A quest for redemption.

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

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

Photography: the gateway art.

Philippe Durand is essentially a photographer though he is unafraid to explore other ventures such as sculpture or video. His works seem in tune with the cities and territories that he explores, a travel journal of artwork. One can catch small traces of these places (images, words) in every one of his pieces…

The worldly travellers crossroad.

Travel will be the driving thematic of the Worldly Encounters festival in Caen this year.

Organised by the Worldly Adventures association (Aventures du bout du monde), which itself has over 5 000 members, this festival is a crossroad for all globe-trotters and global nomads.
The program includes meetings, exhibitions, debates, music and film projections.

Mozart rocks your socks off!

After Le Roi Soleil and the hugely popular Ten Commandments, producers Dove Attia and Albert Cohen decided to work with the music from one of history's greatest composers: Mozart.

Classic fans beware, this is a rock opera so expect some banging melodies and a spectacular show with period costumes!

The real originality of the show is the shameless mixing of disparate genres. Pop performers as well as traditional opera stars will be singing alongside known actors, dancers, and classical and contemporary music performers.

The white rasta

Pierpoljak is the one they call "white rasta", despite not being 100% aligned with the rastafarian culture and cause.

His career, his road to stardom, has been a chaotic one indeed. Finally, Pierpoljak the 'rebel' found his own identity somewhere between France and Jamaica and succeeded in creating his own niche, one that has been greatly appreciated by his fan base.

Under the guise of prudence, rare in his chosen genre, suggested by the title "Je blesserai personne," (I won't hurt anyone), his latest album is an extension of his continued musical research and innovation.

A tour of the world in dance!

The Festival Danse d'Ailleurs is back for a brand new edition, heralding the Spring season like the first blooms of the year… This is a wandering festival, taking place across a number of venues in the city of Caen.

Featuring shows, film screenings, workshops, conferences and more, the festival is an open window into the wonderful world of dance… Discover the music and dance traditions of Japan, Korea and Vietnam but also Burkina-Faso, RDC and South-Africa!

Now you see me, and now…

For the past decade Dani Lary has been putting together a fantastic magic routine for Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde, a popular talent-spotter show on France 2. Now he has become a celebrity in the world of magicians, often booked throughout the year for performances!

Lary was the mastermind behind the magical sound and light effects for the Johnny Halliday concert at the Stade de France, but also for Lorie (a French pop star) and even the hit musical on ice Aladdin featuring Philippe Candeloro.

Dani Lary has here put together a full 90-minute show as thrilling as it is mind-boggling…

30 years and still going strong!

After a 30-year career, Indochine requires no introduction… This fantastic electro-rock band, led by the famed Nicolas Sirkis, has won over not one but two generations of French fans over the years!

After their 2002 major radio campaign for the song "J'ai demandé à la lune", the band has come out with another album in 2009. And to celebrate their 30-year anniversary Indochine will be organising a grand tour throughout the whole of France.

Sailing adventures.

A Regatta is a boat-race involving a large number of participants over a long distance, often featuring competing sail-boats. The objective is simple: reach the finish line according to a predetermined course lined by buoys. There are many factors that come into play, wind speed, currents, weather, etc, and every race is a breath-taking spectacle.

The most popular regatta is without a doubt the Coupe de l'America, every year in summer, while there is a programme of equally exciting events throughout the year.

A quality show, not to be missed!

Come to this show to meet the experts of the trade and to find out how to improve and renovate your home. Come and meet property developers, banks specializing in the financing of renovation work, renovation specialists and home improvement specialists.

Your perfect home is right here at your fingertips…

Get ready to dive!

Organised as part of World Water Day, a UNESCO event, the French Swimming Federation will be organising La Nuit de l'Eau or "Water Night" on March 20th, 2010.

