Vendome (41 Loir et Cher, Centre) is a pleasant town on the River Loir (no "e") north west of Blois (on the River Loire with an "e"), but it nevertheless hosts a major international Guitar Fesitval every April (7-14 April 2007). This seems to happen a lot in France whereby small provincial towns transform themselves into a the centre of some international cultural event.
Major artists from Spain, South America, New Zealand, Italy, Mexico and Afghanistan head for this town of 18,000 people. SImilarly Marciac in Gers (32 Midi-Pyrenees) hosts a major international Jazz festival every August - all a reflection of the fact that France takes art and culture very seriously, even in the provinces which can otherwise seem rather quiet and unexciting.
For more info see www.vendomeguitarfest.com/
Recommended Reading:-
Loire Valley (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
Chateaux of the Loire Green Guide (Michelin Green Guides)
