Festival de l'Ascension de l'Art
Visual arts festival in one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France
About L'Ascension de l'Art
Art takes over the streets of Aubeterre
Since 2022, the Festival de l'Ascension de l'Art transforms the village of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne into a vast open-air gallery. During the Ascension weekend, about thirty professional artists — sculptors, painters, ceramists, and photographers — take over twenty locations, both public and private, to present their works in sometimes unusual settings.
Atypical exhibition venues
The originality of the festival lies in the choice of exhibition venues. Barns, cellars, chapels, convents, churches, town halls, galleries, workshops, and shops become art spaces, offering visitors a discovery trail through the picturesque streets of the village. Some artistic performances take place live, adding a vibrant dimension to the event. Access to all venues is free, except for the paid entrance to the underground church.
A festival driven by Anim'Aubeterre
The festival is organized by the association Anim'Aubeterre, which enlivens the cultural life of the village throughout the year. The association ensures the selection of quality professional artists from various disciplines, offering the public a diversity of artistic perspectives and techniques. The festival benefits from the support of local authorities and the Sud Charente Tourist Office.
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, a natural setting for art
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, offers an exceptional setting for a visual arts festival. The medieval streets, stone facades, hanging gardens, and views of the Dronne river form a natural backdrop that dialogues with the exhibited works. The festival contributes to the cultural influence of the village and attracts visitors and art lovers from Sud Charente and beyond.
L'Ascension de l'Art — edition 2026
5th edition of the Festival de l'Ascension de l'Art, from Thursday, May 14th to Sunday, May 17th, 2026, in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, one of France's Most Beautiful Villages. Around thirty professional artists — from Charente, France, and abroad — exhibit sculptures, paintings, drawings, installations, and photographs in about twenty public and private venues throughout the village. Free admission from 11 AM to 6 PM daily.
From May 14th to 17th, 2026, during the Ascension Day long weekend
For its 5th edition, the Festival de l'Ascension de l'Art returns to Aubeterre-sur-Dronne from Thursday, May 14th to Sunday, May 17th, 2026, coinciding with the long Ascension Day weekend. For four days, the village, classified as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, transforms into an open-air gallery.
Around thirty artists, twenty venues
Around thirty professional artists, from Charente, France, and abroad, present their works: sculpture, painting, drawing, installation, and photography. The exhibitions take over about twenty public and private venues — barns, caves, chapel, convent, studios, galleries, and shops — accessible free of charge, with the exception of the monolithic church.
Demonstrations and meetings
Over the four days, live demonstrations, performances, and meetings with the artists punctuate the itinerary. The exhibitions are open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM. The detailed list of exhibiting artists will be communicated by the organizing association closer to the event.
Programme L'Ascension de l'Art 2026
Exhibitions open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM, from Thursday, May 14th to Sunday, May 17th, 2026, in about twenty venues throughout the village (barns, caves, chapel, convent, studios, galleries, shops).
- Thursday, May 14th, 2026 — Artist exhibitions, 11 AM - 6 PM · live demonstrations and performances
- Friday, May 15th, 2026 — Exhibitions, 11 AM - 6 PM · meetings with artists
- Saturday, May 16th, 2026 — Exhibitions, 11 AM - 6 PM · demonstrations and performances
- Sunday, May 17th, 2026 — Exhibitions, 11 AM - 6 PM
The full list of exhibiting artists had not yet been published at the date of our verification (among the announced artists: ceramist Michel Lacroix, at Galerie Chez Marguerite).
Prices L'Ascension de l'Art 2026
Practical information — L'Ascension de l'Art
Access
The festival takes place in the village of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, 16390 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne. Exhibitions are spread across about twenty locations in the village.
- By car: From Angoulême (50 km), take the D674 then D17 towards Aubeterre-sur-Dronne. From Périgueux (55 km), follow the D710 then D2. Free parking at the village entrance.
- From Bordeaux: A89 exit Coutras, then D674 towards Aubeterre (approx. 1h30).
Prices
- Exhibitions: Free access to most venues
- Underground church: Paid entrance (usual monument fee)
Opening Hours
Exhibitions open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the Ascension weekend.
Contact
Sud Charente Tourist Office: 05 45 98 57 18
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Where does it take place — L'Ascension de l'Art
Village d'Aubeterre-sur-Dronne
Le Bourg, 16390 Aubeterre-sur-Dronne