This is a charity-oriented operation dedicated to raising awareness: teaching future generations to respect water as a finite resource. This is achieved through a programme of activities and events, educational workshops, awareness workshops and more…

Profits are to be donated to children of the third world with regards to their access to clean, running water. Last year's event provided the funds to built and maintain 9 Togolese schools with access to running water (thanks to a drinkable water source and a rain-catching cistern) and helped promote awareness programmes in these schools (hygiene, health, water purification, etc.). The sponsor for this major event, Alain Bernard, is a professional swimmer with more than a few prizes under his belt…

To each his own music…

If you feel like going out and having a good time, then make sure to check out what's going on in concert halls near you.

French song, rock, pop, jazz or world music; whatever your tastes, whatever your budget, you can find a music event nearby.

Sensual and enchanting.

Patricia Barber is a pianist and general musician, one of the legends of the modern Jazz scene… Her sensual, enchanting alto voice captivates all who listen, while her sublime music has depth and a well-honed style. Singer-songwriter-composer, Barber is a sophisticated artist lauded by critics and casual listeners alike.

Treasure hunting.

Second-hand sales, garage-sales and thrift markets are a little world apart, a place where shop-value ceases to exist and one can find some of the best deals out there.

Professionals as well as amateurs flock to these events for their convivial and fun character, and of course the excellent prices on a variety of goods. The Braderie de Lille, the largest of its kind in France, boasts no less than 10 000 stalls!

Spectacular.

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

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

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

A showcase for talent in Asian cinema.

In Deauville, Spring comes with the blossoming of the Lotus flower, at least metaphorically speaking, as the month of March brings the annual Asian film festival.

The festival has become a kind of Oscars on the local film scene, making the city popular throughout Asia, and this eighth edition is looking more exciting than ever before. Not only is there the annual film competition, but also film screenings and retrospectives of some of the greatest stars in Asian cinema. The festival provides Asian and European film cultures with a networking hub, a major competition, and a festive event in the prestigious beach-town of Deauville.

Hunting for good deals

Are second-hand stores, flea markets, boot sales, and craft fairs your favourite places to shop? If so, don't miss this opportunity to find a deal of a lifetime. Whether you're into antiques or collectibles or just looking for something original, you can find anything and everything here at bargain prices. Take advantage of this local marketplace to find just what you've been looking for!

Raw body language.

Born after the second world war, contemporary dance is steeped in culture and tradition - it is a dramatic, theatrical way of conveying body language in its rawest form. Each reprensentation is, much like music or writing, a unique vision of the world.

Some of the world's top choreographers in contemporary fields include Maurice Béjart, Marie-Claude Pietragalla, Angelin Preljocaj, and Pina Bausch...

Social satire.

Madame Larina lives in her private domain with her two daughters. Tatiana, on the one hand, is sensible and reserved, while Olga is an ebullient and lively girl characterised by her insouciance.

Adapted from the poem by Alexandre Pouchkine, the story is in itself a complex narrative inspired by a handful of masters: Rousseau, Byron, Chateaubriand and Benjamin Constant. The piece is brimming with little stinging jabs at 1830s Russian society, a witty social commentary…

Get ready to dive!

Organised as part of World Water Day, a UNESCO event, the French Swimming Federation will be organising La Nuit de l'Eau or "Water Night" on March 20th, 2010.

This is a charity-oriented operation dedicated to raising awareness: teaching future generations to respect water as a finite resource. This is achieved through a programme of activities and events, educational workshops, awareness workshops and more…

Profits are to be donated to children of the third world with regards to their access to clean, running water. Last year's event provided the funds to built and maintain 9 Togolese schools with access to running water (thanks to a drinkable water source and a rain-catching cistern) and helped promote awareness programmes in these schools (hygiene, health, water purification, etc.). The sponsor for this major event, Alain Bernard, is a professional swimmer with more than a few prizes under his belt…

Get ready to dive!

Organised as part of World Water Day, a UNESCO event, the French Swimming Federation will be organising La Nuit de l'Eau or "Water Night" on March 20th, 2010.

