Festival de Printemps des Arts Florissants
Baroque sacred music in the churches of South Vendée
About Printemps des Arts Florissants
Co-produced by Les Arts Florissants and the Department of Vendée, the Festival de Printemps offers an annual immersion into the sacred repertoire of a great baroque composer, through a series of concerts in the churches of South Vendée. Under the artistic direction of Paul Agnew and with the participation of William Christie, the artists of Les Arts Florissants take over cathedrals and chapels to resonate with the masterpieces of European sacred music.
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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.
Printemps des Arts Florissants — edition 2026
For its 10th edition, the Spring Festival celebrates Alessandro Scarlatti and his son Domenico Scarlatti, two major figures of the Italian baroque. Five concerts are scheduled in the churches of Fontenay-le-Comte, Chantonnay, Luçon, and Saint-Juire-Champgillon, under the direction of Paul Agnew and William Christie.
2026 Edition: Alessandro and Domenico Scarlatti
The Spring Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary by honoring two Neapolitan composers: Alessandro Scarlatti (1660-1725) and his son Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757). Five concerts are on the program:
- Friday, April 24, 8 PM — Church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, Fontenay-le-Comte: Petits motets by Alessandro Scarlatti, conducted by Paul Agnew
- Saturday, April 25, 11 AM — Church of Saint-Juire-Champgillon: Concert & Coffee — Harpsichord Sonatas with Béatrice Martin
- Saturday, April 25, 8 PM — Church of Saint-Pierre, Chantonnay: Messa di Santa Cecilia by Alessandro Scarlatti, conducted by William Christie
- Sunday, April 26, 11 AM — Concert & Coffee: Duos and Trios
- Sunday, April 26, 5 PM — Cathedral of Luçon: Stabat Mater by Domenico Scarlatti and his contemporaries, conducted by Paul Agnew
Prices Printemps des Arts Florissants 2026
Practical information — Printemps des Arts Florissants
Practical Information
Access
By car: Thiré is located 30 minutes from La Roche-sur-Yon and 15 minutes from Fontenay-le-Comte. Concerts take place in various churches in South Vendée (Fontenay-le-Comte, Chantonnay, Luçon, Thiré). Refer to the program for each concert venue.
Parking: Free parking near the churches.
Ticketing
Main concerts (numbered seating): €22 full price / €14 reduced price.
Concerts & Coffee (unseated): €10 full price / €6 reduced price.
Reduced prices: under 26 years old, job seekers, people with disabilities, Pass Vendée holders, groups of more than 20 people.
Booking: online at digitick.com or by phone at 02 28 85 85 70 (Monday to Friday, 10 AM-12:30 PM and 1:30 PM-5:30 PM). Email: [email protected]
William Christie Gardens
Open during the festival from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Admission: €7 (free for concert ticket holders and children under 12). Guided tours at 12 PM and 3 PM.
Tips
Remember to bring warm clothing: churches can be cool in spring. Booking is highly recommended as seats are limited.
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Printemps des Arts Florissants
Églises du Sud Vendée et Jardins de William Christie
Jardins de William Christie, Thiré, 85210 Thiré