When the sun goes down in Brittany there is magic in the air. In Rennes, summer twilight is the cue for music and light, storytelling and romance as the mediaeval centre of the city becomes the backdrop to memorable nights.
Les Tombées de la Nuit, July 5 – 10, is Brittany's annual festival of nightfall. Young musicians, poets and street performers from across France and Europe gather to celebrate the night. Perhaps buskers on a street corner or a storyteller spinning yarns to an audience hanging on every word; a full band on a makeshift stage in a leafy square or a guitarist strumming by cafe tables; visitors stroll through the city to be greeted by sound, light and movement as day segues into night. The event features several ticket-only performances, but is equally famous for the free entertainment in the streets.
A Breton tradition of folk tales and ballads is augmented by songs and performance from all corners of France and other lands. A walk in the elegant 19th century Jardins de Thabor may bring serenades in many languages, a tour of the city centre bars might take in diversions from circus to chanson. Restaurants create special regional menus to allow their guests to appreciate a true flavour of Brittany whilst enjoying the musical ambience.
Details of this year's programme will be published online at www.tdn.rennes.fr
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