PRESS KIT

Rendez-vous à la cathédrale 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL – Tourist office of Bayeux Intercom

Tél : +33(0)2.31.51.28.24 – cbeauruel@bayeux-tourism.com – www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com 1

PRESS RELEASE An artistic and technical prowess! Acclaimed by an ever growing number of spectators and the Press, earning the show national spin-offs, Rendez-

vous à la cathédrale « Un arbre en Liberté…» returns in 2017 with a new subtitle and four new scenes! The tree of

Liberty, the main protagonist of the 360° projections, reveals itself a little more, sometimes symbol of life and

creation, sometimes simple tree evolving over the seasons. Beside it, the magnificent cathedral lights up to the

rhythm of the projections. Directed by the company Spectaculaires, Allumeurs d’images, a world leading company

in the field of monumental projections, this show is a journey to the heart of Life and Liberty!

Four new scenes around the Tree of Liberty…

Keen to set off the beauty of the Tree of Liberty – which celebrates this year its 220th

anniversary – the Tourist Office of Bayeux Intercom and the company Spectaculaires,

Allumeurs d’images, have decided to repeat the now very popular summer show. Four

new scenes, focusing on the tree and life, will be proposed this summer: the tree of

origins (Big Bang), the mechanics of the tree and the seasons, the music-box tree (birds,

and leaves…) and the night-revelling tree talking to the youths of Bayeux…

Celebrate Life and Liberty

Planted in 1797, the Tree of Liberty of Bayeux stands proudly at the centre of the Place de la Liberté, which, for the

occasion, becomes a theatre in the heart of the medieval city. This 360 degree video mapping, a unique artistic and

technical prowess, is designed to light up the trunk and branches of the tree. The different scenes last a few minutes

each, celebrating in turn Life and Liberty (duration of a cycle: 40 minutes). From the tree of origins to the cycle of

the four seasons, from the Liberation of 1944 to the first holidays with pay, from Nelson Mandela to Paul Eluard...

Symbols and figures of life and freedom bring to life the city’s huge

plane tree. In parallel, the cathedral is adorned with a thousand

colours, right to the tip of its highest point, the Lantern Tower.

Liberty, a strong value in Bayeux

Historic gateway to the D-Day Beaches area, first town to be liberated

in 1944, Bayeux is also the guardian of the famous Tapestry and has

been hosting the Prix Bayeux Calvados for War Correspondents since its creation in 1994... Bayeux is therefore a

coherent venue for the show « Rendez-vous à la cathédrale », centred on life and liberty. The Place de la Liberté, the

surrounding buildings, the cathedral and the two-hundred-year-old tree offer an ideal location for the artistic

creation of the company Spectaculaires, creator of the event.

From July 11 to August 26, 2017 – Free show

On Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays

From dusk to 00.30 a.m.

Tree of Liberty – Cathedral

Rendez-vous à la Cathédrale: a few markers

☼ Third version after the show at the Deanery (2010-2013) and « Lights of Liberty » (2014-2016)

☼ Hundreds of thousands spectators since 2010

☼ A budget of 145 000 €, 50% of which stems from exterior funds

☼ In 2017, 21 evening shows

‘’Unique!’’ ‘’Amazing!’’

Rendez-vous à la cathédrale 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL – Tourist office of Bayeux Intercom

Tél : +33(0)2.31.51.28.24 – cbeauruel@bayeux-tourism.com – www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com 2

CONTENTS

‘’It is when Night prevails that it is fine to believe in the Light’’ – Edmond Rostand

A story of life and freedom ............................................................................................... p.3

An unprecedented technological challenge ...................................................................... p.4

The Tree of Liberty, a two hundred year old plane tree ................................................... p.5

The Bayeux cathedral and the beauty of stone ................................................................ p.5

Bayeux, a symbol of life and freedom ............................................................................... p.6

Spectaculaires, a world reference ...................................................................................... p.7

They talked about the show .............................................................................................. p.8

The partners of Rendez-vous à la cathédrale ..................................................................... p.9

Practical information ....................................................................................................... p.10

A colourful triptych! ........................................................................................................ p.11

Contacts ........................................................................................................................... p.12

Rendez-vous à la cathédrale 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL – Tourist office of Bayeux Intercom

Tél : +33(0)2.31.51.28.24 – cbeauruel@bayeux-tourism.com – www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com 3

A STORY OF LIFE AND FREEDOM

Rendez-vous à la Cathédrale “Un arbre en Liberté…” is a universal show, for the whole family, of

all nationalities, enriched by a soundtrack and carefully selected images…

The Tree of origins – First

there was the Big Bang,

then came water and the

promise of life. From spiralling DNA

molecules came the birth of a tree, a

luxuriant jungle and the first men.

