century of history…

This fascinating expo will, as you wander the different halls, give you a panoramic view of how this Abbey was born, destroyed and later rebuilt. The display is made up of selected documents and photographs (most taken by abbot Lelegard, the restorer). Otherwise there will be a beautiful outdoor photo-expo in the park with works by Hervé Desvaux.

Music, culture and country living.

The Musical Promenades have been organizing wandering music concerts throughout the summer since 1995. The selected venues all shed light on the rich and diverse history of the Auge region.

Old and new, sacred or secular, intellectual or popular: music fills the churches, streets, chapels, parks, workshops and gardens of Lisieux with in addition a healthy dose of poetry, dance or theatre…

The event wanders from one town to the next throughout the region throughout most of July and August. In musical terms visitors will journey across five centuries of composition…

A worthy commemoration.

The Veterans of 1944… We know them as heroes, elderly men and women with tragic memories in their eyes. But who were they at age 18, or 20? Where did they come from and how did they come to be involved in this epic sequence of events? How did they live the Battle of Normandy?

The answer may lie in the photographs of this exhibition… Régis Colin has been working on a photo project involving over 150 veterans of the Battle of Normandy. It will be a unique return to the past, a chance to hear the stories of these brave souls.

Put together for the 65-year anniversary of the Normandy Landings, the Cité de la Mer will be displaying this fascinating collection under its beautiful nave… The pictures will be accompanied by touching testimonies that tell us more about the terrible war.

28 years of unsent postcards.

For this 28th edition of the Salon de la carte postale & de la collection, you can expect to fine a treasure trove of collector's items. Explore a goldmine of old and new postcards, but also stamps, coins, documents, posters, magazines, archives and so much more… The stalls and displays will be run by professional as well as amateur collectors.

New music at the Sully farm…

An explosive rock festival: that's the perfect description for this convivial, easygoing event with its rock legend line-up. Taking place on a quiet farm, the Sully farm, near Bayeux, this small scale event nevertheless packs a serious punch.

The two evenings will feature established performers as well as a few up and coming musicians.

Experience the Battle of Normandy.

What better way to commemorate the 65th anniversary of D-Day than to explore the main sites of the Battle of Normandy on board one of our air-conditioned coaches. Our tour guide will take you on a half-day excursion to the artificial Arromanches harbour, the German Battery in Longues sur Mer, and of course Omaha Beach and the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer.

Experience a moving journey deep into the very heart of the Second World War...

Marc Bohan, a visionary.

Christian Dior's childhood home, built in the heights of Granville, became a museum dedicated to the great designer in 1998.

This year, the museum will be organising a temporary exhibition focused on the work of Mark Bohan, the art director of Dior from 1969 to 1989. Thirty years of visionary collections and unique models will be displayed before your very own eyes.

The days of William the Conqueror.

Bayeux adorns its finest attire for a trip back in time into the heart of the Middle Ages. The historic town centre will be in a festive mood thanks to all the jesters, jugglers, troubadours, kings, knights and old-style artisans… Enjoy this 2-day escape from the modern world.

A Medieval marketplace, street performances, a book fair, a medieval dancing ball, and a costume parade… Feast and indulge like the kings of yore!

The people of Bayeux will for two whole days flock to the centre near the ancient cathedral in an almost completely preserved historical quarter, while troubadours and buffoons spread laughter and cheer throughout the crowds.

Every year, over 40 000 visitors climb into this time machine called Carcassonne and return two days later, bellies filled and a smile on their lips.

Music in Roman churches…

The Mortagne Musicals schedule 6 chamber music concerts in the most beautiful Roman churches of Perche : Notre Dame of Mortagne-au-Perche, the Hospital chapel of Mortagne-au-Perche, Tourouvre Church, the Church of La Mesnière, the Perche square, the Crypt of Toussaint de Mortagne-au-Perche.

The château celebrates Heritage Days!

The Pirou Castle will be making a special offer for European Heritage Days: entry tickets at half-price (2€) for everyone!

Guided tours are available every half hour, and children's guide books with games galore can be picked up at information desks.

Metal creatures on the run!

If you have a palate for scrap metal artwork, then this is the place for you. Watch as artists convert their old metal bits and pieces into totems, sculptures, diabolical animals and whatever they want!

