Festival de Printemps des Arts Florissants

The Spring Festival: Baroque Excellence in Vendée

Created in 2017, the Festival de Printemps des Arts Florissants is a unique event dedicated to baroque sacred music. Co-produced by the ensemble Les Arts Florissants — founded by the Franco-American conductor William Christie — and the Department of Vendée, this festival offers an annual dive into the world of a great composer, from the most intimate motets to the most majestic masses and oratorios.

An Original Concept: One Composer, One Weekend

The festival's principle is as simple as it is appealing: each edition is dedicated to the sacred work of a single baroque composer. Since its creation, the festival has explored the repertoires of:

• Marc-Antoine Charpentier (2017, inaugural edition)
• Johann Sebastian Bach
• Antonio Vivaldi
• Heinrich Schütz
• Henry Purcell
• Claudio Monteverdi
• George Frideric Handel (2025)
• Alessandro and Domenico Scarlatti (2026, 10th edition)

The Churches of South Vendée as a Setting

One of the unique features of the Spring Festival is that it takes place in the churches and cathedrals of South Vendée, transforming these heritage gems into exceptional concert halls. The Cathedral of Luçon, the Church of Saint-Pierre de Chantonnay, the Church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption de Fontenay-le-Comte, and the small rural churches of Thiré, Moutiers-sur-le-Lay, and Saint-Aubin-la-Plaine offer ideal acoustics and a spiritual setting that perfectly resonates with the repertoire performed.

Exceptional Artistic Direction

Artistic direction is provided by Paul Agnew, musical director of Les Arts Florissants alongside William Christie. The concerts bring together the ensemble's musicians on period instruments and young vocal soloists from the academy of Le Jardin des Voix, a training program for young singers created by William Christie.

William Christie's Gardens

In addition to the concerts, spectators can discover the famous William Christie Gardens in Thiré, classified as a "Remarkable Garden," an Italian-style green oasis that is one of the most beautiful private gardens in France.