Events & Festivals in Normandy in October

The most noble of actors.

The mighty horse has for years reigned supreme on the silver screen - it has been the subject of films, documentaries, cartoons, etc. It is a photogenic, graceful and noble creature of great intelligence.

The Epona festival, created in 1993, awards the best screen production that involves horses, and as a whole showcases the equestrian world and its relevance in today's mediascape.

There are five competition categories for this award: News; Fiction; Reporting; Documentary; and TV Advertising. It is the only festival of its kind in Europe and boasts more than 25 participating countries.

Now film directors, publicists, producers and TV-channel directors will be coming to the Epona festival and hoping to make it to the top of the podium… They long to hold the famed "Horses of Arman" (Chevaux d'Arman), or even better, to recieve the ultimate prize, the Gold of the Horses of Arman.

Of course, they are all well aware of the media frenzy that will surround the victor…

From swing to rhythm and blues…

From swing to rhythm and blues and even some choreographed street dance…the best music and the best dancers find their place in a succession of different sets presenting acrobatics, vocals, magic and dance.

To bring out the very best response in the audience, the troop of artists and magicians pull out all the stops: virtuosity, energy, seduction, glamour, etc.

This is a review that is suitable for families, offering everyone an evening of spectacular entertainment.

Man's (true) best friend.

Since time immemorial, the mighty horse has been man's (true) best friend, helping him through struggles, labour, entertainment and sporting events.

The horse and carriage, in all their historic and modern glory, are celebrated in Deauville every year. Experience a convivial, fun and awe-inspiring demonstration of equine perfection.

A new and fierey form of footy!

Futsal is a recent spin-off of football that originated in Uruguay - the name derives from the Spanish term, futbol sala. Rules are simple: four players per team plus a goalie, the field is delimited by lines (unlike indoor soccer which has walls that can be used for rebounds) - highest score by the end of the game wins. Experience an exciting new sport, latino-style.

Normady goes Goth-style…

This exhibition was timed for the inauguration of the new Salles des Ramparts ("Ramparts Hall") of the Normandy museum. "Chefs-d'œuvre du Gothique en Normandie" is dedicated to Gothic art in Normandy, and in particular local art production as can be found ornamenting Medieval monuments.

This relatively unknown period will be revealed to the public thanks to decorative sculptures and monuments throughout the five counties of the Normandy region. This exhibition will represent the largest concentration of Normandy art and sculpture in history.

Man's greatest conquest…

Witness a feast dedicated to the most noble of animals, the proud and powerful Equus Caballus.

Among other events, participants of the International Carriage Racing tournament will be racing down the streets and taking part in various competitions for the occasion - don't miss out on this impressive performance.

Every year in October, the Calvados region celebrates "man's greatest conquest: the horse". With over 1 400 stud farms, countless horse-riding centres and 8 race-tracks, the Calvados region is indeed the most representative of this culture and sport. 2 whole weeks of equine-related events and activities… Not to miss!

The Horse Flea market goes full gallop…

The Brocantelle du Cheval is back on the paddock for another edition, having developed a real reputation in Normandy and beyond.

Shoppers and bargain-hunters will find just about everything imaginable to do with horses, riding, dressage, grooming, etc. From young girls who want a poney to museums that are looking for that final piece to complete a collection, and of course horse-lovers looking for a book or painting… Anyone who knows anything about horses will know that this is the place to find great bargains.

A tour you won't soon forget.

The museum will be organising a special tour for the opening of the Hall of Ramparts. The tour will explore a forge, a 14th-century house, and a mysterious underground network.

Be sure to visit the belvedere, from which there is a unique view of the ducal palace and dungeon… To get there, you have to find the secret lift that runs up the Medieval tower.

This year 2008 will be the 1300-year anniversary of the landscaping and urbanisation of the Mont-Saint-Michel. It was in the year 708 AD that this rocky island, until then known as the "graveyard mount", was visited by none other than Archangel Gabriel himself. A sanctuary was built at its highest point shortly afterwards, and in the 11th century a Roman abbey was raised for the order of Benedictine monks.

Throughout the centuries, men were united with a common goal to complete the edifice in the name of faith itself. Today the result is truly spectacular. It is only natural that locals would want to celebrate the anniversary of this architectural and natural masterpiece. For the occasion, a number of seminars and other events will be taking place on the site throughout the year.

