Festival du Chien
The grand canine gathering at Château des Brétignolles in Touraine
2026
There is no edition scheduled in 2026 for this event. This page remains accessible to archive the history of the manifestation and will be updated if a new edition is announced.
About Festival du Chien
Festival du Chien — edition 2026
The 5th edition of the Festival du Chien was scheduled for Saturday, July 25th and Sunday, July 26th, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, at the Château des Brétignolles in Anché, under the theme "Our Dogs, Our Heroes." On July 9th, 2026, the organizers cancelled the event: both the castle's official website and the Facebook event page were updated to read CANCELLED, with no reason provided or alternative dates announced. The estate remains open for visits and will proceed with its Halloween event in the autumn.
A 5th edition announced under the theme "Our Dogs, Our Heroes"
The Festival du Chien had announced its 5th edition for Saturday, July 25th and Sunday, July 26th, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, in the grounds of the Château des Brétignolles in Anché, located between Anché and Sazilly along the D760. The event was set to follow the theme "Our Dogs, Our Heroes," as displayed on both the festival's official website and the estate's "2026 Festivities" page. As in previous years, the gathering was to take place on the last full weekend of July, set against the historic backdrop of the 15th-century Gothic castle.
What was on the program
Prior to the cancellation, the organizers had planned two days of activities centered on the theme of hero dogs: conferences dedicated to these animals and their missions, an animal wellness hub, and an area for creators and artisans. The festival typically features presentations of dozens of breeds by breeders and enthusiasts, as well as demonstrations of tracking, dog dancing, detection, and canine training, with food and drink available on-site.
An edition cancelled on July 9th, 2026
The festival's official page was updated on July 9th, 2026: the title was changed to "CANCELLED – Festival du chien 2026," and the word CANCELLED was added beneath the dates and theme, which remained visible. The Facebook event created for the occasion was renamed accordingly. Neither the castle nor the organizing association published a reason, a detailed statement, or a rescheduled date. Those planning to attend can contact the "Amis du Château des Brétignolles" association, whose contact details are available on the estate's website.
The Château des Brétignolles remains active in 2026
The cancellation only affects the Festival du Chien; the estate is continuing its 2026 season. Its "2026 Festivities" page confirms that the Halloween event will go ahead from October 17th to November 1st, 2026, open daily from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM without the need for reservations. The castle also maintains its regular visiting hours and the pricing updated in June 2026. The estate is managed by the "Amis du Château des Brétignolles" association, founded in July 2020, which has been overseeing an extensive restoration project of the castle and its outbuildings since 2016.
Highlights Festival du Chien 2026
- 2026 edition cancelled: the official castle page was updated on July 9th, 2026, to read "CANCELLED – Festival du chien 2026," and the Facebook event carries the same notice.
- 5th edition originally scheduled for Saturday, July 25th and Sunday, July 26th, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, at the Château des Brétignolles in Anché.
- Announced theme: "Our Dogs, Our Heroes," featuring conferences on hero dogs, an animal wellness hub, and local artisans.
- No reason for the cancellation or rescheduled date has been provided by the organizers.
- The estate remains open in 2026 and will host its Halloween event from October 17th to November 1st.
- For inquiries, contact the "Amis du Château des Brétignolles" association: [email protected]
Programme Festival du Chien 2026
Program announced for Saturday, July 25th and Sunday, July 26th, 2026
The 2026 edition has been cancelled: none of these activities will take place.
- 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, both days — Château des Brétignolles grounds, 1 route de Chinon (D760), Anché
- Theme — "Our Dogs, Our Heroes"
- Conferences — Hero dogs and their missions
- Animal wellness hub
- Creators and artisans — On-site stalls
Prices Festival du Chien 2026
Practical information — Festival du Chien
Practical Information
Access
The Festival du Chien takes place at the Château des Brétignolles, 1 route de Chinon (D760), 37500 Anché, between Anché and Sazilly.
Opening Hours
Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Prices
- Adults: €5
- Children under 12: Free
- People with disabilities: Free
Catering
Catering and refreshments available on site.
A unique festival dedicated to man's best friend
The Festival du Chien has established itself as the unmissable event for enthusiasts of the canine world in Southern Touraine. Organized at the Château des Brétignolles in Anché, on the road between Anché and Sazilly along the D760, this original event brings together breeders, trainers, associations, and dog lovers every summer in an exceptional heritage setting.
Over 60 breeds to discover
The heart of the festival lies in the presentation of over 60 dog breeds by passionate breeders and specialists from all over France. From German Shepherds to Poodles, from Golden Retrievers to the rarest breeds, the public can observe, pet, and discuss the characteristics, needs, and specificities of each breed with the owners. Some editions have featured up to 90 different breeds, creating a true panorama of canine diversity.
Canine demonstrations and activities
Throughout the two days, numerous demonstrations and activities punctuate the festival. French tracking showcases the exceptional olfactory abilities of working dogs. Dog dancing (obérythmée) impresses with the complicity between handlers and dogs in synchronized choreographies. Detection and dog training demonstrations allow the public to understand positive training methods. Presentations of sled dogs complete the program, offering an impressive spectacle even in the middle of summer.
A remarkable heritage setting
The Château des Brétignolles, a characterful building located in the heart of the Chinon vineyards, offers an ideal setting for this family event. The park and outdoor spaces of the estate comfortably accommodate exhibitors and the public in a green and shaded environment. Each edition is built around a unifying theme — such as Tibet during a previous edition — which enriches the discovery and adds an extra cultural dimension to the event.
Where does it take place — Festival du Chien
Festival du Chien in brief
Other festivals near Anché
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