MUSEUMS 2020/21 THE GUIDE


Abbaye de Flaran is fascinating in its own right and as a cultural centre


manuscripts, original editions and illustrations – that he penned much of his work. He died at just 51 years old, a demise that, if you believe the rumours, was hastened by his habit of drinking 50 cups of tar-like coffee every day. Balzac’s insane work ethic and troubling caffeine addiction are just a couple of the quirks that make him such an intriguing figure. www.maisondebalzac.paris.fr


Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris 16th arrondissement, Paris MaM, as it’s fondly known, is among the crème de la crème of Parisian museums, which is perhaps why it’s stationed just a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower. Nestled in the east wing of the Palais de Tokyo, this prestigious space is devoted entirely to contemporary art in all its glory: paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs and films are showcased against the sort of stark white setting you’d rightly expect from one of the world’s most stylish galleries. Autumn 2020 exhibitions include fashion photographer Sarah Moon, multimedia artist Hubert Duprat and painter Victor Brauner. www.mam.paris.fr


Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale Melun, Seine-et-Marne Dive headfirst into France’s


military history with a trip to Melun’s astonishing Gendarmerie Museum, less than an hour’s drive from Paris. Children and adults alike will marvel at the immense display cases lined with all the usual suspects (uniforms, weapons and badges) plus some extraordinary paintings and photos spanning the centuries. The current exhibition, running until late February 2021 is called ‘Les Gendarmes Crèvent l’Écran’ – translating roughly as ‘policemen with screen


presence’. It examines the role of French gendarmes in cinema and TV – lots of cops, lots of robbers… arresting stuff. www.gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr/ musee


Abbaye de Flaran Valence-sur-Baïse, Gers


Founded in 1151, this wonderful Cistercian abbey – one of the best preserved in France – is now a cultural centre staging all sorts of events throughout the year, ranging from exhibitions and concerts, to conferences, courses and workshops. Visitors will enjoy the ancient monastic building itself as well as the lovely gardens surrounding it. While there’s an impressive permanent exhibition, there are always temporary shows passing through. Future ones include contemporary paintings by Lydie Arickx and William Einstein, photography by Éric Dessert, and an exhibition on comic


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New 2020 scenography with 600 m² of digital images, videos mock-ups and interactive displays


You will be immersed in the strategic history of Flanders over the centuries, discover the Battle of the Dunes of 1658, the 19th century defensive system, the operation Dynamo and the Dunkirk resistance.


The newly laid out 5 Ha circuit with an audio-guided tour


Allows you to understand the strategic and defensive organisation of the fort where at the top there are magnificent views over the dunes of Flanders.


MUSÉRIAL DU FORT DES DUNES Rue du 2 Juin 1940


59495 LEFFRINCKOUCKE - FRANCE Tél. 33 (0) 328 29 13 17


fort-des-dunes@ville-leffrinckoucke.fr www.fort-des-dunes.fr


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IMAGE © ABBAYE DE FLARAN


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