This is a charity-oriented operation dedicated to raising awareness: teaching future generations to respect water as a finite resource. This is achieved through a programme of activities and events, educational workshops, awareness workshops and more…

Profits are to be donated to children of the third world with regards to their access to clean, running water. Last year's event provided the funds to built and maintain 9 Togolese schools with access to running water (thanks to a drinkable water source and a rain-catching cistern) and helped promote awareness programmes in these schools (hygiene, health, water purification, etc.). The sponsor for this major event, Alain Bernard, is a professional swimmer with more than a few prizes under his belt…

A delightful mix of genres

For 20 years, the Ensemble de Basse-Normandie has been developing an artistic and cultural project for the whole region.
An ambassador for the region, the ensemble hopes to create a climate where artistic creation and culture can thrive.
The ensemble brings together a high level of artistic input and a diverse repertoire.

Spectacular.

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

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

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

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…

On your marks, get set… GO!

Champions, new-comers, men, women, young, old, licensed or unlicensed runners... Once again it's time for the Bayeux semi-marathon. Whether you are a lazy kind of runner or a highly-trained athlete, with 1, 21 and 100km races, anyone can become a full-scale athlete!

18th century heritage.

Lovers of history, ancient buildings, open spaces and walking... welcome to Alençon and its surrounds.
An little-known example of local heritage is the town's private mansion that dates from the 18th century. Tours of the exterior on request.
Don't be shy!

In the footsteps of Marcel Proust…

By walking up the beach in Cabourg you cannot help but notice the imposing Grand Hôtel… This imposing palace, boasting no less than four stars, seems to embody the character and history of this beach resort from its darkest hours to its golden era.

Elegant, refined and imbued with a sense of prestige, this establishment brings to mind the French Belle Epoque and the beginnings of the sea-bathing craze, when Paris's high class flocked to the shores in summer. Marcel Proust, for example, was a recurrent holidaymaker in Cabourg.

The village church.

Listed as a Historic Monument since the 17 July 1926, the church towers and its high steeple towers above the small town of Branville.
This classical style church has a huge nave. Heavy buttresses ensure it is maintained and break up the sides, alternated with tall windows. A high steeple on the side of the church towers above the town.

Norman cider.

What could be more natural when in Normandy than buying cider?
Discover cider and cider-related products made by Fournier Frères, several times medal-winners at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris.
Find out how cider is produced.

One of the finest Gothic churches in Normandy.

The cathedral of Sées is one of the finest 13th-14th century Gothic buildings to be found in Normandy.
Its 70m high spires are visible from over 10km around.

Worth visiting:
Outside: the central and lateral portals;
Inside: the fine "Romanesque" main altar dates from the period of Louis XVI and is the work of Brousseau;
The organ is a 1743 Parisot, transformed into a Cavaillé-Coll in 1883 and restored in 1972.

Lest we forget.

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

Delicious duck

Duck farming, production of farmhouse foie gras;
Sale of duck products: foie gras, confits, terrines, rillettes, smoked breast fillets;
Ready-cooked dishes in sealed jars: cassoulets, sauerkraut with duck confit, duck with orange, duck thighs in cider, etc.

A regional product.

"Le Carrouges" is a farmhouse gruyère-type cheese that can also be found featuring in recipes by local restaurateurs as well as on the cheese counter at grocery stores.
Look for it on market stalls in Alençon, Argentan, Carrouges, la Ferté-Macé, Caen, Lisieux, Falaise and Bagnoles-de-l'Orne.

Not just on Fridays!

Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, the catch of the day is sold at Honfleur fish market on the Jetée de Transit.
If you love fresh-caught fish, here is the place to find all the best of the seasonal catch, to be cooked or eaten raw, as tartare in a lemon -juice marinade, as a ceviche, or as sushi.

Biking up the train tracks…

Take the time to enjoy yourself with the whole family or a group of friends visiting one of France's most beautiful regions. The viewpoint is what makes it interesting, as the entire tour runs along old train lines which take the scenic route at a leisurly pace. This easygoing tour is a whole lot of fun for the whole family! Be sure to try out the Vélo-Rail or "Bike Rail", for up to four people, an unusual design halfway between a train wagon and a bicycle…

A theme park for all ages.

