Cléry Son & Lumière
Grand live sound and light show in Cléry-Saint-André
About Son & Lumière de Cléry
The Son & Lumière de Cléry is one of the largest live shows in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Created in 1996 by the association Cléry Son Histoire en Lumière, it mobilizes nearly 300 volunteers, including 200 actors, to relive the great moments of French History. Each production, renewed every four to eight years, is based on historical research conducted in conjunction with the University of Orléans. The show unfolds on a 5,000 m² open-air stage with monumental sets, period vehicles, pyrotechnics, video projection, and original music.
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An exceptional live show in the Loire Valley
The Son & Lumière de Cléry is a grand outdoor night show that brings to life the significant pages of French History since 1996. Driven by the association Cléry Son Histoire en Lumière, it gathers nearly 300 volunteers each summer, including 200 costumed actors, on a 5,000 m² stage in the heart of the Parc Culturel du Val d'Ardoux, near Cléry-Saint-André.
Thirty years of historical creations
Since its first edition dedicated to Louis XI, King of France buried in the Notre-Dame de Cléry Basilica, the show has explored many periods:
- 1996-1999: Louis XI, King of France
- 2000-2004: Dunois, companion of Joan of Arc
- 2005-2008: Joan of Arc and the legend of the river
- 2009-2012: The French Revolution, destinies of women
- 2014-2017: The Renaissance and the splendors of the Loire Valley
- 2018-2025: Liberté, les combattants de l'ombre (The Resistance during World War II)
- 2026: La Belle Époque, when our world was invented (1870-1905)
Each creation is based on rigorous historical research, conducted in partnership with the University of Orléans, ensuring the authenticity of the stories presented on stage.
A spectacular staging
The show offers an immersive two-hour experience, combining theatrical performance, exceptional sets, period vehicles, pyrotechnic effects, video projection, and original music. The stands accommodate approximately 960 spectators per performance, for eight evenings each summer between mid-July and early August.
Recognized local anchoring
The association joined the Fédération Française des Fêtes et Spectacles Historiques in 1998. In 2015, it inaugurated the Parc Culturel du Val d'Ardoux, a 4-hectare site dedicated to shows and culture. In 2016, the milestone of the 100,000th spectator was reached. In 2023, the show obtained the Qualité Tourisme certification, a guarantee of excellence in public reception.
Beyond the show
The park also offers an escape game, a catering area (Le Bistro and Banquet Républicain), a thematic exhibition related to the current production, a merchandise shop, and activities for the whole family. The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility, with free, supervised, and lit parking.
Son & Lumière de Cléry — edition 2026
The 2026 edition inaugurates a brand new creation: "La Belle Époque, quand s'inventait notre monde" (The Belle Époque, when our world was invented), the first season of a show dedicated to the period 1870-1905. After the fall of Napoleon III, the resistance of the Army of the Loire, and the advent of the Republic, the show retraces the inventions and progress that transformed France: electricity, telephone, cinema, universal exhibitions. Eight performances are scheduled from July 17 to August 1, 2026.
2026 Edition - La Belle Époque, quand s'inventait notre monde
The 2026 edition marks the launch of a brand new creation: "La Belle Époque, quand s'inventait notre monde". This first season explores the period 1870-1905, a pivotal era when France underwent profound transformation after the fall of Napoleon III.
The show retraces the resistance of the Army of the Loire around Orléans during the Franco-Prussian War, followed by the advent of the Republic and the formidable technological innovations that shaped the modern world: electricity, telephone, cinema, railways. For the inhabitants of the villages of Cléry and Dry, it was the Belle Époque, when our world was invented.
The 200 volunteer actors will bring this historical fresco to life on the 5,000 m² stage of the Parc Culturel du Val d'Ardoux, with exceptional sets, period vehicles, pyrotechnic effects, video projection, and original music.
Eight performances are scheduled from July 17 to August 1, 2026. The park opens its doors from 7:00 PM with on-site catering (Le Bistro and Banquet Républicain), and access to the stands is from 9:30 PM for a show starting around 10:15 PM.
Programme Son & Lumière de Cléry 2026
Performance Dates 2026
- Friday, July 17 at 9:30 PM
- Saturday, July 18 at 9:30 PM
- Thursday, July 23 at 9:30 PM
- Friday, July 24 at 9:30 PM
- Saturday, July 25 at 9:30 PM
- Thursday, July 30 at 9:30 PM
- Friday, July 31 at 9:30 PM
- Saturday, August 1 at 9:30 PM
Highlights Son & Lumière de Cléry 2026
To remember for 2026
- New creation: La Belle Époque, quand s'inventait notre monde (1870-1905)
- Dates: from July 17 to August 1, 2026 (8 performances)
- 200 actors and nearly 300 volunteers
- 5,000 m² open-air stage
- Effects: Pyrotechnics, video projection, period vehicles, original music
- Catering: Le Bistro and Banquet Républicain on the park
- Qualité Tourisme certification
Prices Son & Lumière de Cléry 2026
Practical information — Son & Lumière de Cléry
Practical Information
Access and Location
Address: Parc Culturel du Val d'Ardoux, rue des Castors, ZA de la Métairie, 45370 Dry (near Cléry-Saint-André).
By car: 15 km southwest of Orléans, accessible via the D951. Free, supervised, and lit parking on site.
By train: Meung-sur-Loire SNCF station 10 minutes away by car or 20 minutes by bike. Rémi bus network available.
Opening Hours
Park opens at 7:00 PM (6:00 PM on banquet evenings). Access to stands from 9:30 PM. Show starts around 10:15 PM. Last entry at 10:15 PM. Show duration: 2 hours.
2026 Prices - La Belle Époque
- Adult: 22.00 euros (online rate before March 15: 19.00 euros)
- Reduced rate (minors aged 12 and over, people with disabilities, groups of 10+): 19.00 euros
- Child (under 12 years old): 11.00 euros
- Family Kit (2 adults + 2 children under 12): 58.00 euros
Ticketing
Online at cleryraconte.com, at the park from 8:00 PM on performance evenings (6:30 PM on banquet evenings), and at partner tourist offices. Payment by credit card, cash, checks, vacation vouchers, and Pass Culture accepted.
Catering
Le Bistro offers menus starting from 9.00 euros. The Banquet Républicain is offered at 22.00 euros (adult) and 11.00 euros (child). Catering available from 7:00 PM to 9:45 PM and after the show.
Accessibility
The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Adapted stands available.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Son & Lumière de Cléry at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Son & Lumière de Cléry
Parc Culturel du Val d'Ardoux
Parc Culturel du Val d'Ardoux, rue des Castors, ZA de la Métairie, 45370 Cléry-Saint-André