Soundtrack: Cosi Fan Tutté by Lesley

Garett

The Liberation of 1944 & the speech by

the General de Gaulle in Bayeux –

After the horror of the D-day landings,

the fighting, fire and desolation comes

the time of release. Projected on the

trunk, the Cross of Lorraine, symbol of

French Resistance, and the speech of

General de Gaulle on 14th

June 1944, in

Bayeux. Soundtrack: Time by Hans

Zimmer & Swing 42 by Django

Reinhardt.

▲ The first paid holidays – True ode

to holiday time, a symbol of freedom,

this scene shows alternatively blue and

white bathing costumes, beach huts

and games… On the melody of the song

“Nationale 7”, the resorts of Normandy

welcome holiday makers! Soundtrack:

Nationale 7 by Charles Trenet, covered

by Spectaculaires in Nationale « 13 »

▲ I have a dream – Black and white

stripes symbolise the bars of a prison.

Behind them Martin Luther King’s famous

sentence “I HAVE A DREAM”. Previously

shown in black and white, the scene is

then colourful, with a mosaic of faces,

symbols of freedom, such as Mahatma

Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Rosa

Parks… Soundtrack: Kae le Kae by the

Soweto Gospel Choir, extracts of the

Martin Luther King’s speech.

The music-box tree – A

hidden world lies behind

the bark… The curtain rises

on a popular scene: merry-go-round,

music kiosk, big top… A wooden

ballerina dances and twirls before she

gives way to horses – made of wood of

course… Soundtrack: La Boîte à

Musique by Izorel

Artistic creation, “in the manner of...”

Poetic sequence inspired by the works

of Van Gogh, Klee, Klimt, Miro, and

Monet… The tree first appears as a

sketch and gradually fills with colour

and shapes evoking the chosen artists.

Soundtrack: Senza by Camille, Circle by

Bobby Mc Ferrin.

Liberté by Paul Eluard – A “rainbow” tree

evolves slowly for the duration of the

poem… Soundtrack: Rêverie by Debussy.

The mechanics of the tree

and the seasons – Tic-tac,

tic-tac… In the heart of the

tree lies a hidden mechanism! A secret

clock marks out the seasons, in a

whirlpool of apple blossoms, butterflies

and swirling leaves… Soundtrack:

Asymetric Refraction by David

Kuckhermann

▼ Flower Power – The “hippie” era

with its utopian ideas is represented in

a highly colourful scene... Hippie

hairstyles, psychedelic sunglasses and

of course the peace and love symbol…

Soundtrack: If you’re going to San

Francisco by Scott McKenzie.

The night revelling tree –

The species living in the

tree are in fact trendy night

birds! They move along the digital

waves of the tree, to the sound of

electro music… A colourful play of

light! Soundtrack: The Sunshine

Underground by Chemical Brothers

Rendez-vous à la cathédrale 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL – Tourist office of Bayeux Intercom

Tél : +33(0)2.31.51.28.24 – cbeauruel@bayeux-tourism.com – www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com 4

AN UNPRECEDENTED TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGE

Many hours of work were needed in order to dress each vein of the tree and highlight the fine texture of its bark.

Complex techniques were also designed to allow the projection of animated images in the branches and leaves!

Key figures for a technical challenge

No less than 10 graphic designers have worked to model the tree and create the 360°

show, amounting to over 2 400 hours of creative work. A modelling technique and a

360° imaging method were specifically invented and developed for the show.

On site, 197 projectors are used to illuminate the cathedral and the square, 16 speakers

for surround sound, and more than 10 kilometres of cables have been installed!

