Champs Libres

Spectacular by nature

Champs Libres was born in 2023 from the desire to create a territorial festival rooted in the landscapes and heritage of the Pays de Dreux. Subtitled “Spectacular by nature,” this multidisciplinary festival offers a chance to rediscover sometimes little-known places — gardens, waterways, plant heritage, remarkable sites — through the prism of the performing arts. L'Atelier à Spectacle, a designated stage in Vernouillet, orchestrates the entire program with the support of elected officials, residents, and artists.

Four days of outdoor performances

During the Ascension weekend, about thirty artistic companies simultaneously take over several towns in the Dreux Agglomeration. Street arts, circus, music, dance, itinerant theater, and performance forms unfold in natural and heritage settings: parks, riverbanks, village squares, farmyards, and historical sites. The artistic proposals are designed to integrate into the landscape, creating unique and ephemeral experiences.

A festival that unleashes the elements

The second edition in 2024 took place from May 9 to 12, with a rich and eclectic program spread across eight towns. More than thirty performances were presented by companies from all over France, offering joyful, inventive, and sometimes quirky formats. The third edition in 2025, from May 29 to June 1, brought together more than 28 artistic teams in nine towns, confirming the growing momentum of this event which has become a must-see in the cultural landscape of Eure-et-Loir.

A free and participatory festival

Champs Libres is a free festival open to all. This freeness is a strong choice that reflects the desire to make culture accessible to the greatest number of people and to remove barriers to entry. The outdoor performances allow everyone to stop, watch, and participate as they wish. The festival fosters encounters between artists and residents, creating moments of sharing and conviviality in the heart of the territory.

A project co-created with residents

The originality of Champs Libres lies in its co-creation with local stakeholders. Elected officials, residents, associations, teachers, and artists participate in the conception and realization of the festival. Participatory workshops before the event allow residents to get involved in artistic creation, prepare set elements, or take part in collective performances. This participatory approach makes Champs Libres a true citizen festival, imagined by and for the residents of the Dreux Agglomeration.