Located only 25 minutes from the Mont Saint-Michel, this theme park offers children a staggering array of activities and events…
Discover the "Fun" section of the park with its thirty or so activities such as the "Crazy Cars" or "Wall of Champions". During the summer season there is even a water-park where you can slip and slide and splash to your heart's content. The Chalet area is perfect for young adults or toddlers' parents, a place where they can play pool, bowling or table-football.

A taste for the authentic.

Every Wednesday morning, Honfleur holds its organic market in the Place Sainte-Catherine.
All those who love truly healthy fruit and vegetables, often smaller than usual because not artificially swollen with water but tasting the way fruit and vegetables used to taste, will find a wide selection of organic food products guaranteed free of pesticides, chemical fertilizers or additives.

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 proud casino.

In 1912, the duke of Morny, who founded the seaside resort of Deauville in the 1860s, entrusted Eugène Cornuché, the director of the resort, and Mr Le Hoc, owner of the Trouville casino with the construction of a new casino in order to liven up the sea front.

The building was inaugurated on 11 July 1912 in front of 1 500 guests.
In 1975, the first Festival of American Film, held in the cinema and the reception rooms of the Deauville Casino Barrière.
In 2007, the Casino's game rooms were extended and the O² Sofa Bar opened.

Label Orne Terroir.

Buildings new and old on the edge of the Forêt d'Ecouves, with free-range birds roaming in green fields.
On sale, per kilo:
Chicken: 6.10€
Duckling: 7€
Guinea fowl: 7.10€
Turkey: 7.62€
Duck: 6.40€
Capon: 13.10€

Sticky but delicious.

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

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

Abbey founded in the 6th century by Saint Evroult.

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

A fantastic show.

The Hippodrpome de Cabourg is one of the city's main highlights, a place to meet others and witness some exceptional racing events. If you are staying in or around Cabourg, you won't be able to avoid it. Known for its professionalism and the great events organised there, the racecourse is the place where all emotions mingle in a joyous celebration.

Nature disciplined by reason.

Magnificent in itself, the Château de Brécy can also boast 17th century Italianate gardens magnificently laid out in terraces, culminating in ornamental wrought-iron gates by Isaac Geslin that seem to open onto empty sky.
Numerous sculptures and flower beds framed in embroidery-patterned box borders in the style of Claude Mollet make this a truly unique sight.

An historic beach.

On Omaha Beach itself, the museum exhibits a nice collection of uniforms, weapons, personal objects and vehicles in a surface area of 1200 m2.
Numerous scenes, beautiful archive photographs, maps, themed panels, a barge, a Belgian barrier, a 155mm canon named Long Tom, a Sherman tank etc, as well as a film with testimonies of American veterans will clearly explain the landings on Omaha and the Pointe du hoc.

The biggest forest in the département.

The forest of Ecouves, covering an area of 8,153 hectares, is managed by the French forestry commission, the Office National des Forêts, and is the largest in the département.
The ONF, which manages 27,000 hectares of state-owned forests in the Orne, is charged with preserving France's natural heritage by implemeting multi-functional management of the three main functions assigned to the national forests:
- economic activity, through the production of high quality workable wood;
- A choice of tree species and techniques appropriate to the ecological conditions (climate, soil, etc.);
- Sustainable game management;
- Recreational functions including:
- public amenity areas;
- environmental education in schools and for the general public;
- Opening of footpaths;
- An environmental function: with a programme of campaigns aimed at the conservation and/or rehabilitation of habitats and species of special heritage interest.

From the Middle Ages till the present day.

Built in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Halles du Marché are one of the more popular areas in Dives-sur-Mer; possibly one of the top attractions in the whole of Normandy. Made entirely from stone and wood, the structure is startlingly well preserved - furthermore its ingenious design ensures that even in summer the atmosphere is cool. These historic "Halles" host the weekly market to this day…

Lover of authentic local foods?

