Festival Aragne

Emerging art in a heritage setting

The Festival Aragne is a unique artistic event held at Château Bouchet, an elegant bourgeois residence built in 1867 in the village of Fareins, in the Dombes. Each autumn, during a September weekend, around thirty emerging artists from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region take over the premises to display their works: monumental sculptures in the park, paintings and tapestries in the salons, artistic installations in the outbuildings.

A dialogue between heritage and creation

The festival draws its strength from the dialogue it establishes between the château's architectural heritage and contemporary creation. Artists occupy every corner of the property, from the grand staircase to the vaulted cellars, through the formal garden and the shaded park alleys. This singular staging offers visitors an immersive experience where art and place enrich each other.

Encounters and exchanges

Beyond the exhibition, the festival emphasizes direct encounters between artists and the public. Sunday afternoon panel discussions allow visitors to discuss creative approaches, techniques and visions of contemporary art. These accessible exchanges help democratize art and bring current creation closer to local residents.

Concerts and festive atmosphere

Saturday evenings feature open-air concerts in the château park, blending contemporary music and acoustic atmospheres. The 2025 edition welcomed singer Lily Anger, whose folk and poetic compositions resonated perfectly with the bucolic setting.

A free and accessible event

True to its mission of cultural democratization, the Festival Aragne is entirely free. Open admission allows everyone — families, art lovers, curious visitors or casual strollers — to enter the château grounds and discover the artistic offerings. The festival contributes to the cultural vitality of the Dombes and the Ain department, providing a valuable showcase for young regional talents.