clairobscur

I've been only once to St-Brieuc, so I could be off base, but it didn't appear to me as particulary "industrial". I remember essentially the cathedral and a large square with some old houses. There's also an interesting little and very old chuch, with a strange bell tower, in a little village not long away, but I just can't remember it's name (anyway, I never remember any names)<BR><BR>A "kermesse" is some event organized by a church or school to raise fund. A fest-noz is a dance party always organized at night.

Rex

Thanks, both of you...<BR><BR>

Julie

We went to one this summer and it was one of the highlights of our trip. I also tried to find the location of one before we left by doing a web search. Forget it. There are posters in most of the towns in Brittany advertising local Fest Noz. We read the poster, looked on the map, and planned around the location. It was at most 20 miles from where we were statying<BR><BR>What impressed us was how all local people of all ages participated--kids on through grandparents (including the teen-agers!) They all seemed to know the music and the appropriate dance steps. It was also nice because for the most part they were circle type dances where you did not have to have a partner, so everyone could participate. The one we attended started about 7:00 and people were still paying to get in at 11:00 when we left. The hosts at our B & Be said they usually go til about 1 in the morning. Admission was E6 each. Outside they were selling the French equivalent of fair type food and drinks. We had sausages wrapped in gallettes for dinner.

Traveler

Julie: Thanks for providing a perfect example of enjoying the moment and keeping one's eyes open. You came upon a great party! What a fun inter-gemerational grouping. Did you join in? Do you remember the name of the village? ...And, what was the music like? <BR><BR>Just goes to show that the best experiences are those you happen upon, at the right place and the right time. You can't reduce them to slick internet sites, or to advance planning. But having an appreciation for the culture and the history beforehand, now that's invaluable. <BR><BR>ForgetiIPal and ByeByeBye have somewhat of a harsh assessment of Rex, but in it I find a germ of truth......<BR>

Rex

I'll add a note of thanks to Julie as well,<BR><BR>And to traveler, I don't know what to say.<BR><BR>I can't find the germ of truth in this statement...<BR><BR>&lt;&lt;some very detailed info for your upcoming trip to Brittany, and BOY! The wall of silence from you was deafening.&gt;&gt;<BR><BR>The first thread on which I asked about a Fest-Noz had four replies, and it just doesn't ring true for any of those four. So this person made up the "very detailed info" comment.<BR><BR>If my contributions to this board are considered "gratuitous", well that's true, they're free, and freely offered.<BR><BR>If my name appears here too often, it's because people keep coming here and asking questions. Anyone else that wants to jump in and answer can do so. There are still too many questions that sink to the bottom with NO answers.<BR><BR>I hope people keep coming here, asking questions, and keep this forum the dynamic, unrivaled asset that it is. And I hope that answers from me, and others, contribute to why it's so valuable.<BR>

ttt

topping<BR>

Julie

The one we attended was in the small village of Guerlesquin & it was held in what I believe was a market hall rather than outside. There were about 4 or 5 different groups that performed. Some purely vocal (think 2 guys singing together) and several more that usually included a bass or guitar, bagadoo, some sort of horn, and a Celtic reed instrument that I am not familiar with. If you enjoy Celtic music I think you'd have a lot of fun. By the end of the evening, we were able to figure out some of the typical tunes and dances. In many of the circle or line type (think snaking moviements in a crowded hall) dances the arm movements were equally important to the footsteps. If you go to an indoor one, be sure do dress in layers so you can strip down--all those dancing bodies make the halls very warm. <BR><BR>Actually we went to 3 Fest Noz I guess. We also spent a couple days in Pont Aven and the week-end we were there both nights they had evening outdoor entertainment that was advertised as a Fest Noz (free and outside). Actually this did not compare with the real thing because I think it was aimed more at the tourists, although locals also attended. In Pont Aven they also had food and drink available--moules frites etc. Finally if anyone is really into Celtic culture, we also happened to hit one day of the Festival Interceltic in Lorient. We attended the grand parade (all 3 1/2 hours) and the Festival of Brittany Dance (another 3 1/2 hours). You certainly do get your money's worth in France on these types of events.

clairobscur

Here's a link to the english-speaking site of the "Festival interceltique de lorient" which is a huge event :<BR><BR>http://www.festival-interceltique.com/festival2/Information_a.htm<BR><BR><BR>Of course, it's too late for this year....<BR><BR>

Rex

topping - - and appreciative for the continuing added posts.<BR>