What's On Today: Saturday, November 21, 2009

Huge collection of comic strip artwork with library and children's workshops. At 121, rue de Bordeaux Anglouleme. Tel: 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.

Exhibition by painter Rémy Hysbergue at FRAC, 63 boulevard Bresson. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 14:00-19:00 and entry is free. For more information telephone: 05 45 92 87 01.

The ONBA conducted by Fabien Gabel, present works by Dukas, St Saëns and Strauss, in a concert at the Théâtre d'Angoulême at 20:30. Pianist Bertrand Chamayou. Full tarif €32 & reduced tarif €21. For more information telephone: 05 45 38 61 62.

French female rapper Diam's is in concert at Dingo-La Nef at 20:30. Tarif €27. For more information telephone: 05 45 25 97 00.

Special events at the Lunapark include fireworks on the 7th, the 'Journée de la Rose' on the 15th and all rides for €1 and €2 on the 27th and 28th. Lunapark is open from 14:00-midnight. For more information telephone: 06 09 79 69 68.

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.

An introduction to English through games, activities, music, movement, singing and story-telling for children aged 3-5 years and plays, poetry, games, puzzles, logic, riddles and songs for children aged 6-12 years. At Perroquet Vert every Saturday morning from 10:00-11:00 for the 3-5 year olds & 11:00-12:00 for the 6-12 year olds. €7 per child. For more information telephone: 05 45 78 84 49 or e-mail: allezlesenfants@yahoo.fr

A variety of classes take place in the upstairs rooms at Le Perroquet Vert starting from the 8th September. Classes include dressmaking, painting, yoga, Alexander technique, arts & crafts and reading & writing for children. For further information telephone: 05 45 78 84 49.

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 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

A brass and percussion concert of symphony, opera, film, popular and jazz music at Avant-Scène at 20:30. Tarif €18. For more information telephone: 05 45 82 32 78.

The ice-skating season returns with the Patinoire de Cognac opening from the 23rd October until the 7th March 2010. The rink is located on the Esplanade de la Croix Montamette, Parc des Expositions Espace 3000. See the web-site for opening times and tarifs.

Two-hour English literacy classes for children, run on Saturdays in term time by the Accents Association. See the web-site for full details or telephone: Kathryn Dobson: 05 49 97 10 17.

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

A British councillor will be present at the Tradi Home lotissement, rue de la Gendarmarie, Mansle to answer questions on new build and construction in France. For more information contact Chris Price: 06 84 63 25 84

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.

The 16th edition of the Piano en Valois music festival takes place from the 13th to the 20th October and the 14th to the 21st November. Classical and jazz concerts in Angoulême, Soyaux, Cognac, La Rochefoucauld and a number of other towns in the region. Artists appearing include Pietro de Maria, David Bismuth, Mu Ye Wu and the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine. See the web-site for programme details.

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 funfair is open all year round at Place Jean Moulin. For more information telephone: 05 46 56 26 97.

Swimming lessons for children aged 6 months to 3 years at the Centre Aquatique on Wednesday from 09:30-10:15 & Saturday from 09:30-11:30 (Saturdays only in July from 09:00-11:00 and 09:30-11:30 in the school holidays). For more information telephone: 05 46 56 44 11.

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

An exhibition of paintings, engravings and works exploring the life of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland. The exhibition is on at the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, Hôtel Fleuriau, 10, rue Fleuriau and is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:30-12:30 & 13:30-17:00 and Saturday, Sunday & bank holidays from 14:30-18:00. Tarif €4, reduced tarif €3 & free for everyone on the first Sunday of each month. For more information telephone: 05 46 41 46 50.

'Jérusalem et Les Visages' is an exhibition by Didier Ben Loulou of photographs of the life and people in Jerusalem from 1991-2006. Held at Carré Amelot. Entry is free with reservation. For more information telephone: 05 46 51 14 70.