The Nuit des Soudeurs is a celebration of hot metal and artistic spirit featuring music performances and a range of activities and events throughout the evening. The following day, enjoy a grand country-style picnic followed by an auction of the pieces produced the day before.

Pictures with feeling.

The Couleurs Sensibles exhibition, showcasing the work of Gustave Gain, deals with the birth of photography.

Originally from Cherbourg, Gain's central source of inspiration has always been the sea. The exhibition will be broken into four different sections: marine themes, landscapes, portraits and a reportage on Turkestan.

Music for all.

Back in July 1992 a group of musicians from Normandy travelled to Quebec to play music.

Then in 1993 a group of friends from Coutances decided to invite a Quebecan band, Les Morissets, to take part in a 13-date tour for a France/Quebec music meet. The result surpassed all expectations. It was then that the Chauffer dans la Noirceur association was born. This year they have completely revamped the festival site, and the line-up includes Tricky, Assassin, les Têtes Raides, Poni Hoax, and many more.

Normandy from A to Z.

The Fine-Arts Museum in Rouen, the Malraux museum in Le Havre and the Fine-Arts museum in Caen will be working together on a special project, a three-step event entitled "Picturesque Journeys, 1820-2009".

These three exhibitions will be presented simultaneously in each museum; at heart they are dedicated to Normandy and its five counties as represented in artwork. The expos will revolve around three specific series (early 19th-century lithographies, late 19th-century heliographs and 20th century photographs). These will shed light on the cultural and visual influences that came to define Norman identity. This event will retrace the evolution in styles and recurrent icons, but also the development of art techniques through the ages. Discover the picturesque through the centuries, from its golden age to Romanticism to what could be called post-picturesque contemporary art.

Music in the streets…

The Caen soirs d'été festival will be organising a number of family-oriented activities and events during the summer season.

Throughout July and August, every Thursday and Friday night will be dedicated to theatre, music, street performances and more… Events will be sprouting here and there in the city of Caen (at th château, on the place du Théâtre, near the bassin des Plaisances and various churches…).

This fascinating expo retraces Jacques-Henri Lartigue's experience of Deauville from 1916 to 1980. Free of charge, this expo can be enjoyed throughout the summer. The photographs on display, all black & white prints, were actually taken not far from the exhibition. A great way to discover the city. Not to miss!

History in the spotlight.

This exhibition sheds light on two periods in the history of Cherbourg, two moments of Franco-Russian alliance that are explained through documents, photographs, post-cards, restaurant menus, posters, etc… Discover about this special moment in regional history, a time where two great empires worked together.

Baroque and Classical Europe.

The famed Heures Musicales of the Lessay Abbey are an opportunity to travel back in time to the Baroque and Classical eras in Europe.

A number of grandiose compositions will be performed at this event, with for example works signed Haendel and Scarlatti. A special homage performance for the Bicentenart if Joseph Haydn, with two grand symphonies, is also on the programme.

Soloists, choirs and conductors of excellent repute will be taking part to the delight of classical music enthusiasts. Stars include Paul Agnew, Gustav Leonhardt, Stéphanie d'Oustrac, Jérémie Rohrer, Françoix-Xavier Roth, Peter Phillips and the pianist Zhu Xiao-Mei.

A place of memory.

Taking place in the heart of the Cintheaux military cemetery, this moving homage to the souls lost during the Liberation of the commune, of Caen-Sud-Falaise and of the Mont-Ormel.

This particular cemetery is the resting place of 2 872 Canadians, 80 Englishmen, 4 Australians, 1 Neo-Zealanders and 1 Frenchman. To reach the cemetery one must pass through the gateway with its imposing twin columns.

Abstraction on canvas.

Abstract painter Guy Stoeffler will be displaying his work at the Chesnais gallery in Alençon on July 3rd and 4th. A total of 40 or so paintings will be on display throughout the gallery.

Stoeffler's other work is on permanent display in the museum, but also at the Ranaldi gallery in Porto Vecchio.

What lurks beneath…

This fascinating exhibition is made up 40 large-scale photographs of legendary monsters…

The Ifremer team's recent oceanographic explorations have brought certain flora and fauna to light, some that would have best remained in the dark! Discover a hostile world, a dark universe held at bay by crushing pressure (sometimes 500 000 times more than that on the surface).

