Hi Kara. Your link was a little bit broken so I fixed it (I changed hmtl to html) Here it is. Whereabouts is Mauron in relation to Paris?

Your post really makes me wish I could be in France again for this National event, but unfortunately, I'm a long way away, in Australia. My brother is a musician who lives in Paris, and I have visited him 3 times, so it may be possible some time in the future. This year he is visiting me - in about 4 weeks time.

I was there in June of 2001, and was not even aware of the existence of the Fête de la Musique until he told me about it. I can't remember where we went exactly, but it was somewhere not far away, and just in this one area which was a quadrangle enclosed by buildings, there was such a variety of wonderful music happening - amazing numbers of hurdy gurdies and accordions, dancing, choirs, and a huge group singalong which would have rivalled a Middle Bar session. They passed out sheets of words, all in French of course, and people shared them. It was so much fun! And all the while, we were aware that these things were happening all over the country.

There was even a little taste of home in one corner - a group of young people were playing didgeridoos. I think every country should have something like this!

Bonne chance!

Jenny