What's On Today: Friday, August 08, 2008

Artwork from the 20th century with paintings from museums and art centres from all over France. At the Musée d'Angoulême, 1 rue Friedland. Entry is free. For more information telephone: 05 45 95 79 88.

Huge collection of Comic strip artwork with library and children's workshops. At 121, rue de Bordeaux Anglouleme. Telephone: 05 45 38 65 51 Open every day during July and August from 10:00 to 19:00. And at other times from 10:00 to 18:00 (Also closed Mondays). Adults € 5 Children from 7 to 18 € 2.50

Profession: Papetier is an exhibition which shows the manufacture of paper from its original material to the finished product. At the Musée du Papier, 134 rue de Bordeaux. Open 29th February to 30th June and 1st September to 31st October from 14:00-18:00 everyday except Monday. 1st July to 31st August from 12:00-18:30 except Sunday & Monday. Free entry. For more information telephone: 05 45 92 73 43.

Collection of thousands of butterflies and other African and European insects also exhibition of African objets d'art. At Place Trarieux with guided tours in English between Easter and September. Open every day between 09:00 and 20:00 and by appointment from October to Easter. Telephone: 05 45 98 64 58

Underground church carved into the rock in the 12th Century by Benedictine monks. Open all year from 09:30 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00 except between 15th June and 15th October when it closes at 19:00. Adults €4, under 12s €1.

Guided visits of the Abbaye, in the summer on Wednesdays to Sundays from 15:00-18:00. Tarif: €3 & €2 for children 5-14 years. For more information telephone: 05 45 81 94 22.

Brocante-vide grenier at Place de la Mairie in Bonnes (between Aubterre and Saint Aulay - 17km from Riberac). 08:00-20:00. For further information tel: 05 45 98 51 74 / 05 45 98 91 13.

Le Perroquet Vert is a community space open to everyone. There are reading & writing classes for bilingual children aged 5-10, pre-reading for under 5s and phonics. There are also aromatherapy, yoga, arts & crafts and a variety of other workshops. For more information telephone: 06 17 65 42 67 or e-mail: perroquetvert@gmail.com

Limousin blues from the group Eschantits in a concert at the Salle polyvalente at 21:00. Entry €5. For more information telephone: 05 45 23 01 12.

One of the best preserved Gallo-Roman sites in Europe. Open every day. See the website for more information or email to: amis.chassenon@free.fr or telephone: 05 45 85 55 15.

Exhibition at the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, 48 boulevard Denfert Rochereau. Open from 11:00-18:00 in May and June. For further information telephone: 05 45 32 07 25.

Exhibition of paintings, sculptures and archeological artifacts many from private collections. At Les Remparts, Place de la Salle Verte. Open every day except Tuesday between November and March from 14:00 to 17:30, and between April and June and September and October from 11:00 to 18:00. Between July and August open every day from 10:00 to 18:30 € 4.50 adults, € 3.00 under 18's Telephone: 05 45 32 07 35

The track hosts eight racing meets located on a 35 hectare site. Standard cost €5.50. For further information Tel 05 45 61 23 74

Collection of apothecaries pots dating from the 16th and 17th Centuries and exhibition of surgical instruments dating from the Napoleonic period. Open from Monday to Saturday by arrangement with the tourist office - Telephone: 05 45 63 07 45 or email ot.larochefoucauld@wanadoo.fr

English/French Choral Evensong at Montbron Church at 18:30.

Permanent exhibition of the paintings and sculptures of over 30 artists on display at the Logis de la Logerie, Rouillac. Open every day from 11:00 to 13:00 and from 14:30 to 19:30. Closed Friday Saturday and Sunday out of season. Telephone: 05 45 21 61 07 for details.

Exhibition of African Art Deco, Baoulé art from the Ivory Coast and terracotta Koma from Ghana. At Galerie HAEM, 51 av Général de Gaulle. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 15:00-19:00. For more information telephone: 06 11 96 01 82.

London based rock'n roll band Tankus the Henge are in concert at the Dixieland Café. For more information contact Jonathan Burton: 06 62 05 11 11 or e-mail: jon@perigraph.fr

One of the most important Gallo Roman sites in the region covering over 150 hectares and including the remains of a temple, a villa, thermal baths and a port. Open everyday from April to September between 10:00 and 19:00 and from October to March from 14:00 to 17:00. Closed January. For information telephone: 05 46 90 43 66 or email to: le-fa.archeo@wanadoo.fr

The track holds eleven race meetings which include trotting, steeplechase and flat racing. For further information Tel: 05 46 56 48 30.