The farm is organised to handle the full range of farming operations starting with 2 day-old ducklings and ending in finished products for sale at the farm or at market.
The ducks grow and develop peacefully on the farm's three hectares of meadowland.
At 13 weeks, they are force-fed exclusively on whole grain corn.
The next step in preparation takes place in spacious areas under strictly-controlled conditions, to arrive at our outlets in the form of pâtés and ready-cooked dishes, duck terrine with whole foie gras or blocks, rillettes... Bon appétit!

Bringing to life the epic history of William the Conqueror.

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

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

A monumental musician.

Popa Chubby is nothing short of a mountain… He is a generous musician and masterful guitar-player who delivers music at once intimate and full of references. His tunes are uplifting and light-hearted, just what the doctor ordered…

This NY-based performer is keen on blending genres, mixing up blues, jazz, rock and funk with uncanny ease. Not to miss!

The new voice of Fado.

After the release of her album Garras Dos Sentidos in 1998, Misia was hailed the new voice of Fado.

Named after Misia Sert, she is a multi-faceted musician with more than one trick up her sleeve; she plays piano and even the accordion. The sum of these parts is a collection of nostalgic, poignant songs that breathe new life into Fado while remaining faithful to its essence. Her latest album Canto is inspired by the music of Carlos Paredes, Portugal's leading guitar composer.
Resolutely original and authentic, Canto includes contributions by poets Vasco Graça Mouras, Sergio Godinho and Pedro Tamen; their words are perfectly suited to Misia's hauntingly beautiful voice.

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.

A poet, a freedom-fighter.

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

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

Normans with an agenda…

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

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

Music from the four corners of Europe.

Ever since the first edition of this festival was organised by the Rouen Haute-Normandie commune, a variety of shows have been scheduled in different parts of the region so as to cater to a greater number of locals.

For an entire fortnight, performing musicians will be spilling into Rouen from all over Europe to display their musical talent.

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"…

Now you see me, and now…

For the past decade Dani Lary has been putting together a fantastic magic routine for Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde, a popular talent-spotter show on France 2. Now he has become a celebrity in the world of magicians, often booked throughout the year for performances!

Lary was the mastermind behind the magical sound and light effects for the Johnny Halliday concert at the Stade de France, but also for Lorie (a French pop star) and even the hit musical on ice Aladdin featuring Philippe Candeloro.

Dani Lary has here put together a full 90-minute show as thrilling as it is mind-boggling…

Brand new.

The Normandy design & creation fair is about promoting contemporary artwork in all its many forms!

This annual fair invites visitors to discover the rich variety of contemporary art in Normandy, with a wide selection of pieces produced by local artists (along with a handful from across the Channel). Become an art critic for a day…

Get dressed up in green and party!

Saint Patrick's day is celebrated on the 17th March in Ireland and throughout the world in Irish communities. Saint Patrick is, as you can imagine, the patron saint of Ireland and on his day everyone wears green, the colour of the shamrock and symbol of Spring season.

Many pubs and nightclubs organise particularly lively parties for the occasion: concerts, Celtic events, shows, all-night happy-hour, etc. Everything is done to pay homage to the missionary who converted Ireland to Christianity, always in the most fun and festive manner possible.
There are also parades organised in the larger towns, a festive procession of leprechauns but also green-clad, bagpipe-tooting humans...

Feline and Groovy

Born in 1958, in Saint-Maur-des-Fosses (Paris), Manu Katché began classical dance training at the age of five, on his mother's recommendation. Soon after, however, he opted for the piano and entered the CNSM in Paris where he took lessons in classical percussion. A talented musician, Katché won a First Prize at the Conservatory.

Though he recorded a first album as composer, vocalist and drummer, and despite writing for several Original Soundtracks, Katché is best known as a drummer. Feline, groovy and gifted with a melodic sense of percussion, inherited from his training in classical music, his unique style is easily identifiable. For three decades now, this "studio musician" has been in high demand, in particular by Peter Gabriel, who hired him for stage performances in the 1980s. He has also accompanied Sting, Dire Straits and Youssou N’Dour, as well as Jan Garbarek and Michel Petrucciani.
In 2004, he founded his own group, Tendances, a quintet open to all styles of music though with special predilection for electric jazz or pieces from the Davis era.

