Open-air opera in Le Perche, the largest multi-era historical gathering in France at Sully, international harmonica festival, free street arts in Issoudun: 10 picks for the long weekend.
Six departments, nearly fifty active festivals this weekend: Centre-Val de Loire makes the most of the Ascension long weekend. The region draws on heritage venues (Sully-sur-Loire, Nogent-le-Rotrou, Chaumont), gastronomic tradition (Chavignol, Le Magny) and contemporary stages (Issoudun, Briare, Mer). Our pick this week: the Heures Historiques at Sully-sur-Loire, France's largest multi-era historical gathering, with 1,500 reenactors from across Europe.
Carmen — Open-air opera in Nogent-le-Rotrou (Eure-et-Loir)
From May 14 to 17, Carmen — Open-air Opera takes over the Théâtre de Verdure in Nogent-le-Rotrou. Conductor Pierre Ledru and the Opéra en Campagne association deploy 150 artists — soloists, a 60-piece symphony orchestra and local choirs — for the second season of the production. The 2025 first edition drew 3,000 spectators. A project that brings opera to rural settings, in a remarkable wooded venue.
Heures Historiques at Sully-sur-Loire (Loiret)
On May 16 and 17, the grounds of the Château de Sully-sur-Loire host the Heures Historiques, France's largest multi-era historical gathering. Nearly 1,500 volunteer reenactors from across Europe bring history to life, from prehistory to 20th-century conflicts: medieval market, period camps, knight combats, costume parades, military demonstrations. A spectacular event in a unique heritage setting, accessible to all.
Tour Blanche Festival in Issoudun (Indre)
From May 14 to 17, the Tour Blanche Festival turns the historic centre of Issoudun into a vast open-air stage. Founded in 1995 to mark the 800th anniversary of the White Tower built by Richard the Lionheart, this street arts festival is entirely free. Circus, dance, theatre and music companies take over the streets and squares for four days. One of the references for street arts in central France.
International Harmonica Festival in Saint-Aignan (Loir-et-Cher)
Every two years, Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher becomes the world capital of the harmonica. From May 14 to 17, Harmonicas sur Cher offers concerts, masterclasses, jam sessions and meetings with makers. Amateur and professional harmonica players from around the world converge on this Loire Valley town to celebrate an instrument with often underestimated possibilities. Intimate and demanding format — a great way into a rare musical scene.
Chavignol Goat Cheese Festival in Sancerre (Cher)
On Saturday May 16, the village of Chavignol celebrates its AOC goat cheese, one of France's most renowned, at the Crottin de Chavignol Festival. On the programme: cheese tastings at different ripening stages, meetings with local producers, regional produce market, music and wine-cheese pairings with nearby Sancerre whites. A friendly gastronomic event in the birthplace of an iconic AOP.
Champs Libres in Dreux (Eure-et-Loir)
From May 14 to 17, Champs Libres rolls out around thirty shows across the natural and heritage spaces of the Pays de Dreux agglomeration. Organised by L'Atelier à Spectacle, this multidisciplinary festival blends street arts, circus, music and dance in the open air. Lots of free events, joyful family atmosphere — ideal for discovering nationally-spotted companies away from major stages.
Dreux Comics Festival (Eure-et-Loir)
On May 16 and 17, the Dreux Comics Festival takes over the Flora Gallica space for a weekend dedicated to the ninth art. Authors and illustrators sign books, exhibit work and run workshops and talks. Open to enthusiasts and newcomers, the format stays accessible: no crowds of major fairs, direct encounters with creators. Pair with Champs Libres for a full Dreux weekend.
Donkey and Pony Fair in Le Magny (Indre)
From May 14 to 17, the village of Le Magny hosts its Donkey and Pony Fair, a Berry rural tradition. On the fairground: donkey contest, harness parade, exhibition of traditional breeds such as the Grand Noir du Berry. Flea market, local crafts, farm produce, vintage cars and rural catering round out the event. Pure regional folklore, surprising to discover if you don't know central France's livestock fairs.
Les Planches Fêlées in Briare (Loiret)
From May 14 to 16, the courtyard of the Rivotte farm in Briare becomes a Temporary Utopia Zone for the Jeune Compagnie du Théâtre de l'Escabeau festival. Theatre, circus, dance, clown, cabaret, concerts and exhibitions across three days in a history-laden venue (former farm turned theatre forty years ago). Intimate and inventive format, for fans of alternative scenes.
Mer'veilles Nature — Photography Festival in Mer (Loir-et-Cher)
From May 15 to 17, Mer'veilles Nature offers three days of exceptional photographic exhibitions, talks and meetings with renowned naturalist photographers in Mer. The first wildlife and nature photography festival of Centre-Val de Loire, founded in 2022, entirely free. The programme combines image beauty with environmental awareness — recommended for families with curious kids.
Also worth a look in Centre-Val de Loire this weekend
More regional picks on our national agenda.
