France | Belgium

France is a place of great contrasts, from its poignant war monuments to fairytale chateaux in the north to the glamour and Roman splendour of the south. In the north, Bayeux (home to the famous tapestry), Arromanches (site of the D-Day landings) and the beautiful harbour towns of Lisieux and Honfleur are well worth a visit for both sightseeing and performance opportunities, as is the world-famous island abbey of Mont-St-Michel, one of France’s most iconic sites. Paris itself is not to be missed, with concert opportunities in – for example – the Eglise de la Madeleine, Oratoire du Louvre, Salle Gave, Luxembourg Gardens and many magnificent bandstands. Many Chateaux in the region and further south in the Loire Valley & Côte d’Or host regular outdoor concerts during the summer months, for example the Château de Chenonceau and Château d’Ancy-le-Franc. Cathedrals in Arras, Chartres, Orléans, Amiens and Rouen make extremely memorable venues whereas the stunning towns of Tours, Montargis and Troyes boast wonderful town halls, castles and market squares for an alternative experience away from the crowds.

If roman towns, sandy beaches and artistic references wherever you go are more your idea of heaven, then Provence and the Côte d’Azur may be for you. Details of many venues here can be seen on www.provencalfestival.com but concerts are possible here at any time from May to September. Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Cannes, Avignon, Aigues-Mortes, Nice and Antibes – to name only a few – await you each with their individual and inimitable charms. Become one of the very few youth ensembles to perform in ancient roman sites including the Theatre Antique in Arles or the site of Glanum in St-Rémy-de-Provence; marvel at the ornate and colourful beauty of Cathédrale St Sauveur in Aix-en-Provence or the Abbaye de Frigolet near Tarascon; amble the canals and antique markets of the ‘Venice of Provence’ Isle-sur-la-Sorgue before performing in the central, golden site of the Collégiale Notre Dame des Anges and discover historic bandstands, open-air theatres, Castles, Forts and Palaces in between visiting roman ruins, relaxing at the beach, soaking up some café culture and treating yourself to local delights at one of the many highly colourful, traditional markets.

From northern France your group has the option of crossing the border into Belgium, where plenty of beautiful sights and performance opportunities await in Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp or Soignies. From the south Switzerland, Spain and Italy are on your doorstep with further magnificent concerts possible. Please contact us for a fully-tailored itinerary for all of these destinations.