On the road to victory.

The players of the Stade Vernolien Basket will be giving the best they have during this year's season, working hard to dominate their opponents. Come with family and friends to encourage this strong team, as it is well known that a team on home-court has the advantage of a hundred voices to cheer them on!

Majestic "Tzigane" performance…

They are a hundred-strong. They are a wave of violins, a veritable army of strings: violins but also double basses, cellos, clarinets… They are here to conquer and yet they come in peace, offering a moment of pure pleasure.

This show will be a unique musical experience, ranging from the elegance of Brahms' Hungarian Waltzes to the ardour, the sheer power of Khatchaturian's Sword Dance…

You will discover an orchestra unlike any other, an instrumental mastery born of generations of experience. It will be a classical performance, yet these musicians are far from the stone-faced stereotype, almost dancing with their instruments as they are carried away by the music.

Furnish yourself!

Whether you are moving into a new place or just looking to spruce up yoru home, the Salon Habitat will be a great opportunity for you to meet the professionals you need to know in interior decoration, furnishing and masonry. Get the information you need from professionals who know what they are talking about; learn about the top products and best-rated services on the market!

Talent, grace and comedy…

Imagine-toi is a bare-bones show; the set is bare, empty, and there are no tricks or light shows or video effects… The only element on stage: an actor, a mime of incomparable talent, who has been on everybody's lips. He is reviving the art of the mime with his talent for imitation and sound effects and a wealth of grace and an expressive stage presence.

Julien Cottereau plays a tender-hearted, somewhat naive character dressed in too-short trousers and a funny hat. He could be described as a mix of Buster Keaton, Pierrot and Pinocchio!

Representation of the unknown.

Presented at the Le Havre Museum of Natural History and the Hôtel-Dieu, in Paris for a special edition, this fascinating expo explores 5000 years of artwork dealing with the unborn. The representation of human embryos and foetuses predates any form of medical imagery, and this is a fascinating subject in the art world.

From ancient Egypt to the numerous French and European works dealing with medical research, this expo will shed light on this artistic evolution over the millennia…

Need a ride?

Organised every year in the Docks Café, the Salon du Véhicule d'Occasion du Havre brings together almost all of the city's car dealers and concessionaries to make you the offer of a lifetime. From regular cars to 4x4s, caravans and camping cars, this marketplace boasts the best bargains!

Need a new car? A larger one for the family? Or a smaller one, with more mileage? Something a bit more fancy, to go with your promotion, or perhaps a camping car to take the family on holiday?

With over 400 vehicles offered from a variety of brands, boasting certified papers and a recent technical check-up, all displayed over 12 000m², this might be the opportunity of a lifetime for young car buyers.

Music from the heart…

Danakil likes reggae-roots music… In fact, its probably his favourite thing in the word. This is something he has been trying to tell the world for the past five years, pouring his soul out on stage in some of the country's top venues.

From Paris (his hometown all year-round) to the beaches of Aquitaine and the Landes where he spends summer months, you will find a trail of Rastafarians and reggae-fans in his wake… His French songs deal with serious subjects, his lyrics down to earth, carried by brassy high notes and groovy bass lines. Then when he switches to English his songs take on a lighter tone with melodies you won't soon forget.

By the end of the concert Danakil has usually slipped into full-scale dance hall and the crowds are wild with excitement, stomping and singing along…

Flicks from up North…

Nordic Cinema is a broad category that includes Belgian, Finnish, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Icelandish, Norwegian and Baltic films… Though relatively obscure to the international movie-going crowd, the nordic cinema tradition is rich and particularly vibrant today. This ten-day festival will honour a handful of directors and screenwriters, and reward those judged to have produced the best flicks.

