Chartres Light Festival
The great luminous night of Chartres during the European Heritage Days
About Light Festival
The Fête de la Lumière is the flagship event of Chartres en Lumières, a grand festive evening organized on the third Saturday of September during the European Heritage Days. Since 2003, this exceptional night transforms the city center into a grandiose luminous spectacle with artistic installations, parades, acrobatic performances, concerts, and pyrotechnic shows. Held biennially for several years, the Fête de la Lumière attracts nearly 70,000 spectators for a unique evening from 9 PM to 1 AM.
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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.
Practical information — Light Festival
Practical Information
Access
By car: Chartres is accessible via the A11 motorway from Paris (approx. 1h15). Free park-and-ride facilities with shuttle services are provided for the event.
By train: Chartres station is served from Paris-Montparnasse (approx. 1h). Additional trains are sometimes added for the event.
Schedules
The Fête de la Lumière takes place from 9 PM to 1 AM, on the third Saturday of September.
Prices
The event is entirely free.
Tips
- Arrive early to fully enjoy the evening and avoid peak crowds.
- Bring warm clothing, September evenings can be cool.
- Consult the program map on the official Chartres en Lumières website.
- Prioritize public transport or park-and-ride facilities with shuttles.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Light Festival at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Light Festival
Centre-ville de Chartres