Some of southern France’s most picturesque towns and villages are hosting events this summer, bringing together French and English-speakers through music and dance.

Sixteen guest dancers from the Royal Ballet in London will be performing a special classical and contemporary dance show in front of 800 people in the eighth-century Abbaye Sainte Marie d’Orbieu in Lagrasse in the Aude on July 17.

The event is the first performance organised by the Muse à Muse Arts Association, a local multi-nationality group that aims to provide arts-lovers and tourists visiting the area with a memorable night of dance and culture.

The performance takes place in the grounds of the abbey with raised seating to accommodate about 600 people.

Doors open at 20.00, with an open-air bar serving pre-show drinks before the curtain raises at 21.30.

Tickets start at €33 for tiered seating. An area with chairs for local residents is accessible for just €12. To reserve places see www.muse-a-muse.com

Classical music fans in the Tarn are invited to the 2010 Opéra Soleil festival in Cahuzac-sur-Vère, a two-hour open-air performance in a secluded village square on August 10 at 18.30.

Tickets go on sale on July 12. Entry is €12 and includes an after-concert glass of wine and snacks. The village lies on the D922, halfway between Cordes and Gaillac.

In the event of a wet evening, the concert will take place the following day, in the Salle des Fêtes.
For reservations, telephone 05 63 33 68 91 or visit http://operasoleil.jimdo.com

The historic town of Cahors in the Lot hosts a blues festival this month, from July 10 to 17, with performances from French and English-speaking acts including multi-Grammy award-winning Joe Louis Walker.

For the full programme and ticket details, see www.cahorsbluesfestival.com