Audiovisual columns specially designed for Bayeux

Spectaculaires use eight HD video projectors around the tree. The four-meter-high

towers were specially designed for Bayeux and fit discreetly in the environment,

unnoticed by the public. The columns are made of aluminium, and contain all the

lighting, sound, video and IT equipment, needed for the projection of the show.

Developing the most suitable tools and investing in research and development is

one of Spectaculaires’ missions.

These technical achievements answer several constraints:

DISCRETION (unnoticed by spectators)

BULK (no impact on the circulation of the public)

SECURITY / SOLIDITY (resistance to crowd, circulation, and children)

RESISTANCE (to the wind, thermic dissipation, water-tightness)

PROTECTION (against theft and/or damage)

Advancing technology enables ideas to become real projects

« We had been thinking about this scenic installation for five years but techniques needed to

evolve. In 2014, the anniversary of the Liberation seemed like the perfect opportunity to

propose this show. We created a fusion between light and the tree, like a technical

photosynthesis, both poetic and lyrical! »

Benoit Quéro, Director-Founder of Spectaculaires, Allumeurs d’images

« Current technologies enabled the organisers of “Rendez-vous à la cathédrale” to

give concrete expression to the ideas which had been forming in their minds for

several years. The first edition, in two parts (highlighting of the cathedral / projection

of monumental images on the facade of the Deanery) was such a success that the

Tourist Office decided to place a new order with the company Spectaculaires for the

next challenge: lighting up the place de la Liberté and the tree in the centre of the

square. It is a true work of art which once again awaits spectators. »

Loïc JAMIN, President of the Bayeux Intercom Tourist Office

Rendez-vous à la cathédrale 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL – Tourist office of Bayeux Intercom

Tél : +33(0)2.31.51.28.24 – cbeauruel@bayeux-tourism.com – www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com 5

THE TREE OF LIBERTY, A TWO HUNDRED YEAR OLD PLANE TREE

In Bayeux, the Tree of Liberty takes centre stage in the eponymous square, the inner courtyard of the former

Episcopal buildings. At the end of the Revolution in 1793, these religious buildings were seized and became part

of national civil heritage. Today they house the Baron Gérard Art and History Museum (MAHB). A plane tree was

planted in 1797 in the centre of this new place of authority and was called the Tree of Liberty, giving its name to

the square.

Trees of liberty, a small story set amongst a bigger story

Trees were planted as a symbol of freedom during the French

revolution and the revolutions of the 19th century (the first one

was planted in 1790). They quickly became the target of numerous

crimes against the republic; the trees were lacerated with graffiti

(royalist inscriptions), cut or burnt; offences depending on the

evolution of the different regimes in France. Rare were those who

resisted until the end of the 20th century and indeed very few of

these emblems of the revolution exist today. A small number are still in a minority of towns, Bayeux being one of

these. They can also be seen on the coins of 1 and 2 Euros, used by the French in their everyday lives.

‘’Freedom has its roots in the heart of the nation, like the roots of a tree in the heart of the earth’’ – Victor Hugo

The tree of Liberty in Bayeux, one of the last existing in France

During the revolution in Bayeux a Plane Tree was chosen as a

symbol of liberty. Known for its rapid development (five metres of

growth in 10 years), for its longevity and its resistance to climatic

variations and atmospheric pollution, the Plane tree is a symbol of

life, of growth and strength. It was planted in the centre of the

Place de la Liberté, the inner courtyard of the

former Bishops’ palace in Bayeux, on the 30th

of March 1797. Today, the tree is

distinguished and protected by the label “Remarkable Tree of France” and measures 30

metres high with a trunk of approximately 2 metres in diameter.

THE BAYEUX CATHEDRAL AND THE BEAUTY OF STONE

The Bayeux Cathedral, a gem of Norman architecture, situated in the heart of the

conservation area, remains a major example of religious buildings in Normandy. The

cathedral was consecrated on 14th July 1077, by Bishop Odo of Conteville, in the

presence of his illustrious brother, William the Conqueror, duke of Normandy and king

of England. The Bayeux Tapestry from the Middle Ages was probably intended to be

hung in the cathedral nave.

