Guided tours are not the only way for the Conseil Général to showcase the two remarkable Sensitive Natural Areas of the Ȋle Nouvelle and Certes-Graveyron. A high-quality cultural agenda is also provided, with the aim of creating a connection between art and natural heritage...

Histoires d'îles en Estuaire

An event entitled, "Histoires d'îles en Estuaire", forms part of the cultural agenda of the Ȋle Nouvelle, linking the Ȋle Nouvelle to other sites along the Gironde estuary: firstly, with the neighbouring, Ȋle de Patiras as well as with Pauillac, Fort Médoc and undoubtedly with the river itself.

The event was conceived by the Conseil Général, the current manager of the Ȋle Nouvelle in collaboration with L'Assaut des îles, an association created for the organisation of cultural events on the Ȋle de Patiras.

It expresses the common desire to develop and give life to the Gironde estuary using natural and cultural resources.

Histoires d'îles en Estuaire aims to promote contemporary creation and heritage, supporting artistic intervention inspired by or connected with the estuary, its heritage, its identity and the essence of the area.

Accordingly, the Ȋle Nouvelle favours proposals examining art and the environment or associated with the ecological management project led by the Conseil Général.

Proposals offered by the Ȋle de Patiras emphasise the deep yet fragile relationship between man and a sometimes hostile environment.

Other proposals link the islands with the river banks, aiming to highlight the connection between these different areas.

Theatre, poetry, comedy, storytelling, exhibitions, cinema and music... the public are invited to enjoy a variety of art forms and choose from these three options:

• journeys between the islands and the banks, notably with a theatre cruise,
• poetry, must-see or theatre excursions to the Ȋle Nouvelle,
• evenings on the Ȋle de Patiras with film and music will be on the agenda.

This is an exciting opportunity to discover or re-discover these islands from a different angle. Experience a journey on the largest, most natural estuary in Europe...

Summer in Certes

Due to its size and significant ecological interest, the Domaine de Certes-Graveyron provides the ideal setting for an encounter with nature, culture and an opportunity to increase awareness of biodiversity.

Over the years, the Summer in Certes event has gained popularity, also featuring on the agenda of Heritage Days.

Since 2008, we can really talk about festivals, with bel canto, film, cultural excursions and storytelling gracing the programme of Summer Scenes in Gironde, inviting guests to discover the area in a whole new light.

In 2009, six individual gatherings are planned between April and September for authentic encounters with literature and current literary affairs. The programme is open to all, regardless of literary standard; the only motivating factor for joining is the pleasure of discovery and exchange.

A presentation on each theme will be delivered by a leader, then the exchange of ideas between participants can begin after each presentation.

The sessions are appealing for a number of reasons: joint intellectual stimulation, common progression and human partnerships giving rise to a feeling of pride for discoveries made with others and because of others.