Post on 09-Oct-2020
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