Festival Aragne

Emerging Art in a Heritage Setting

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

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 invest every corner of the property, from the grand staircase to the vaulted cellars. This singular staging offers visitors an immersive experience where art and place respond to and mutually enrich each other.

Meetings and Exchanges

Beyond the exhibition, the Aragne Festival emphasizes direct encounters between artists and the public. Round tables are organized on Sunday afternoons, allowing discussions with the creators about their approach, their techniques, and their vision of contemporary art. These moments of exchange, accessible to all, contribute to democratizing art and bringing current creation closer to the inhabitants of the region.

Concerts and Festive Atmosphere

Saturday evenings are enlivened by open-air concerts in the château's park, blending current music and acoustic atmospheres. The 2025 edition notably welcomed the rock band Lily Anger, as well as the electro dub duo Arman et Melvil. The carefully chosen musical program complements the festival's overall artistic experience.

A Free and Accessible Event

True to its mission of cultural democratization, the Aragne Festival is entirely free. Free entry allows everyone, families, curious individuals, art lovers, or simple strollers, to pass through the château gates and be surprised by the richness of the artistic offerings. The festival thus contributes to the cultural dynamism of the Dombes and the Ain department, providing a valuable showcase for young talents from the region.