Travel
Information to France’s Rencontres Trans Musicales music competition
In the event you’re in search of a brand new competition expertise, you are going to want a information. Right here, Lonely Planet author Sasha Brady explains why France’s long-running Rencontres Trans Musicales music competition is price touring for and why you need to make it occur.
France’s Recontres Trans Musicales has change into a December custom for me. I have been yearly since 2016 (bar 2020), and it is a cherished winter expertise; a festive metropolis break and laid-back music competition rolled into one. I at all times come away from the competition feeling like I’ve found one thing particular, and yearly, I attempt to encourage extra family and friends to return. This 12 months, I’ll attempt to tempt you.
What’s it?
Trans Musicales, because it’s generally recognized, is an annual music competition within the French metropolis of Rennes that takes place in early December. For almost 50 years, the competition has launched the careers of varied rising acts — connecting them with bookers, labels, and brokers to discover a larger platform for his or her music. Daft Punk obtained scouted by Virgin Information right here in 1995, and over time, Trans Musicales has been among the many first main European gigs for acts like Nirvana, Portishead, Large Assault, Björk, M.I.A., Janelle Monáe, Bon Iver, and Lizzo.
When Jean-Louis Brossard began the competition in 1979, definitely no person traveled for it. It primarily attracted artwork college students and native acts however has since advanced into some of the various multi-genre music expos in Europe.
Why ought to I’m going?
You may typically get to see rising stars earlier than they make it to the levels of main European festivals like Glastonbury, Primavera, Sziget, and Physique & Soul the next summer time. You may discover some established acts too, however the focus is mostly on rising expertise from each nook of the globe — so if you wish to immerse your self in new music throughout a variety of genres, that is the place to do it. Count on hip-hop, rock, jazz, Afrobeat, rap, Afro-trap, digital, pop, and perhaps a style you have by no means heard of like Icelandic feminist pop or digital voodoo.
The competition is good for anybody who desires a metropolis break too. It takes place within the night, so through the daytime, you are free to hang around in Rennes, Brittany’s capital. It is a actually beautiful place to discover, significantly the previous city with its maze of cobbled streets, half-timbered buildings, and nice bistros and bars. It is house to the Marché des Lices, France’s second-largest market, the place you may replenish on bread, cheese, wine, and different French treats. And since the competition takes place in December, you may discover Rennes lit up like a Christmas tree with twinkling gentle shows throughout town and numerous festive markets the place you may whereas away a number of cozy hours over mulled wine.
In the event you actually need to push the boat out, you may finish the expertise with a number of days in Paris. The town is simply 90 minutes away by high-speed prepare, and you will find the Metropolis of Lights extra sparkly than ordinary because it gears up for the festive season. It is a good time to go to as the push of Christmas vacationers has not but arrived, and town can really feel surprisingly intimate.
When is it taking place?
The primary a part of the competition within the Parc Expo will run between Thursday, December 8, and Saturday, December 10. However you may additionally discover gigs and talks at bars, theaters, and live performance venues in Rennes.
The place is it?
Most of Trans Musicales takes place on the Parc Expo, a set of enormous plane hangars and industrial warehouses close to town’s airport. Busses depart from town each quarter-hour or so to take individuals there and again. The competition begins at 8pm and runs till the early hours of the morning.
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Ticket costs?
So far as European festivals go, tickets are reasonably priced with a three-day cross ranging between €35 and €72. There are additionally day passes out there.
Can I discover food and drinks on the competition?
Sure, there’s a complete corridor devoted to food and drinks, and the standard is notably greater than what you’d usually count on at a music competition. You may discover pure wine bars, oysters, and meals stalls serving delicacies from native cooks. Yearly there’s additionally a restaurant that hosts a three-course daily-changing menu created by a visitor chef. Final 12 months, it was Michelin- starred chef Julien Lemarié who handled attendees to a Japanese-inspired seasonal menu.
Do not forget to pack
Comfy sneakers or sneakers and a jacket. This is not Coachella — ‘competition style’ is not a factor right here. The gown code is informal, and it could get chilly in a few of the halls, so you may want one thing to maintain you heat, ideally layers, since you may work up a sweat when it is time to dance.
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The place ought to I keep?
There is no tenting on the competition so you may must type out your individual lodging in Rennes. The town is small and simple to navigate. You may possible be inside strolling distance of the primary bus cease to the competition, regardless of the place you select to remain. If not, there are buses and metros in Rennes that can get you there in a jiffy.
My choose for lodging is Le Magic Hall, a cute retro lodge proper in the course of issues. Or, Le Paris Brest, a classy lodge that is near the middle and the prepare station.
How do I get to Rennes?
You’ll be able to depart from Paris by taking the high-speed prepare from Gare Montparnasse to Rennes in below 90 minutes. Trains are fairly common, leaving each half hour or so.
You can too fly direct from main European cities like London, Manchester, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Rome, and extra.
My picks for an ideal Rennes weekend
Eat: Petite Nature; drop into this pleasant cafe in the event you fancy a plant-based breakfast or lunch. Attempt Le Petite Ourse for dinner, the place you may discover fantastically offered seasonal dishes (word: it is closed on Saturday and Sunday), or the Michelin-starred IMA for its Japanese-French tasting menu. One among my favourite locations to eat is the low-key and intimate Le Marrakech for tasty and cheap Moroccan delicacies.
Drink: Rennes is a college metropolis, so there are many watering holes to go well with all tastes. There are old-school taverns in darkish half-timbered buildings, music bars, and Parisian-style wine cellars like La Grappe, Rewined, and Pénates. Rue Saint Michele, often called Rue de la Soif (or Drinker’s Alley), is a cobbled avenue with the very best focus of bars within the metropolis. Begin right here and work your manner out.
Do: Go to the Christmas marketplace for raclette and mulled wine or the Marché des Lices marketplace for all types of trinkets and produce. Halles Centrales is one other glorious market serving all the pieces from seafood to pure wine and French pastries. For tradition, head to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes and take a look at Musée de Bretagne for historical past. In the event you’re in search of French style, Rennes is house to nice classic and second-hand shops; my favorites are Soleil Noir and Antoine & Colette. If you would like to squeeze in a day journey earlier than the competition, take the prepare (lower than an hour) to St-Malo.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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