A thousand good ideas.

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

Normans with an agenda…

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

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

On the road to victory.

The players of the Stade Vernolien Basket will be giving the best they have during this year's season, working hard to dominate their opponents. Come with family and friends to encourage this strong team, as it is well known that a team on home-court has the advantage of a hundred voices to cheer them on!

Are you ready to rumble??

American-style wrestling needs no introduction… Titanic forces clash in the ring, body-slamming, choking, kicking and fighting. Ultimately, its all about pinning the adversary down.
Extreme wrestling, the most spectacular of all disciplines in the field, is the most popular. Here across the Atlantic there may be a time zone difference, but viewers share the same passion for combat and sport… This 2008 edition will be touring France, giving Europe a taste of wrestling mania!

Romanov Ballet.

Trained in the Russia's top dance schools, the fifty dancers of the Kostrama ballet will be performing at the Charles Dullin Theatre. Blending traditional ballet with modern dance and contemporary influences, this is an ode to Russian dance culture and its ability to adapt to the changing times.

This will be a magical show with over 200 stunning costumes and breath-taking choreography. Based in Kostroma, the cradle of the Romanov dynasty, this epic ballet has been a great success and will not disappoint...

A wonderland…

Noddy and his friends are back with a whole new show for young and old! Noddy's birthday is coming up and his friends have decided to put together a grand surprise party! Organisation will be complicated if they want to make sure Noddy doesn't suspect anything, but that's what friends are for. Come to Noddy's grand surprise party and have a blast!

A taste for conquest…

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

Bacchus would be proud…

The Evreux Beffroi Rotary club, together with the Club des Amis de Bacchus, has put together a brand new event dedicated to that fine, ambrosial substance known as wine…

Numerous exhibitors, totalling 45, will be coming from throughout the country to offer their best products.

Participants will of course be able to sample wine before purchase. And keep in mind that, as in anything to do with alcohol, sampling is all about moderation.

Get ready to dive!

Organised as part of World Water Day, a UNESCO event, the French Swimming Federation will be organising La Nuit de l'Eau or "Water Night" on March 20th, 2010.

This is a charity-oriented operation dedicated to raising awareness: teaching future generations to respect water as a finite resource. This is achieved through a programme of activities and events, educational workshops, awareness workshops and more…

Profits are to be donated to children of the third world with regards to their access to clean, running water. Last year's event provided the funds to built and maintain 9 Togolese schools with access to running water (thanks to a drinkable water source and a rain-catching cistern) and helped promote awareness programmes in these schools (hygiene, health, water purification, etc.). The sponsor for this major event, Alain Bernard, is a professional swimmer with more than a few prizes under his belt…

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.

Jazz master.

Christian Escoudé is part of that family of guitarists with gypsy backgrounds, and he has managed to carve out a place in the canon of gypsy-style Jazz Bop.

It was through his father, an excellent guitarist himself, that Christian inherited a passion for Django Reinhardt and learnt basic guitar skills at age 10. By age 29 he had been awarded the Django Reinhardt prize. His latest album, a 3-volume piece, came out in February 2008.

Beautiful, frozen wilderness

Lost between Europe and America and bordering the desolate polar cap, Iceland is the youngest and strangest of lands. Born of molten rock and fire erupting from the Atlantic fault line, the island is a place of adventure, home to the mighty Vikings since their landings a thousand years ago and since then a bastion of Nordic culture.

For the past few years it has also become a beacon of both technology and ecological awareness, a place at once close to nature and highly developed. With a small population (300 000 in total), Iceland nevertheless boasts natural wonders that make neighbours envious: 200 volcanoes, 13 glaciers including the Vatnajökull (the largest in Europe), and one of Europe's most impressive waterfalls, Dettifoss.

Director Patrick Le Cellier fell in love with this land years ago, and will be expressing this in film at Connaissance du Monde. Don't miss out!

Worth her weight in gold!