A very European Rally

A top event for both the city of Deauville and the world of automobile collectors, the Paris-Deauville rally hasn't stopping growing or getting better since its creation in 1966. Thanks to the wide support of various sponsors, it has become a must for both amateur and professional collectors.

The event will have a national following, with approximately 40-60 teams from throughout France, but the event is international in scope, with the presence of English, Dutch, Belgian, German and Swiss teams. In all 10 nationalities will be represented.

Ford, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar…this is an opportunity to come out and see some of the most beautiful and exquisite models to have ever rolled off of the assembly line. What's more the cars will be on display in all their sleek, shiny and roaring glory, further illuminated by the exquisite backdrop that is Deauville.

Visitors will be able to see some of the most prestigious pre-war models; Paris-Deauville can boast some of the top collectors and vintage traders in the whole of Europe. For some this event will be a trip back in time, a return to the elegance of pre-war races that took place in some of the country's most prestigious beach resorts.

Down in the crushing depths where man has no place…

A new attraction is available for visitors of the Cité de la Mer. From February 2nd, you can enjoy this fantastic experience thanks to cutting-edge 3D-animation and simulator technology: discover the abyss from the point of view of a submarine surrounded by deep-sea creatures!

From there you can enjoy an hour-long virtual tour… Open your eyes and admire the riches of Neptune's Kingdom!

Feel the fiber of their fabric.

The Maison de l'Ange and adjoining park will be completing their 2008 summer cloth display with a number of 19th century textiles. Of the 6 000 pieces that make up the entire collection, only the most interesting have been put on display (those with known background, specific origin and date of production…).

There will be no flourish or flamboyance, only open drawers and closets, the secret rooms made public, and temporary installations that give the visitor an opportunity to admire the intricate detail of each item.

Homage.

This exhibition is not for the faint of heart… Christophe Miralles has set up this event as an homage to the victims of terrorist attacks in London and Madrid.

His art lies between painting and sculpture. The spectator wanders amidst a forest of faceless beings but also vividly colourful canvases, a stark contrast that reflects a confrontation, a cohabitation of life and death.

Gold from the needlepoint…

This part of the exhibition will be dedicated to the golden age of French silk production, the grandiose era when French silk was favoured over Italian, and when embroidery as an art form leaped to new heights.

Experience the lavish fabrics, the vibrant colours and revolutionary production techniques. For the occasion, a complete embroidered ornament will be displayed and a new hall will be opened to increase the display space.

10 tons of scallops!

For this edition of the Scallop Festival, the theme will be "Quebec", with Fabienne Thibeault who will be the event sponsor.

Quebecois crafts, a special exhibition, cooking demonstrations, gastronomic delights (Tire sur la neige, a lollipop made from frozen maple syrup), a Quebec-style ball, concerts… With so many activities, you won't know what to do first!

As the Coquille St-Jacques is the heart of this festive event, there will be no less than 10 tons of scallops on sale, fresh-caught in Honfleur, Trouville or Dives.

Fragile, but worthwhile art.

This fascinating exhibition deals with the history of porcelain production in Bayeux, some of the highest quality in the world!

The Porcelaine de Bayeux expo is a sort of grand retrospective based on the immense collections of Michel J. Morlent and Ginette Aulombard-Morlent. Expect to see some magnificent pieces!

Truly traditional cuisine…

The Mère Poulard Inn, located on the famed Mont Saint-Michel, is turning 120 this year!

Established in the late 19th century, the inn owes its name to person who orchestrated its foundation and success: Annette Poulard. Annette was only 20 when the Mont, which had become a prison after the French revolution, returned to its normal state as a site of pilgrimage.

In 1888 Annette and her husband decided to open an auberge or inn, a place where pilgrims and visitors could enjoy a healthy meal and a warm bed. Annette was soon known as Mère Poulard ("Mother Poulard"), for "mère" was at the time used to designate exceptionally good cooks. Year by year, visitors would pour in to delight in the 700 or so recipes served by the Auberge, including the now famous Mère Poulard omelette.

