Northern France: What's on in September

ANGELA BIRD'S
Northern France
What to do and see within 90 minutes of Calais

WHAT'S ON IN NORTHERN FRANCE

September 2008
(entries in red indicate new additions)

	PLEASE NOTE This website is really just a supplement to Angela Bird's guidebook, Northern France: What to do and see within 90 minutes of Calais (left), which gives full details in its 176 pages of hundreds of interesting and off-beat tourist sites throughout the region. What you see on the website consists of either extra topics not covered in the book (Calendar, Restaurants, Travel routes, Internet links etc), or updated information (new tourist attractions open - or old ones closed) since the book appeared. For the complete picture, order Northern France through bookshops in the UK and Ireland, or from Amazon ; it is also on sale in good bookshops throughout Northern France.	The listings on this site are supplied in good faith, gathered by the author from various sources. However it is always wise to check details with organisers or tourist offices before making a special journey. 59=Nord 62=Pas de Calais 80=Somme

Early Sept	Antiques fair Three-day annual antiques fair	Cassel.59
Until 21 Sept	Néogothique en Montreuillois Montreuil’s ecclesiastical artists and architects were much influenced by Neogothic style. The exhibition shows church plate, vestments and other ornate treasures. Daily 3-6pm. Admission free.	Musée Roger Rodière, Chapelle Sainte-Austreberthe Montreuil 62
Until 21 Sept	« Amiens, la cathédrale en couleurs » The summer illuminated show, at nightfall, bringing to life the wonderfully-carved medieval sculptures on the West Front of the cathedral. Not to be missed! Daily: June 10.45pm; July 10.30pm; Aug 10pm; Sept 9.45pm. Free; no booking required.	Cathedral, Amiens, 80 (tel: 03 22 71 60 50)
Until 28 Sept	Autour d'Eanger Iving Couse Exhibition of photographs by an American artist–a member of the School of Etaples–who settled in the fishing port in 1893. They show local views, and the lives of the fishing families of the late 19th century. Aongside them are pastel drawings by Belgian artist Jos Van den Nieuwenhof, made from Couse’s photographs.	Musée de la Marine, Etaples 62
Until 2 Nov	Eugène CHIGOT (1860-1923) This painter, from Valenciennes, was the instigator of the famous “School of Etaples”, a group of artists from all over the world who were drawn to set up their easels around the bay of the Canche in the late 19th century. Works by Chigot as well as by other artists of the group.	Musée du Touquet, Le Touquet 62
Until 16 Nov	L'autre Allemagne (1914-1924) : rêver la paix Exhibition devoted to German writers and artists who denounced the inhumanity of World War I and dreamed of a more peaceful world.	Historial de la Grande Guerre, Péronne, 80
Until 16 Nov	Le camp militaire britannique d'Etaples - 1915/1919 Photographs of the vast military camp – one of the largest British bases of World War I - that was installed at Etaples. Photographs, plans and objects dug up from the sites.	Musée Quentovic, Etaples, near Le Touquet 62
Until 16 Nov	Fendre l’Ombre 2008 Strange wooden figures sculpted by Christian Lapie are scattered about the grounds of the former abbey. Mon-Fri 2-6pm; Sat, Sun 10-12 & 2-6 (28 Apr-28 Sept, daily 10-6). Admission free.	St Riquier, nr Abbeville, 80
Until 31 Dec	Dans les pas de Francis Tattegrain, Bernard Clarisse Works in the claqssical tradition of art by a contemporary painter.	Musée Opale-Sud, Berck-sur-Mer 62
Until 31 Dec	Dans les pas de Francis Tattegrain, Jacques Damville Paintings by a contemporary artist who shows landscapes, people at work, in realistic style. Damville has recently turned to ceramics, creating a series of seascapes on enamelled plaques.	Musée Opale-Sud, Berck-sur-Mer 62
5,6 Sept 12,13 Sept 19, 20 Sept	Histoires et Rêves d’Artois Magnificent son-et-lumière show, with hundreds of local participants re-enacting parts of their turbulent history. Commentary spoken by famous northern comedian Dany Boon (now renowned for his 2008 film Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis). Early booking essential. Dress warmly, and arrive early to ensure easy parking. Near Arras golf club. 9pm. 15 euros, children under 13 5 euros; family (2+3) 40 euros	Anzin-St-Aubin, nr Arras 62 (tel: 03 21 51 29 61).
6 Sept-18 Oct	Festival des cathédrales de Picardie Festival of renaissance music given by internationally-known artistes in some wonderful Gothic churches and cathedrals, echoing the style of music that would have been popular here at the time.	Various religious buildings, including Amiens cathedral and Péronne church, plus other venues farther afield. 80 (tel: 03 22 22 44 94)
12 Sept-14 Dec	Commémorer : hier, aujourd’hui et demain (1918-2008) The 90th anniversary of the ending of World War I poses the question of how the Great War be commemorated today. “Land art” around the museum itself, and photographs of war memorials show some possibilities.	Historial de la Grande Guerre, Péronne 80
13, 14 Sept	Fête au bord de l’eau Annual event that turns the clock back to medieval times in the picturesque, waterside St-Leu district of the city. Lots of entertainment on offer, from Boulevard du Cange to Boulevard Baraban, with local foods, living history and old crafts.	St-Leu district, Amiens, 80 (tel: 03 22 44 22 79).
20 & 21 Sept	Journées du Patrimoine Nationwide Heritage Weekend, on which some unusual places are open to the public.	Throughout France
26, 27 Sept	La Nuit du Miroir aux alouettes, Anno 1585 Annual promenade performances around the old streets and ramparts of Bergues, with costumed characters in wait... Booking opened in October, so chances of a last-minute ticket are low, but who knows... (There are 2 other dates in September)	Tourist office, Bergues 59 (tel: 03.28.68.71.06)
28 Sept	Grande Braderie/Rederie Huge brocante fair throughout the streets and squares around the belfry.	Amiens 80.

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