French hip hop artist Diam's is among those rare women who manage to establish their music, their style and brand value, in a world of men. Her 2007 album Dans ma Bulle was an open window to a larger audience, a wider market, and this in particular thanks to "Jeune Demoiselle" which was ubiquitous on the radio waves for months.

This little bundle of energy will be on stage for a grand tour to promote her latest opus… Fans will not be disappointed!

Rose rhymes…

Rose could very well be the illegitimate daughter of Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan… At least, in musical terms, this has been suggested more than once. Formerly a teacher, Rose dedicated herself to music and performance after her first real stage experience opening for Alain Souchon at the Olympia.

She has since managed to gain a substantial following, the pretty blue-eyed girl from Nice. With her modest beginnings as a teacher, it was a big step for her to go head-on into the music industry, but the risk she took selling her words and emotions paid off quite well. Rose sings about love and its two main byproducts, hope and disillusion. Her style is authentic, simple and heartfelt; her world is snarky, hilarious but somewhat mysterious at times - much like herself, really.

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.

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.

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.

Frances historic port.

The Maritime Museum Association of Rouen was founded in 1980, having taken up residence in an old port hangar since 1989. The hangar was renovated over time until 1999 when the museum, named the musée Maritime, fluvial et portuaire, opened its doors to the public.

This establishment has been hosting permanent exhibitions from the start, boasting a total of 2 000 objects related to the world of sailing and man's relationship with nature. Boats, scale-models, whale skeletons, boat motors, tools, materials and instruments that have their place on a ship…

Discover a rich heritage spanning from the 18th century to the present day.

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.

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.

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.

On the line…

Boasting a significant collection of artefacts linked to open sea fishing, this museum is dedicated to mariner lifestyle and culture. Aside its artefact collection, the museum also boasts a range of scale-models that outlines the development in boat design, from the picturesque sailing craft of last century to the fishing trawlers we know today.

The museum also deals with the range of sailing-related activities on dry land: naval construction, coast guards, sea bathing, port construction, etc.

Tolysland = Toyland!

Swings, pools, slides and even a tour train! This is the kind of fun-filled cocktail you can expect to find at the Tolysland leisure centre in Tosny. Think of the great memories to be made in the ball-pits (with ball-cannons!), on slides or taking pony rides. And even if the weather isn't on your side, there is a whole range of indoor activities to keep you busy!

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!

Two lakes to fish!

Two lakes on a private estate in the Eure valley: fishing competitions organised on request.
Picnics, barbecues, tennis, pétanque, mountain-biking, cycling.
Nearby, canoeing on the Eure available.
Gîte rural 3 épis and furnished cottage on the property.

War and Liberation in 1944.

It is late August 1944. Tens of thousands of German soldiers are trying to flee the Allied troops. Yet, the bridges across the Seine have been destroyed and their retreat is slow and chaotic. For days the Allied artillery and air raids cut into the masses crowded up against the river. The death-count is unimaginable.

The British and Canadian forces are breaking through the last bastions of German defences and finally liberate the civilian population.

The musée Août 1944 is a reminder of those tragic times of warfare and bitter struggle, and of the relief felt by an entire nation. You can gain a better understanding of these world-shaking events by reading the testimonies of soldiers and civilians, by seeing a collection of everyday objects, now artefacts…

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.

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.

1,000m² dedicated to health and fitness.

Euro Fitness offers bodybuilding, cardio training, sauna, sun beds or relaxation in its 1,000m² town centre premises, followed by a snack at its health-food bar.
Euro Fitness offers 28 group lessons a week, from ballroom dancing to personalised bodybuilding.
A real convenience for visitors: the club offers a one-day subscription for those just passing through.

Takes your breath away!

Nature provides the backdrop for an original round-up of family leisure activities at the heart of the French forests.

The setting is ideal for the Adventure Forest, a place of discovery, physical activities and excitement.

Make your way along the tracks, paths and circuits and to the different workshops offering something for everyone.

Learning and understanding go hand in hand with walking, crazy exploits and daredevil stunts: that's what the Adventure Forest is all about.

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.