Event: France

Contemporary Arts Festival (Rencontres Contemporaines)

When:	Aug 2008 (annual)
Where:	Saint-Privat d'Allier
Costs:	€13; concessions €9
Opening Hours:	8.45pm

Now a well-established French summer festival, the Rencontres Contemporaines in the picturesque village of Saint-Privat d'Allier celebrates the best in avant-garde music and art each August. The village's 14th-century church and castle both host contemporary classical music concerts and exhibitions.

A highlight this year is Four Voices and Three Clarinets, featuring performances of works by Philippe Leroux and Hanns Eisler.

For the exhibitions, which range from painting and sculpture to installations, there can be no more dramatic setting than the stunning chateau, perched above a deep river gorge.

For a full programme of events, please contact the organisers or visit the festival website.