How do these creates develop? How do underwater oases function? And of course what recent technologies have allowed man to explore these uncharted lands?

Now is the time to find out what lurks beneath…

A magical experience.

This magical guided tour takes place at twilight… In a cool, dimlit atmosphere the tour-guide will take you around the Cathedral to discover the preserved historic centre with its imposing, irreplaceable heritage.

From one ancient square to another, your tour will be accompanied by old-style music performed with respect to the old traditions. A trip back in time…

Normandy through the years.

For the first time ever the Fine-Arts museums in Rouen and Caen and the Malraux museum in Le Havre will be collaborating on a common project, a triptych of exhibitions entitled Voyages Pittoresques 1820-2009.

The three panels of the exhibition are as follows:
-Romantic Normandy (in Rouen): a celebration of the romantic hue of Medieval heritage.
-Monumental Normandy (in Le Havre): photographic masterpieces published by Lemale.
-Contemporary Normandy (Caen): an overview of commissioned photographs from the 19th century to the present day.

Sailor adventures.

Cherbourg will be inaugurating the return of famed sailor Corto Maltese after 20 years abroad!

This exhibition dedicated to Hugo Pratt (author of the famed Corto Maltese comic book series), is a part of the 5th Comic Book Biennial. The programme includes major works, prints, graphic analyses, panoramas, sketches and silkscreen prints…

Cherbourg's major comic book festival has already paid an homage to Enki Bilal, François Schuiten, André Juillard and Jacques de Loustal. It was only a matter of time before Pratt would end up on the list, seeing as how Cherbourg, this maritime commune, has a striking resemblance to the misty harbours from which Corto Maltese sail off into the horizon...

The Mont, in words…

Take part in a crossing of the Mont-Saint-Michel bay to the sound of a story-teller's voice… Two talented tour guides will be taking part, each catering to different aspects of the tour.

Jean-Yves Quemener is a nature-lover and professional tour guide, he will tell you all there is to know about the sands and waters, fauna and flora of the Bay. Jean-Pierre Mathias on the other hand is a professional story-teller who's knowledge of popular legends and stories make him a walking library… Not to miss!

Musical soirées…

If you're looking for a fun, festive, convivial place to hang out, summer evenings on the docks of Port-en-Bessin might be the place for you.

The Terrasses Musicales is a sort of open-air music festival. It is not exclusive to any genre or style, and is a great place to discover new tunes. Go with family or friends, meet others around a drink or have a picnic, all to the sound of music…

Where voices are heard.

Just like every year the Viva Voce festival will be taking Caen by storm, and as every year it will be divided into two sections. It begins with an Off section at 6PM featuring a number of talented amateur choirs. This is followed by the much-awaited In festival, starting at 8:30PM… And this is where the professional ensembles come into play.

Viva Voce will be welcoming the Versailles Baroque Music centre, the Voice Messengers, the Musiciens du Paradis, Accentus, Diva Opéra, the Opus 14 ensemble, the Take 6 and many more…

Two master classes will be hosted in collaboration with the Musique en Normandie institute (one theme will be the child's voice, the second will be focused on vocal jazz).

A festival worth every penny!

The Big Band Café has put together this fantastic event, a celebration of the coming summer entitled the Beauregard festival. This two-day event will feature an army of reputed performers as well as talented newcomers.

Amongst others you might get to see Cocoon, Pete Doherty, Jason Mraz, Ayo, Tahiti 80 and the very promising Charlie Winston, starting out his folk music career. Don't think twice about it, just get yourself to the Beauregard Festival this July!

In the pilgrim's footsteps.

The Mont-Saint-Michel has always been a destination for pilgrims coming from throughout the country… This fascinating exhibition retraces the history of this place and the thousands of men and women who journeyed there from often faraway places. Today it remains a main attraction for religious travel, but has become a hotspot for a whole new breed of pilgrims, namely tourists.

Summer in Granville is a fantastic experience, a time of celebration and fun! The Nocturnes Granvillaises is a great programme of events taking place every Wednesday throughout July and August! Discover a range of shows by crazy, fun-loving performers such as Annie et son Zinzin or Jus de pomme. These free, outdoor events are great for kids as much as their parents and elders, so be sure to stop by…

Musical diversity!

This 27th edition of an already popular festival will feature a total of five week-ends jam-packed with concerts in all shapes and colours, from Flamenco to oratorio and from jazz to opera.

