Des Lyres d'Été
Blois's summer festival: arts, culture, nature, and guinguette by the Loire
About Lyres d'Été
Des Lyres d'Été is the major summer festival of the city of Blois. Created in 2007, it offers every year from July to the end of August over 100 free, intergenerational events in Blois's squares, along the banks of the Loire, and in the surrounding villages. The program includes: concerts on the Loire riverside stage, open-air dances, a river guinguette, street performances, July 14th fireworks, cultural workshops, and nature activities. A popular and accessible festival, Des Lyres d'Été transforms Blois into a festive city all summer long, attracting residents and visitors in a friendly and celebratory atmosphere.
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Des Lyres d'Été: Summer Celebration in Blois
Des Lyres d'Été is the emblematic summer festival of the city of Blois. Since 2007, it has transformed the royal city into a vast outdoor space for celebration and culture every summer, from early July to late August. Free and open to all, the festival offers over 100 events over nearly two months.
Concerts by the Loire
The musical highlight of the festival takes place on a stage by the Loire, in the unique setting of the quays and the Pont Jacques-Gabriel. For five evenings, varied concerts are offered in eclectic musical styles: pop, rock, French chanson, world music, electro, jazz, and festive music. The program mixes renowned artists and emerging talents for evenings open to all.
Dances, Guinguette, and National Day
Every Wednesday evening from late July to late August, the city offers themed open-air dances: musette, rock, Latin, electro. The Blois guinguette sets up by the Loire for convivial evenings of music and dance. The National Day is celebrated with a parade, a large free concert, and a spectacular fireworks display over the Loire.
Street Arts, Culture, and Nature
The festival offers numerous cultural and artistic activities: street performances, open-air exhibitions, creative workshops for children, heritage tours, and nature outings. The program includes events in the surrounding neighborhoods and villages, reaching the entire Blois territory.
A Free and Intergenerational Festival
All Des Lyres d'Été events are free, in line with the City of Blois's commitment to offering summer cultural programming accessible to everyone. The festival is for all audiences, from the youngest to seniors, with activities adapted to each age group. With its 135 events, including 26 highlights, Des Lyres d'Été is the unmissable summer event in Blois.
Practical information — Lyres d'Été
Getting to Blois
By Train
The Blois-Chambord station is served by TER Centre-Val de Loire and Intercités trains from Paris-Austerlitz (approx. 1h30). Festival venues are within walking distance of the station.
By Car
Blois is located 1h30 from Paris via the A10 motorway (Blois exit). Public parking is available in the city center and along the quays.
By Bike
Blois is on the La Loire à Vélo route. Bicycle racks are available near the festival venues.
Festival Venues
Events take place in the squares of Blois (Place de la République, Place du Château, Place Louis-XII), along the banks of the Loire (quays, Promenade du Mail), and in the surrounding neighborhoods and villages.
Schedule
Daytime activities take place during the day. Concerts begin in the evening, usually from 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. Dances start around 8:30 PM. The guinguette is open in the late afternoon and evening.
Prices
All festival events are completely free.
Food and Drink
The Blois guinguette offers light refreshments by the Loire. Numerous restaurants in the city center are located very close to the concert venues.
Accessibility
Outdoor venues are accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Recommendations
- Open-air concerts: bring a light jacket for the evening
- In case of bad weather, some events may be canceled or postponed
- Remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun during daytime activities
Contact
Official website: ete.blois.fr
City of Blois: www.blois.fr
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Lyres d'Été
Bords de Loire et places de Blois
Place de la République, 41000 Blois