Chartres Light Festival

The Fête de la Lumière: a magical night in the heart of Chartres

Created in 2003 by the City of Chartres, the Fête de la Lumière is the highlight of the Chartres en Lumières season. Organized during the European Heritage Days weekend, on the third Saturday of September, this exceptional evening transforms the city into a vast living spectacle where light reigns supreme.

A spectacular artistic program

For one evening, from 9 PM to 1 AM, about twenty artistic companies take over the city center of Chartres to offer spectacular light installations, magical parades, acrobatic performances, street shows, concerts, and innovative visual creations. Artists explore all facets of light: monumental projections, shadow theater, pyrotechnic shows, bioluminescent installations, and interactive performances.

A popular and free event

The Fête de la Lumière is a completely free event that attracts a considerable audience. The 2023 edition brought together nearly 70,000 spectators, confirming its status as the largest back-to-school event in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Families, live performance enthusiasts, and digital art lovers gather to share this unique night in a festive and friendly atmosphere.

Innovative creations

Each edition offers the opportunity to discover new artistic creations. In 2023, spectators were able to admire bioluminescent flowers created by the startup Aglaé, fire shows, aerial performances, electronic concerts, and interactive installations. The evening also provided an opportunity to unveil new permanent illuminations that will enrich the Chartres en Lumières route for the following season.

The Fête de la Lumière demonstrates the City of Chartres' commitment to artistic creation and the enhancement of its exceptional heritage through light.