Honoured this year, Joseph Haydn will be in the spotlight for his magnificent Stabat Mater, orchestral works and chamber music. Other composers such as Haendel, Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Mahler and Debussy will be commemorated as well for their undeniable influence throughout music history.

With a new generation of players (such as the K Quintet, pianist David Greilsammer, the Modigliani and Ebène quartets, violinist Hrachya Avanesyan or choreographer Brahim Bouchelagem), you can be sure that the performances will be rich and full of energy. Not to miss!

Watercolouring the Cotentin.

Céline Lecoq is an illustrator with the environmental initiatives centre, the Centre Permanent d’Initiatives pour l’Environnement, in Lessay. Her personal artwork, worlds away from the "official" character of her illustrative work, is airy and bright; her watercolours bring out the soul of the Cotentin's natural surroundings.

This major exhibition, originally entitled Dessins Nature, gives the visitor a poetic, joyous vision of a beautiful region.

A part to play…

Set up in the military fort in Cherbourg, the Liberation Museum presents visitors with a panoramic view of the city and its harbour. This fascinating institution covers various steps of the Second World War from the perspective of locals of Cherbourg.

This particular exhibition, Femmes dans la Guerre or "Women in Wartime" was put together by historian Dominique François; through his eyes you will discover the major and minor roles played by women throughout this tragic period of history.

Deauville is alive with the sound of music.

Musical August in Deauville, or Août Musical, is a fun and convivial event for young and old. Featuring a group of talented soloists (most of which took part in the Kuhmo, Cordes-sur-Ciel and Verbier festivals in Finland and Switzerland), and the Seiji Ozawa master class (Geneva), you can expect to hear top quality music.

A legend still living.

In parallel to the celebration of the 1300-year anniversary of the Mont-Saint-Michel, the "Bay of Courtils House" (Maison de la Baie de Courtils) will be hosting a fascinating exhibition. The subject will be the legend of the foundation of the age-old abbey.

Mythes et réalité de la forêt de Scissy is all about the forest and its legends.

Tactical ballet.

The Lucien Barrière Deauville Polo Cup brings together some of the best players in the world... Athletes will be coming from Argentina, Chile, England, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India and France, so you can expect high-level polo for one of the most prestigious sport competitions in France, an event which attracts ever-growing crowds every year.

For the spectator, it is simply breathtaking to witness: the riders, and their fleet-footed mounts, make for an impressive display of tactical ability throughout the competition.

Every game takes place on one of three sites in Deauville and each is accompanied by expert commentators - novices and experts alike will thus be able to enjoy this event to the fullest.

History written in the mosaic…

The Bains Pompéiens, literally the Baths of Pompei, were built in Deauville by Charles Adda in 1923 - with its mosaic designs and concrete structure, it is typical of the "Années Folles" (1918-1929). A total of 250 cabins, 50 of which are luxury models, give visitors "the cleanest, most comfortable and elegant conditions in which to enjoy bathing", as is explained in the 1938 travel guidebook. Spread out over a total of nine inner courtyards. Children can also take part in workshops to discover mosaic art while their parents enjoy the tour.

Normandy's abbeys.

The Lucerne d'Outremer Abbey is a fascinating edifice; there is so much history to tell, but also much to discover. Visitors can learn a wealth of things about the abbey's architecture, religious artwork, restorations and plans for the future… Dated to the 12th century, this abbey is in fact an ensemble of different buildings; the abbey church (with its ribbed vault ceiling), the cloister, the refectory, and the cellar. There is also the surrounding park (crossed by the aquaduct), the abbot's lodge, the dovecote, the hall of justice and much more.

Be sure to explore this beautiful, age-old edifice from start to finish.

Books and more…

Discover a staggering range of antique but also new and used books (in a variety of fields, including literary, historical, travel books, YA books, comics, etc.) at this fantastic fair. Collectors will be up to their ears collectibles!

Stamps, postcards, coasters, engravings, archives, post-cards… This fair has it all! Taking place in a cozy, friendly ambiance, this is the perfect place to find that elusive item to complete your collection.

The Acadian spirit.

This commemorative event was started in honour of the Acadian soldiers who liberated Saint-Aubin sur Mer on June 6th 1944. The guest of honour will be none other than the Canadian province of Prince Edward Isle.