Rendez-vous à la cathédrale 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL – Tourist office of Bayeux Intercom

Tél : +33(0)2.31.51.28.24 – cbeauruel@bayeux-tourism.com – www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com 6

BAYEUX, A SYMBOL OF LIFE AND FREEDOM

Bayeux, the first town liberated in 1944, is a medieval city completely spared from the destruction of war. It is the

guardian of the celebrated Bayeux Tapestry, registered as World Heritage by UNESCO. The city hosts the Prix

Bayeux-Calvados for War Correspondents and is a gateway to the 1944 landing beaches. The city offers the perfect

setting for the show Rendez-vous à la cathédrale “Un arbre en Liberté…”. Lights on the city, a true symbol of life

and freedom...

The first town liberated on 7th June 1944

Bayeux was freed on 7th June 1944, the day after the allies landed on the coast of Normandy.

Several days later General de Gaulle came to the capital of the Bessin to make a speech

affirming the presence of French soldiers amongst the troops of the liberation and re-

establishing republican legality on national soil. He entrusted a regional commissioner of the

Republic with the administration of the liberated territories and Bayeux thus became, until

the liberation of Paris the 25th August, the administrative capital of France. The speech by

General de Gaulle on 14th June 1944, gave the square in the centre of the town its present

name, place Général de Gaulle.

The Bayeux Tapestry: a treasure for Humankind

Bayeux Tapestry is one of the rare artefacts listed “Memory of the World” by

UNESCO, open to the public. This thousand-year-old authentic embroidery

takes you back to the days of strongholds and castles. Considered as the

precursor of comic strips, it relates the Epic Adventure of William the

Conqueror, the famous Duke of Normandy, who went to Hastings in 1066 to

seize the throne of England. Its historical value and aesthetic quality continues

to inspire artists and historians from around the world.

Prix Bayeux-Calvados (War Correspondent Prize)

This event is a tribute to war correspondents who, at the risk of their lives, open a window on the world. During the

week: exhibitions, public screenings, book fairs and debates. The closing evening is an opportunity to talk about the

burning issues of the moment, with the many journalists present, and finishes with a Prize-giving ceremony.

Bayeux, gateway to the Landing Beaches

At daybreak on 6th June 1944, the Allies landed on the

Normandy beaches to liberate Europe from the grip of

the Nazi. From that moment, Bessin became the scene

of the military operation “Overlord”. The Battle of

Normandy lasted over 3 months, causing heavy loss in

men. Bessin still shows signs of the terrible conflict.

Today, the historic fighting sites, the war museums and

the military cemeteries are here to remind us, and to

offer a message of peace to young generations. Bayeux, with its central position, has become the gateway to the

Normandy Landing Beaches, attracting visitors wishing to learn about the history of the Landings and the Battle of

Normandy.

Rendez-vous à la cathédrale 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL – Tourist office of Bayeux Intercom

Tél : +33(0)2.31.51.28.24 – cbeauruel@bayeux-tourism.com – www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com 7

SPECTACULAIRES, A WORLD REFERENCE

Created in 1987, the company Spectaculaires, Allumeurs d’images offers three fields of expertise within their line

of business: technical concept and artistic creation of cultural and corporate events, and scenic equipment.

Originating from Brittany, “les Allumeurs d’images” are already

renowned for the creation of grandiose shows, which revealed

the architectural wonders of European cities such as Nancy

(opposite), Brussels, Lyon; they enchanted thousands of

spectators all around the world with sensitive and inspired

scenarios, in Brazil, Ukraine or Vietnam.

‘’Light is life!’’, Benoit Quéro – Directeur-Fondateur de Spectaculaires

In France, in Brittany and internationally, the company Spectaculaires, Allumeurs d'images like telling stories, and

sublimating moments in time, places or buildings by creating original and poetic shows.

These gatherings, serving as economic leverage, bring people together around a story, a territory, an identity or

quite simply enable them to enjoy a festive occasion.

