The Garrigues in Upper Normandy

The group

“I’ll go back to see my Normandy…” goes the song. For the Les Garrigues choir, it was a chance to explore this magnificent region of France under the wise and caring guidance of Lou and Domi, a choir member and friend of the group, both originally from Rouen.

This was the choir’s twenty-third annual trip. The dates for this special event have remained unchanged since… 1988. Whether to Hungary or Italy, Brittany or Alsace, the Basque Country or Slovenia, each trip is an opportunity for sightseeing, musical exploration, and culinary discoveries. But above all, for a choir that is constantly seeking harmony, this traditional trip is the essential ingredient for fostering a collective spirit—without which a vocal group is merely a juxtaposition of human voices lacking a shared soul.Étretat—with its rock formation, “Aiguille,” and its beach of round pebbles—was the setting for a highlight of the trip, during which we celebrated the birthday of Thierry, one of the two choir directors and the choir’s founder in 1982.It was also an opportunity to discover the work of thatchers, to explore Rouen with its cathedral and opulent heritage, and to enjoy an unforgettable evening sampling local specialties in a small restaurant in the heart of the forest. And then there was the concert at the church in Bihorel, where Russian and Occitan songs thrilled the audience.A meet-and-greet will be held at the St. Bauzille community center in Montmel on Friday, September 3, at 6:30 p.m. for anyone who would like to join the choir for a program of Mediterranean songs, with an eye toward a trip to... Croatia.For more information: G. Bonnet at +334 67 86 13 04 or D. Coque at +334 67 55 11 49