Different artists exhibit every week at the Office de Tourisme, avenue du Bois Vert. For more information telephone: 05 46 84 60 69.

Mireille Baillot exhibits paintings and drawings at Galerie Bletterie, 11 rue Bletterie. For more information telephone: 05 46 41 48 27.

Exhibition dedicated to the classic yacht Viola at the Musée Maritime. For more information telephone: 05 46 28 03 00.

Street theatre, brassbands, circus and lots of other entertainment on the Esplanade des Parcs from 16:00-01:00. For more information telephone: 05 46 41 14 68.

The aquarium has jelly fish, shark pools, a tropical forest and much more. Cost Adult €12, Child (3-18yrs) €9, under 3yrs free. Audio Guide available in English. For further details and opening times Tel 05 46 34 00 00

The St-Nicolas, Chain and Lantern towers are the remains of the town's fortifications. The Chain and St-Nicolas towers are former palaces at the entrance to the port and the Lantern was a lighthouse. Open everyday except Monday. From 16th May to 30th June from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:30 - from 1st July to 31st August from 10:00 to 19:00 and from 16th Sep to 15th May from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 17:00. For more information telephone: 05 46 34 11 81

English and French books can be exchanged at Le Doublon at anytime during opening hours. Monday 17:00-23:00 and Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00-23:00. For more information telephone Alan Cramley: 05 46 04 58 26 or e-mail: alancramley@aol.com

A one hour tour with commentry on board the 'Ville de Marennes'. Discover the 'Seudre River' and the oyster beds. For further information Tel 05 46 85 20 85

The park has 130 mammals including fawn, deer, stag. Cost is Adult €5.5, Child €3.5. For further information and opening times Tel 05 46 48 30 34

Ambitious project to re-make the Hermione, the ship which carried LaFayette to the USA in 1780. Workshops open from 1st October to 31st March from 10:00 to 18:00 and from 1st April to 30th September from 09:00 to 19:00 - Under 6's free, 6 to 16s € 1.60, Adults € 4.50

Museum situated in the former royal rope factory which dates from 1669. You can see wooden scale models of French warships from the 18th and 19th centuries together with an exhibition of the town's marine and shipbuilding history. Open everyday with guided visits (in French) at 10:30, 15:30 and 16:30. For information telephone: 05 46 87 01 90

Filled with a mix of local and tropical plants to illustrate the return of ships carrying unknown or rare plants. For further information Tel 05 46 88 20 11

Museum with a variety of displays and exhibitions depicting the life and history of the town since ancient times. The museum is built in the walls of the old Pontaillac market and is open from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00 during the winter period and from 1st June to 5th September from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 15:00 to 19:30. For information telephone: 05 46 38 85 96 or email to: musee@mairie-royan.fr

Exhibition of nature paintings and photographs at the Salle des Jacobins, Médiathèque François Mitterrand. Free entry. For more information telephone: 05 46 93 25 39.

Paintings and sculptures from amateur artists are on exhibition at the Salle Centrale from 14:00-19:00. For more information telephone: 05 46 93 10 63.

Festival of jazz, classical music and stories at the Abbaye de Fontdouce. For more information telephone: 05 46 91 55 24 or e-mail: fontdouce@wanadoo.fr

Museum with displays and exhibitions depicting the life of Neolithic and Paleolithic man in Western Europe. At the Place Mairie. Open from 1st April to 30th June and in September from 10:00 to 19:00 and from 10:00 to 20:00 in July and August. From 1st October to 31st December open from 10:00 to 18:00. For further information telephone: 0 810 130 134

This zoo and botanic garden hosts an array of museums including a shell museum, a butterfly and insect museum and a maratime museum. There is a 35 minute show of parrots in flight. Cost is Adult €10, Child €7, discounts available. For further information and opening times Tel 05 46 29 23 23

Museum depicting the geology and life in one of the biggest estuaries in Western Europe. At 47, avenue Paul Roullet. Open every day - times vary depending on the season. For full information telephone: 05 46 23 77 77 or email to: info@leparcdelestuaire

Every Friday at Place Gambetta from 08:00-19:00. For more information telephone: 06 87 44 29 80.