For an entire week, Acadia will be in the spotlight; the region will be showcased through a series of concerts, exhibitions and conferences. Another way to take part in the festivities is the "North Shore" biking excursion, a hike and a dinner-show later in the day.

August 15th is always a special day when all are invited to have a great time and make a lot of noise!

Remembering…

Throughout the 20th century we have seen violence at a massive scale that involves all inhabitants. The Armenian massacre in 1915, the Holocaust in the 40s, the ethnic cleansing of the Tutsi in 1994…

This fascinating exhibition will deal with these uncomfortable realities, in particular focusing on the children swept up in the whirlwind of human madness… Most of these unfortunates meet a terrible end, and yet some survive.

This exhibition is like a peaceful call to arms that says, quite simply, save the children.

Working with the Manche departmental archives, the Cotentin Museum-Farm has put together a semi-permanent exhibition dedicated to farmers or, as they were known, peasants.

Numerous original documents as well as a very rare amateur film will help visitors get an idea of the life and working conditions for country folk in the 1950s. Actual farmers as well as agriculture students will also be participating.

A glamourous festival for film buffs…

Since its beginnings in 1975, some of the world's greatest movie stars have left their footprints on the red carpet of the The Deauville American Film Festival: Robin Williams, Lauren Bacall, Tom Hanks, Michael Douglas, Sharon Stone, Clint Eastwood, Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Al Pacino, Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, Steven Spielberg, Morgan Freeman... For autograph-collectors and fanatical fans, Deauville's esplanade becomes a rich hunting ground in the summer.

Only American productions are presented at the Festival du cinéma américain de Deauville. Though more low-key and less flashy than its big brother, the Cannes film festival, Deauville remains a major event with its fair share of international stars. This year's program is particularly eclectic with studio productions, independent films, tributes, documentaries and shorts.

The beat goes on.

This team of crazy but unquestionably talented performers will once again be making your heart thump. Stomp is back in France with their usual arsenal of barrels, sticks, brooms and dustbins. This rythmic and energetic performance will leave you awestruck, just like it did the other 9 million spectators worldwide.

A colourful show.

The Vauban Tower, formerly an observation tower, is one among five sentinel towers designed and built by Vauban to defend the coastline in Normandy. This was an indispensible fortification, and it has withstood the test of time. Today, come summer, the Vauban Tower is the site of an explosion of colour, a fireworks show in a beautiful setting.

History is written in the sand.

Deauville was initially a modest village on the northernmost point of the Mont Casino on the hillside facing the sea. The hundred or so that made up the local population of Dosville lived off the land. The ancient parish church was listed as a Historic Monument in 1977. Designed Yves Saint-Laurent, who had a great deal of affection for the city of Deauville, helped finance the restoration of the church.

Discover Deauville's history thanks to this fascinating tour.

Day of the laughing cow…

This magical day will be all about the bovine race, an event dedicated to top breeds of the region and the breeders who worked to keep them healthy. Savour Normandy's much-reputed dairy products and learn all there is to know about AOC (quality control) and various other labels.

Young visitors in particular will enjoy learning how to make butter as much as the family-oriented show.

Designed to showcase Normandy's top bovines and dairy-products, this show has since become a popular and fun event for the whole family.

Keeping the memory alive.

Ouistreham will be hosting this moving ceremony in commemoration of WWII heroes for the 65-year anniversary of D-Day. A historic film will be screened at the Le Cabieu cinema at 2PM, followed by a debate led by M. Quellien accompanied by a number of war veterans. A friendly cocktail is scheduled for 5:30PM, followed by a dinner with all guests and participants.

A legend is born.

By Age 10 Sidney Bechet had already been playing clarinette for some of the most reputed orchestras of the New Orleans area. By 1919 he had developed a "New Orleans Style" and was bringing it to the masses in Europe… His success was unprecedented. People of London and France were especially fond of his brand of jazz. His warm, soulful music and furious swing made him the emblem of New Orleans Jazz throughout the world…

Beautiful organ donation.

This summer you can enjoy beautiful religious and secular organ music on three consecutive Sundays in Deauville. The Friends of the Deauville Organ association has organised a series of classical concerts in local churches and cathedrals. This is a chance to hear music that withstood the test of time in a beautiful, historic setting.