Contemporary arts salon at Espace Encan. For more information telephone: 05 46 45 90 90.

A number of events take place in the town to celebrate the Fête de la Science. Programme details are available from the Office de Tourisme or the web-site.

Festival of music and dance with 18 free concerts in La Rochelle and nearby towns. For more information telephone: 05 46 30 37 44 or e-mail: janie.roland.tuffet@agglo-larochelle.fr

Festival of adventure films including Malcolm McDonalds' film on Douglas Mawsons' crossing of the Antarctic in 1913. Espace Encan, quai Louis Prunier. For more information telephone: 05 46 45 90 90.

Irish, rock, jazz, blues and French music, a variety of live music every Saturday night at Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub, 14 Quai Duperré. For more information telephone Kevin or Mary: 05 46 07 77 37.

The Philippe Candeloro ice show Hello and Goodbye at the Parc des Expositions has been cancelled. Ticket refunds can be obtained from the points of sale.

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

A 45 minute visit with commentary to the historic Hôtel de Ville building on Saturdays and Sundays at 15:00 and everyday at 15:00 in the school holidays. Tarif €4 & €1.50 for students & children over 10. For more information telephone: 05 46 41 14 68 or e-mail: accueil@larochelle-tourisme.com

Curry night every Saturday at The Doublon in Lorignac 05 46 04 58 26. Poppodoms and dips, curry, rice and naan bread on the menu at €10. Vegetarian option available.

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 €5.50, Child €3.50. Tel: 05 46 48 30 34

At the Cours Roy Bry behind the post office from 07:00 to 18:00. For more information telephone: 05 46 58 23 15

Exhibition by German artist Andréas Dettloff at the Hôtel de St Clémént, 63 avenue Charles de Gaulle. For more information telephone: 05 46 82 91 60.

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

The Association Franco Anglaise meets for social events and activities including language classes, walking, gardening, patchwork, line dancing, book club and a number of social gatherings each month. For more information telephone: 05 46 85 44 80.

The Bollywood spectacle Divali is on at Casino Lucien Barrière. For more information telephone: 05 46 39 03 31.

A private collection of artwork on exhibition at the Galerie-workshop Marie Tillard, 5 bis rue Dangibeaud. The exhibition is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 15:00-19:00. For more information telephone: 06 71 90 77 31 or 09 75 96 85 50.

Plants for sale at the Maison des Associations, Salle Gérard Philipe, from 10:00-12:00 & 14:00-17:00. For more information telephone: 05 46 74 26 87.

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

The APA welcomes fishermen for a friendly discussion and exchange of information, every Saturday morning on the port of St Denis from 10:00-12:30. For more information telephone: 06 10 39 60 62.

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

The Aunis choir give a concert of extracts from Faurés' Requiem, at the Eglise Notre Dame. For more information telephone: 05 46 07 20 02.

Creative leisure salon with advice, information and workshops covering jewellery making, table and floral arts, decoration, painting, patchwork, scrapbooking and much more. The salon is on at Bocapole on Saturday from 10:00-19:00 and Sunday from 10:00-18:00. Entry €3 & free for under 12's. Workshops last from 1-2 hours and cost €4-€10. For more information telephone: 05 49 81 23 45.

An exhibition of the latest pen and ink drawings by Louise Davies, featuring some of the highlights of the Romanesque churches of Melle and beyond. The drawings reveal the fabulous details of many of the carved grotesques (modillons) as well as images of the churches themselves. The exhibition is held at the Office de Tourisme and is open in October, Monday to Saturday from 09:30-12:30 & 14:00-18:00 and in November, Monday to Friday from 09:30-12:30 & 14:00-17:30. For more information telephone: 05 49 29 15 10.

Daniel Givones' jazz quartet is in concert at the Café du Boulevard at 21:00. For more information telephone: 05 49 27 01 28.