Visit the Eglise de St Pierre d'Oléron and discover the exceptional views from the top of the bell tower. Open Monday to Friday from 09:30-13:00 & 14:45-18:30. Entry; Adults €2, chidren 7-12 years €1 & under 7's free. For more information telephone: 05 46 47 02 83.

Located in the Brouage Marshes, there is a chance for visitors to see fresh water terrapin, cattle egret, european otter and much more. For further details and opening times Tel 05 46 99 04 36

From 10:00 All levels welcome. For more information telephone: 05 49 07 12 12 or email to: amanda.holmes@wanadoo.fr

Free guided visits every day except Mondays. For more information telephone: 05 49 70 84 03.

Museum with exhibitions showing the various styles of human habitation dating from 2000 years before the pyramids. For information email to: musee-bougon@deux-sevres.com

Exhibition of photographs on the heritage and tradition of towns twinned with Bressuire. Fraserburgh in Scotland is featured in April and Leixlip in Ireland, in September. At the Médiathèque. For more information telephone: 05 49 65 29 27.

Museum with permanent exhibits depicting how the marshlands of the Marais Poitivin have shaped life in the area. At the Place de la Coutume. Open every day. In April, October and the school holidays from 13:00 to 18:00, in May, June and September from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00 and during July and August from 10:00 to 19:00. For information telephone: 05 49 35 83 26 or email to: MMM@wanadoo.fr

Adventure playground with rope climbing and a variety of outdoor challenges adapted to adults and children of all ages. At Pic Vert Adventure everyday from 10:00-19:00. For more information telephone: 05 49 72 43 88.

This park has a vast collection of ancient rose trees and thousands of different shrubs. Entry is €2/child and €4.50/adult. For further information Tel 05 49 29 15 10

Exhibition of copies of art masterpieces. At the CA Groupama, 2, Avenue de Limoges from 08:00 to 18:00 weekdays. Closed at weekends and for public holidays.

Exhibition of works by artists inspired by contemporary art. At Le Pôle régionale des Métiers d'Art, 56 rue St Jean. For more information telephone: 05 49 17 92 00.

The association 'Pour l'instant' welcomes 15 international young photographers whose work is on exhibition at the Moulin du Roc and the Tannerie Boinot. For more information telephone: 06 82 11 05 26.

Participants take off from the Aérodrome de Niort for a 3000km crossing of France. For more information telephone: 06 16 59 23 02.

Football lessons throughout the summer for youngsters aged 8 to 16 years at the Stade René Gaillard. For more information telephone: 06 32 51 92 96.

Guided visits of Niort, Monday-Friday at 16:30. Cost is Adult €4.60/Child €2. For further information Tel 05 49 24 18 79

Departing from Arcais, Coulon or La Garette, these trips can be guided if required. For further information Tel 05 49 24 18 79

Enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride along the pedestrian and cycle tracks of Niort. For further information Tel 05 49 24 18 79

Pony Trekking every day 10:00-12:00 / 14:00-19:00. Cost is €20/1 hour, €33/2 hours, maximum 12 people. For further information Tel 05 49 24 18 79

A full day tour including a guided visit of the Royal Abbey at Celles-sur-Belle, lunch, guided visit of the silver mines of the Frankish kings at Melle, guided visit of the traditional head dress museum. Cost is €38 Adults/€19 Child (under 12yrs). Visit website for further information.

A full day tour including a visit to Maison des Marais Mouilles (Wet Marshes Museum), lunch and a guided rowing boat trip (2hrs). Cost is €35 Adult/€23.50 Child. Visit website for further information.

16th Century castle built by a squire of Henry II which was completely refurbished in the 17th Century. Open every day except public holidays from 1st October to 31st May from 10:30 to 18:30 and from 1st June to 30th September from 10:30 to 17:30

A variety of concerts at a variety of venues as well as workshops and other activities for all the family. For more information telephone: 05 49 94 90 70.

Guided tours of the medieval town depart from the Office de Tourisme on Tuesdays at 10:00 and on Fridays at 16:00. Tours in English are on Tuesday 8th & 22nd July and 26th August at 15:30. For more information telephone: 05 49 64 24 24.

Agriculture museum located in the motorway services on the A10 near junction 32. Displays of over 200 rural machines dating from 1683. Also ancient rose garden and children's farm. From June to October there is an exhibition on how to contruct an ecologically friendly house. Telephone: 05 49 75 68 27 or email to: musee-agricole.ruralies@orange.fr

In addition to daily visits and activities there are reconstructions of different aspects of medieval life most week-ends. See the web-site for more information or telephone: 05 49 80 17 62.

