19-20th April 2008: 11th Annual Anglo-French Plant Fair

Chateau de Crosville-sur-Douve

The unmissable spring event for garden-lovers. More than 80 exhibitors with demonstrations and sales of plants, ornaments, antiques and local produce. This event grows in popularity every year!

26th April to 3rd May: 27th ‘Jazz Sous les Pommiers’ Festival

Coutances

One of the biggest cultural events in the region’s calendar. Interesting and varied programme revealing all the various colours and hues of jazz. First big name to be announced; the renowned Wayne Shorter, tenor saxophonist and co-founder of the jazz-fusion group Weather Report. This series of open air and indoor concerts attracts more than 1000,000 visitors each year.
Telephone + 33 (0)2 33 76 78 50 / www.jazzsouslespommiers.com

26th April to 26th October: Philip Plisson, ‘The Earth’s future from the Sea’

Le Tourp Manor – Maison de la Hague, Omonville-la-Rouge

Open-air exhibition of photographs depicting links between man and the sea.  Telephone +33 (0)2 33 01 85 89 / www.letourp.com

1st May to 21st September: ‘The Dandy’ between 1808 and 2008 -  From Barbey d’Aurevilly to Christian Dior

Christian Dior Museum, Granville

The cliff top house and gardens of the famous couturier, Christian Dior houses the only museum of Haute Couture in France. On the bicentenary of the birth of Jules Barbey d’Aurevilly, and famous ‘Dandy’ the museum’s exhibition this year shows the links between art, literature and fashion and the influences of the ‘dandy’ movement imported from England qt the end of the 18th century.
Telephone: +33 (0)2 33 61 48 21 www.musee-dior-granville.com

10th May to 31st August : White Odyssey

Cité de la Mer, Cherbourg

What is life like in the north and south polar extremes? They reveal much information about the effects of man on the planet. This new exhibition puts you in the shoes of the scientists and explorers of these two great untamed regions of the earth.

Telephone : +33 (0)2 33 20 26 26 / www.lacitedelamer.com

10th and 11th May: Peninsular in flower

Parc Chateau des Ravalet at Tourlaville

Gardening event which draws together more than 40 suppliers of rare plants. Stroll in the gardens dating from the middle-ages along a path designed by garden-specialists of Cherbourg-Octeville, with exhibition gardens from Dorset and Normandy.

Telephone : +33 (0)2 33 87 88 89 / www.ville-cherbourg.fr

23rd May to 29th September: Between earth and sky - The Mont Saint-Michel and other sacred mountains in the world

The Abbey of the Mont St-Michel

Following the theme of the 13th centenary of the Mont St-Michel, visit the photography exhibition of the sacred mounts in the world, showing that in many different civilisations throughout history, man has sought sanctuary and a place of worship between earth and sky.

30th May to 1st June: 8th ‘Papillons de Nuit’ Festival

Saint-Laurent-de-Coves

Each year this tiny village is transformed into a giant music festival. Join the 50,000+ festival goers at this, the french ‘Glastonbury’. Wide range of rock and modern music suiting all tastes.

Telephone : +33 (0)2 33 69 20 40 / www.papillonsdenuit.com

8th June 2008: Grand Sacrament of the Knights of the Maltese Cross

Villedieu-les-Poêles

This ceremony, held every four years since 1955 starts with an open air mass in the gardens of the Commanderie, and is then followed by a procession through the decorated streets of Villedieu-les-Poêles, with stops along the way for prayer and reflection. Telephone : +33 (0)2 33 61 05 69 / www.ot-villedieu.fr

27th to 29th June: Slippin’ and Slidin’ at Agon-Coutainvile

Demonstration and events on the beaches of this beautiful resort of more than 25 ‘Sports de Glisse’ (literally, ‘sliding sports’), including Water-skiing, surfing, land-yachting, kite-surfing and many others. This event draws many international and national champions who will impress you with their skills. Try some of the sports yourself or enjoy the free concerts and other events laid on for the festival. Telephone : +33 (0)2 33 76 67 30 / www.festivaldeglisse.fr

1st July to 31st August: Evening Visits of the Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

Avoid the crowds and soak up the magical atmosphere of the Abbey by visiting in the evening. The photography exhibition takes on a new ambience when illuminated. Let the strains of music lift you to a place of tranquillity and calm and watch the sun set over the mystical sands of the bay.

Telephone : +33 (0)2 33 89 80 00 / www.monuments-nationaux.fr

15th July: The arrival of the Queen Mary 2 in Cherbourg

The Queen Mary 2 returns to visit her very first port of call made in 2004. Join the crowds in welcoming this beautiful vessel. Several events are planned around the theme of the 20s and 30s. An excuse for the locals to celebrate!  

2nd to 8th August: The Solitaire Figaro – single-handed yacht race stops over in Cherbourg

The 50 or so racing yacht participants will put into port in the centre of Cherbourg for the 6th time. The quaysides take on a very different atmosphere when they welcome the flotilla!

12th to 17th August: 21st Normandy Horse Show at Saint-Lô

This showcase for professionals and all horse lovers opens its doors for the 21st time. Each year tens of thousands of visitors enjoy a veritable extravaganza of equestrian-related events including show-jumping, dressage and riding competitions of all types.

18th to 21st August: Les Traversées de Tatihou

Join the thousands of folk-music lovers and cross the oyster beds at low tide for series of open-air concerts on the tiny island of Tatihou and on the quayside of Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue.

Telephone : +33 (0)2 33 05 95 88 / www.sitesetmusées.cg50.fr

21st to 24th August: 14th World Cup Equestrian Show at Martinvast

One of the most unmissable Equestrian World Cup events in Europe. The quiet fields and pastures of this quiet town high in the Cherbourg peninsular are transformed to host a gigantic equestrian event that welcomes hundreds of horse riders and thousands of spectators every year. Surprises greet you at every turn on this 30 hectare site, dog-trials, jumping, dressage, exhibitors both local and from far and wide. Sporting spectacle suitable for all the family, from 9am to 6pm every day. www.legrandcomplet.fr

12th to 14th September: Millennium Fair of the Sainte Croix – Lessay

This huge country fair attracts more than 300,000 visitors each year. Come and soak up the sights and sounds of rural and agricultural life in Normandy. Various agriculturally-related events, a giant fairground plus a vast range of exhibitors selling everything from patio doors to fresh local produce and specialities! A must for Francophiles!

27th and 28th September: The Randobaie – Around the Bay of the Mont Saint-Michel

Another of the events to commemorate the 13th Centenary of the Mont Saint-Michel and in the spirit of the great pilgrims of yesteryear, join one of the many walks, cycle-rides or wheelchair events around the bay of the Mont Saint-Michel. Events starting from 3 main sites, Genêts 5Manche) Saint-James (Manche) and Dol de Bretagne (Ille et Vilaine)

4th and 5th October

6th Annual Shellfish and Seafood Festival

Come to the foremost cockle-fishing port in France for the portside festival celebrating all things relating to shellfish and the sea. Demonstrations and tasting of the local catch, including oysters, lobsters, crabs, cockles and whelks. Information about one of la Manche’s most important industries. Events for young and old. At the port of Granville. Telephone : +33 (0)2 33 91 33 91 / www.ville-granville.fr