Nowadays, years after Annette passed away, the Auberge strives to perpetuate her gastronomical tradition. Some of her recipes found their way into supermarkets, and a number of traditional products (buiscits for example) bear the Mère Poulard label.

Jaws: a nefarious myth debunked.

With Rob Stewart's recent film production, Sharkwater, there has been a revival of the public interest in these fascinating creatures. The Channel General Council has thus put together this latest exhibition, Du mégalodon à la roussette, requins de nos côtes , at the Maritime museum in Tatihou.

To the average member of the public, sharks are bad news… Yet, far from this common misconception, the exhibition attempts to shine a more positive light on a creature that has gone from prehistoric predator to being the prey of modern humans.

A story to commemorate the fallen.

This expo will be telling a story. The story of the World Trade Center; of an attack in 2001; of firemen and rescue workers and construction workers; of a police force and hospital workers; of the 2 700 people who lost their lives; and finally of the response that these events brought about…

These powerful themes are the very soul of this exhibition built on a collection of personal objects, pictures, films, testimonies and remains found amidst a mountain of rubble. The tale of rescue operations will be told through various things… Things that we all use in everyday life, objects, fragments, debris, a crooked steering wheel, a souvenir…

Kids rule supreme!

Organised by the local tourism office, this Children's Day will be full of activities and events. Outdoor games, workshops, shows, treasure hunts, drawing competitions, make-up, making jack'o'lanterns, etc… The Halloween spirit is among us!

No reservations required.

Organised by the Lisieux tourism office and the Pays d'art et d'histoire du Pays d'Auge, these guided tours last approximately 1hr30mins. Guides are licensed by the Ministry of Culture.

Just around the château corner…

These works are an illustration of the evolution of sculpture. Each is a step in the progress of modern and contemporary sculpture either because of aesthetic choices, or because of the materials used. These works are obviously an important addition the the museum's collections, but more importantly they represent an arresting scene, an artistic surprise for the wanderers and visitors passing by…

Producing and selling foie gras.

The farm, started by Philippe Beaudouin in 1986, is in Normandy. The setting is beautiful, at the foot of the Massif d'Ecouves, in the Normandie-Maine national park and 25 km from the administrative centre (préfecture) of Alençon.
Production, processing and sale of foie gras. The team welcomes visits from individuals and from groups of 50 to 60 people.

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.

A bike, my kingdom for a bike!

March 23rd 2008 is the inauguration date for the new self-service bicycle-rental system organised by the Caen town hall: V'eol.
With over 40 parking stations throughout the city, a new transport system is available for locals and tourists alike. The service will be at your disposal 24/7, forever changing the workings of inner-city transportation. Not only will it reduce pollution, but users will be getting fitter at every ride!

V'eol parking stations are positioned throughout the city.

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.

The Longest Day.

A short distance from the beaches of the Normandy Landings, the Battle of Normandy memorial museum in Bayeux, the first town to be liberated on the morning of 7 June 1944, presents a unique and exhaustive picture of the fighting that took place on Norman soil between 7 June and 29 August 1944.
The museum displays were updated in 2006 and now alternate a classic historical account with themed sections, a new 25-minute archive film and presentations of Second World War equipment and uniforms illustrating the historical account. The new presentation gives a better understanding of the enormous war effort made in the course of this battle to win back freedom in Europe.

In honour of British and North American troops.

TheAmerica-Gold Beach Museum consists of two historic platforms: one commemorates the first airmail link between the USA and France by the three-engined Fokker "America" (29 June-1 July 1927).
The second is a retrospective dedicated to the British bridgehead on Gold Beach (6 June 1944). Scale models, dioramas and photographs are on hand to help the visitor gain a better understanding of these two key moments in the history of relations between Britain, the USA and France.

3 different ciders.

Drop in and taste 3 very different ciders made in the cider-apple orchards in the Normandy bocage in the centre of this granite-built hamlet (10 min from the Château de Carrouges).
When the current owners took over the farm 15 years ago, they planted 10 different varieties of apple tree.
Taste the ciders and the cider jelly.
John will be more than happy to answer all your questions.

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.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere.