The park offers the chance to observe birds nesting in the Marais poitevin. Over 70 species of birds. Cost is Adult €6, child €3, family tickets available. For further information and opening times Tel 05 49 26 04 09

Discover the world of the principal species of bats that live in France in an exhibition by the Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Bourges. At the Centre Pédagogique du Cébron, Monday to Friday from 10:00-12:00 & 14:30-17:00 and Saturday & Sunday from 14:30-17:00. For more information telephone: 05 49 63 49 50.

Exhibition of paintings by New York artist John Tremblay at the Musée Henri Barré. Open every day except Tuesday from 14:30-18:30. For more information telephone: 05 49 66 36 97.

Model aeroplane competition at the Plaine de Noizé. For more information telephone: 05 49 68 01 55.

Accompanied visit to the Prince of Wales Tower. Open everyday during the school holidays from 10:30-12:30 & 14:30-18:30. Free entry. For more information telephone: 05 49 66 17 65.

There are concerts at the Eglise de Verrines on the 3rd at 17:00 and the 5th & 6th at 21:00. There are also concerts from the master classes and the students and the closing concert by the Maîtrise de Paris childrens choir, is on the 9th August at 21:00. For more information telephone: 05 49 32 92 28.

One of the most powerful Benedictine Abbeys dating from the 8th Century with Charlemagne's famous octagonal tower. Open every day except Monday and public holidays from 1st October to 31st May from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:30 and from 1st May to 30th September from 09:30 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:30

The Muséé Auto-Moto-Vélo has a large collection of cars, motorbikes & bicycles from the 2nd half of the 19th century. There is also an exhibition by Pierre Certain, motor-bike expert & inventor, from 2nd April to 31st December. At La Manu. For more information: 05 49 21 03 46.

A one hour show at the Chateau des Aigles with parrots, eagles, vultures and more. Cost is Adult €8.5, Child €5.5, discount available. For further information and opening times Tel 05 49 46 47 48

Festival with games, walks, music and all sorts of entertainment in venues all over the town. See the web-site for programme details or telephone: 05 49 59 32 68.

Ancient castle dating from the end of the 10th Century. Open to visitors every day except sundays by arrangement with the Tourist Office at Gençay. For details telephone: 05 49 58 01 82 or email to: simone.vignaud@wanadoo.fr

This is a park with planted hedges, flowers and grass spread over 4 hectares. For further information Tel 05 49 52 05 42

A reptile house with snakes, serpents, crocodies and iguanas. For further information and opening times Tel 05 49 91 23 45

At the Place du General de Gaulle from 08:00 to 18:00. For further information telephone 05 49 52 36 86. This market is open every Friday.

Theme park offering a selection of different attractions with a visual theme : Dances With Robots, Deep Sea 3D, Dynamic Vienne, Mystery of the Nile, The Forest of Dreams and now The Future is Wild. Open everyday from 10:00 until dusk. For details telephone: 05 49 49 30 80

Situated in the Géant Beaulieu Shopping Centre the bowling centre has 10 lanes. For further information telephone: 05 49 01 92 33

A capella ensemble Voxpop sing classical and French variety standards in a concert at the Eglise Notre Dame la Grande at 21:30. Free entry. For more information telephone: 05 49 41 21 24.

Reggae singer Sebastian Sturm is in concert at Carré Bleu at 21:00. Free entry. For more information telephone: 05 49 44 12 48.

The Festival Academy welcomes saxophonists from all over the world for a variety of concerts at different venues, every night at 21:00. For more information e-mail: contact@saxophone-evenement.com

This recreation park in Roiffe is open all year round with all day sports activities and entertainment in the evenings. For further information telephone: 05 49 98 78 06

A fifteen hectare park with lion marmosets, gibbons and more. Cost is Adult €12, Child €8, discounts available. For further information and opening times Tel 05 49 87 20 20

The festival presents two productions, Verdis' Requiem on Friday 8th and Bel Canto on Monday 11th, at the Théâtre Antique. For more information telephone: 05 49 44 95 38.

One of the best preserved Gallo Roman sites in the world with remains of temple, amphitheatre and baths. Open every day except Saturday from 16th September to 14th May at 10:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 17:30 and from 15th May to 15th September from 09:30 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00

The forest covers around 250 hectares which include playgrounds, ponds, animal areas and a swimming pool. For further information Tel 05 49 41 64 70