Examples of creations

Rendez-vous à la cathédrale « Un arbre en Liberté… » : a poetic weapon

« It is a renewal of frontal projections, an artistic challenge! The subject – liberty, life! – is really very topical. Our

creation is a poetic weapon. » Benoit Quéro, Director-Founder of Spectaculaires, Allumeurs d’images

From top to bottom, and left to right:

- Mosquée Al Majaz, Sharjah Light Festival (Emirats Arabes Unis)

- Illumi’Nantes, Cathédrale de Nantes (France)

- Rendez-vous Bundesplatz, Berne (Suisse)

- Palais de la Réunification - Hô Chi-Minh Ville (Vietnam)

- Au fil de ŁÓdź, Light Move Festival, ŁÓdź (Pologne)

Rendez-vous à la cathédrale 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL – Tourist office of Bayeux Intercom

Tél : +33(0)2.31.51.28.24 – cbeauruel@bayeux-tourism.com – www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com 8

online 50 000 copies 10 400 copies

THEY TALKED ABOUT THE SHOW

Chinese social network online 3,5 millions visitors/months

65 000 copies 32 000 copies 820 000 readers 320 000 readers 60 000 subscribers 30 000 subscribers

Friday 31st July 2015

Average audience

4,5 millions of viewers

> see online

Friday 31st July 2015

Average audience

130 000 viewers > see online

Thursday 21st July 2016

«Pic of the day»

> see online

Rendez-vous à la cathédrale 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL – Tourist office of Bayeux Intercom

Tél : +33(0)2.31.51.28.24 – cbeauruel@bayeux-tourism.com – www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com 9

THE PARTNERS OF RENDEZ-VOUS A LA CATHEDRALE

Rendez-vous à la cathédrale 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL – Tourist office of Bayeux Intercom

Tél : +33(0)2.31.51.28.24 – cbeauruel@bayeux-tourism.com – www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com 10

PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS

Rendez-vous à la Cathédrale « Un arbre en Liberté… »

BAYEUX

From July 11 to August 26, 2017

On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays – From dusk to 00.30 am

Tree of Liberty – Cathedral

Free

+ The cathedral will be opened exceptionally until 10.30 pm

Rendez-vous à la cathédrale 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL – Tourist office of Bayeux Intercom

Tél : +33(0)2.31.51.28.24 – cbeauruel@bayeux-tourism.com – www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com 11

A COLOURFUL TRIPTYCH!

The show Rendez-vous à la cathédrale « Un arbre en Liberté… » is part of summer entertainment triptych,

proposed each year by the Bayeux Intercom Tourist Office. These have been developed since 2007.

Rendez-vous à la Cathédrale – Bayeux

From July 11 to August 26, 2017

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays – From dusk to 12.30 am

Tree of Liberty – Cathedral

Free + The cathedral will be opened exceptionally until 10.30 pm

Fireworks at Tour Vauban – Port-en-Bessin

From July 7 to August 25, 2017 (except July 14)

Every Friday at 11.00 pm

On the quayside of Port-en-Bessin-Huppain

Free

Musical evenings – Juaye-Mondaye

From July 19 to August 9, 2017

Every Wednesday at 9.00 pm

In the gardens of the abbey

Free + The abbey will be opened to the public until 9.30 pm

Rendez-vous à la cathédrale 2017 – Press contact : Claire BEAURUEL – Tourist office of Bayeux Intercom

Tél : +33(0)2.31.51.28.24 – cbeauruel@bayeux-tourism.com – www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com 12

Tourist office of Bayeux Intercom

RENDEZ-VOUS A LA CATHEDRALE « UN ARBRE EN LIBERTE… »

Press kit 2017

Press contact

Claire BEAURUEL Tourist office of Bayeux Intercom

4 place Gauquelin Despallières – 14400 BAYEUX

Tél : +33(0)2 31 51 28 24 – Portable : +33(0)6 30 24 00 10

cbeauruel@bayeux-tourism.com – www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com

Contact us (General public)

Bayeux tourist office Pont Saint-Jean – 14400 Bayeux

Tél : +33(0)2 31 51 28 28 – Fax : +33(0)2 31 51 28 29

info@bayeux-tourism.com – www.bayeux-bessin-tourisme.com