In the course of your visit, you will learn all about the history of the building of the artificial Mulberry harbour that was the key to the success of the Battle of Normandy.
The museum also presents the various phases of the Allied landings, from the design of the artificial harbour known as Port Winston to the liberation of the coast (mechanical models, diorama, video, etc.), plus screenings of British Admiralty archive film footage of the construction and operation of the Mulberry harbours.

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.

"A wondrous pyramid".

On the border between Brittany and Normandy, between Cancale and Granville, the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is a fascinating place. The Mount itself, perched on a rocky outcrop, forms a tiny village whose Grande Rue (the main and, indeed, the only street on the Mount) climbs up to meet the Benedictine abbey at its summit.

The bay, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, is a land of history and legend, shaped over the millennia by the hidden forces of nature. It is here that you will find the highest tides in Europe.
Don't leave the village without tasting the delicious omelette de la Mère Poulard.

A place of character.

This tiny commune surrounded by forest is a site of historic, architectural, geological and botanical interest.
When you visit, don't miss:

- the chapel of Saint-Michel, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, lies on the pilgrim routes used throughout the Middle Ages by pilgrims making their way to Mont Saint-Michel.
It suffered during the Wars of Religion and under the Revolution.

- The priory: it features an 11th century Romanesque porch, undoubtedly the finest of its kind in Normandy, six splendid capitals representing hunting scenes, and some restored frescoes.

- Neolithic settlement: the settlement has four enclosure walls looking down over the valley of the Cance.
According to local tradition, it was once a Roman military camp.
It is certainly an ancient site dating from th Bronze Age and would have served as a place of refuge, a defensive position and a look-out post.

Help yourself!

Fine French and foreign foods, dinner + show, snacks, business functions, birthdays or get-togethers.
Whether in the centre of Cherbourg, around a table in one of the many restaurants of Haut-Cotentin or on the traditional markets, every day or for that special occasion, treat yourself to delicious old favourites or new taste sensations.

Mediaeval Bayeux.

The ancient historic centre of Bayeux has remained entirely mediaeval in its structure. Completely spared by the Allied bombardments of 1944, it proudly displays an extraordinary architectural heritage.
Solemnly consecrated on 14 July 1077, in the presence of William, Duke of Normandy and King of England, the cathedral underwent further expansion and embellishment from the 13th to the 15th century.

Learn the professional driver's touch.

A stable of 90 performance cars, rotated regularly, takes you roaring along the track and roads running through 90 hectares of exceptional settings as you discover the thrill of driving.
Daily and by appointment for groups and individuals, get in training for one of five activities:
Grand Prix go-karting: steer your 270cm3 sports kart round the 800-metres FFSA-aproved track;
25€ per half-hour and per person (includes initial briefing, time trials and race, minimum age: 14) ;
Quad biking on 15km of off-road tracks and paths;
25€ per half-hour and per person, minimum age: 6;
Driving a Lotus Super 7 (115 CV, 520 kg);
80€ per half-hour and per car, driving licence required;
Driving a Lotus Elise (130 CV) or Spider Renault Sport (150 CV) for an introduction to race drivng on a 2km race-track;
95€ per half-hour and per car, permanent radio contact with the instructor, personalised comments, driving licence required;
In association with Renault Sport, take the wheel of the Mégane RS, Clio RS or Clio V6;
100€ per 1/2 hour per car, 40€ for an introductory drive in a Clio V6.

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.

Help yourself!

Fine French and foreign foods, dinner + show, snacks, business functions, birthdays or get-togethers.
Whether in the centre of Cherbourg, around a table in one of the many restaurants of Haut-Cotentin or on the traditional markets, every day or for that special occasion, treat yourself to delicious old favourites or new taste sensations.

Church listed as an historic monument.

The 11th century church of Sainte-Marguerite was used as a place of worship by the faithful of Carrouges until the 19th century.
Originally Romanesque in style but substantially modified over the centuries, the church today is a vast granite building in the shape of a Latin cross.
Not to be missed: the impressive Louis XIII polychrome wood retable, the tabernacle and the rotating pulpit, all listed as historic monuments.

Shortbread treats.

Created in 1904 by Charles Bansard, Asnelles shortbread continues to perfume the air of the town to this day. The factory also produces other shortbread cakes as well as cookies and financiers (almond cakes), still using traditional craftsman's methods. Visits (by appointment) explain the manufacturing process and production line.