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

Photographers Nicolas Riffaud and Sébastien Gaudronneau present their vision of Niort by night with an installation entitled Exil. The exhibition is at Le Pilori from Tuesday to Sunday and is open from 13:00-19:30. For more information telephone: 05 49 78 79 88.

An exhibition by Daniel Mar who uses paper as an art matreial to create his works, at Espace Expressions Macif-Smip, 13 rue Thiers Plan. Entry is free. For more information telephone: 05 49 09 30 25.

National science week with exhibitions, visits, open days and lectures. See the website for details or telephone: 05 49 24 18 79.

The Espace Culturel Mendes France welcomes the Inrocks Indie Club tour featuring Dan Black, Danananaykroyd and Phospho. 20:30. Tarif €10. For more information telephone: 05 49 17 39 17.

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

Wines and gastronomic specialities at the Salle Socio Culturelle, starting at 10:00. For more information telephone: 05 49 07 67 48.

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

Lectures, film projections and an exhibition of fifty photographs tracing the history of the Berlin Wall, at the anciennes Ecuries du Château. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday and Sundays 15th, 22nd & 29th November from 14:00-18:00. Entry is free. For more information telephone: 05 49 66 42 99.

Exhibition on the forest of Chizé at Zoodyssée Animal Park. See the web-site for more information.

Rock'n roll and rockabilly to dance to at the Bar Le Centre the first Saturday of every month at 20:00. Free entry. Beetle crushers are optional. For more information telephone: 05 49 48 21 38.

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

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

The Saturday Club has creative activities, music and stories to help children maintain their English language. From 10:30-11:30. €6 per session. For more information telephone: 05 49 97 10 17 or e-mail: accentsadmin@orange.fr

Professional brocante on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 403 Allée des Peupliers from 09:00-19:00. For more information telephone: 05 49 47 36 99.

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

Live music or karaoke every Saturday night at the Hotel de la Paix in Place d'Armes. All musicians welcome, if you want to play just turn up (PA system provided). Entry is free. From 20:00. For more information telephone: 06 85 55 98 71.

Catergory 1 course with meetings throughout the year. Standard rate €6. For further information Tel 05 49 86 19 46

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

Renaudot fleamarket at Place Porte de Chinon in Loudun. 08:00-19:00. On the 2nd Saturday of every month. For further information tel: 06 88 46 51 00.

A recreation of the Tower of Babel by artist Jakob Gautel using 15000 books of all shapes, sizes and languages. The Tour de Babel can be seen at the Maison de l'Architecture, 1 rue de la Tranchée. For more information telephone: 05 49 42 89 79.

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

Exhibition of minerals and fossils at Les Arènes, Parc des Expositions, from 10:00-19:00. Entry €3 & free for under 16's. For more information telephone: 05 49 61 23 86.

American indie-rock band 'The Pains of Being Pure at Heart' are in concert at Le Confort Moderne at 21:00. Tarif €13 & reduced tarif €10. Support from French indie-pop band Pull (Solo). For more information telephone: 05 49 46 08 08.

Rock'n' roll band Narvalo Swing are in concert at Le Pince Oreille on the 20th and 21st at 22:30. For more information telephone: 05 49 60 25 99.

The bowling club is open everyday from 11:00-01:00 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 11:00-02:00 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and from 14:30-20:00 on Sunday. See the website for full details or telephone: 05 49 01 92 33.

A guided visit from Notre Dame to Sainte Radegonde via la Grand Rue starting at 14:30. Tarif €5.50. For more information and inscriptions telephone the Office de Tourisme: 05 49 41 21 24 or e-mail: accueil@ot-poitiers.fr

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

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

Exhibition of paintings by François Bhavsar at the Abbaye St Benoît. Open Tuesday to Friday from 09:00-12:00 & 14:00-18:00, Saturday 09:00-13:00 & 14:30-19:00 and on Sunday from 14:30-19:00. Entry is free. For more information telephone: 05 49 47 44 53.