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 place of Marian worship.

Funded by subscription, the first stone of the basilica was laid on 26 March 1855, and the church was consecrated on 7 May 1872 par Monseigneur Rousselet in the presence of a vast crowd.
On stepping inside the door, the visitor is transfixed by the play of light filtering through the 48 stained glass windows, the many ex votos, the scintillating reflections of the gold in the great Holy Trinity medallion above the Virgin.

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary on the occasion of the Proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854, the iconography of the basilica is dedicated to explaining, illustrating and glorifying this act of faith.
Special celebrations and pilgrimages are held on key dates in the Marian calendar, in the Month of Mary, and on the anniversary of the basilica's consecration.

A delicious market display.

Honfleur's traditional market is a positive delight for anyone who appreciates the best fresh fruit and vegetables or fish, as well as for lovers of fine food looking for the best local produce (milk jam, honey, marmalade, garden vegetables, orchard fruit, chicken, rabbit, cheese, farmhouse butter, foie gras, oysters, etc.)

A selection of treasures of sacred art.

The museum displays a selection of masterpieces of sacred art: paintings, sculptures, gold and silver work, cabinet-making, liturgical ornaments from the Middle Ages down to the present day.
These include the ivory liturgical comb of Saint Thomas à Becket, reliquaries from the abbey of Saint-Evroult, the Carrouges chasuble.

A natural habitat to be protected.

Les Petits Riaux lies within the Ecouves forest, in the commune of Lande-de-Goult, and is a typical example of the peat-bogs of the Massif Armoricain.
These rare habitats are home to a distinctive range of plants capable of adapting to the harsh prevailing conditions.
Guided tours are available through the Park or the Conseil Général de l'Orne.
Group visits can be organised on request (for predetermined groups).
Plants of particular interest include drosera (sundew), butterworts (small carnivorous plants), sphagnum mosses forming thick, spongy carpets, or the bog asphodel (Narthecium Ossifragum).

In the hamlet of Goult, explore "Caesar's camp" (a Neolithic settlement) and the Priory of Saint-Michel de Goult (12th century porch).

Norman collection.

The museum owns an extensive collection of 15th and 19th century works. From Fra Angelico to Camille Claudel by way of Guillaume Fouace and David, the museum offers a splendid collection of some 300 paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
As Normandy's third largest museum, it houses a unique collection of the works of Jean-François Millet, Van Gogh's "spiritual father" (some thirty paintings, plus sketches, charcoals and prints).
One room is entirely given over to the works of Guillaume Fouace, a local artist who enjoyed considerable success during his lifetime, particularly with his still-lifes. They hang in the section following the Millet exhibition...

235,000 hectares of greenery!

Le Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine is one of France's 44 regional national parks.
It covers a rural area recognised nationally for its heritage and landscape.
Between Argentan and Sillé-le-Guillaume from north to south, and between Le Mêle-sur-Sarthe and Mortain from east to west, the Park covers a total of over 235,000 hectares.
Vast moorlands, the hills of Normandy and the Maine (the westernmost point), forests, orchards of full-size fruit trees (pears in particular), streams and rivers flowing down from the watershed, outstanding cultural heritage (chateaux, manor houses, religious monuments, knowhow and traditions, etc.) set the countryside apart.

Not to be missed:
- The Maison du Parc in Carrouges: Park information centre (walking guides and maps, climbing site, discovery guides, programme of events);
- In Carrouges: exhibitions and sale of craft and food products in July, August and December, in a remarkable 16th century collegiate church;
- An outdoor activity centre in the Alpes Mancelles: outdoor activities for a better knowledge and understanding of nature (kayaking, climbing, mountain-biking, orienteering, archery, understanding the environment).

Contemporary art with a modern feel.

Within its outer walls, thanks to the diversity of backdrops available, the chateau offers a splendid setting for this first series of five sculptures, three modern and two contemporary, launching this ambitious project: Rodin's Walking Man on a Column, Bourdelle's Grand Guerrier (the warrior), Giacometto's Grande Femme (tall woman), Sans Titre (untitled) by Damien Cabanes (1999), coloured resin, and One Man, Nine Animals.

The exhibition is an invitation to discovery and surprise, open to all walkers and visitors.