Fêtes de la Tour Blanche
Street arts festival in the heart of Berry
About Fêtes de la Tour Blanche
The Fêtes de la Tour Blanche are the unmissable event for street arts in the Indre region. Created in 1995 to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the construction of the Tour Blanche by Richard the Lionheart, this free festival transforms the historic center of Issoudun into a huge open-air stage every year during the Ascension weekend. Since 1999, street performances have become the heart of the event, attracting international, national, and regional companies for four days of popular and accessible celebration for all.
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A festival rooted in the history of Issoudun
The Fêtes de la Tour Blanche were born in 1995 from a desire to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the construction of the Tour Blanche, an imposing keep built by Richard the Lionheart in Issoudun. Originally dedicated to medieval festivals, they gradually shifted towards street arts from 1999 onwards, thus becoming one of the most important live performance festivals in the Indre department.
Four days of free shows
Scheduled over four days during the Ascension weekend, the Fêtes de la Tour Blanche offer a rich and varied program combining street theater, circus, music, dance, puppetry, storytelling, and participatory activities. All performances and activities are completely free, allowing everyone to fully enjoy this celebration of the performing arts.
An international artistic crossroads
Since its creation, the festival has hosted over 100 French and European companies. Each edition is built around a unifying theme that guides the artistic programming. In 2025, for its 30th edition, the festival invited the public on the path of tales: modern, musical, retro or futuristic, gestural, funny or poetic tales, exploring different ways of telling stories today.
Heritage as a setting
The festival takes over the historic center of Issoudun, transforming squares, streets, and gardens into ephemeral stages. The Tour Blanche, the city's emblematic monument, serves as a majestic backdrop for this popular festival. It is a unique way to bring heritage to life in the present day, by performing in and with the city, thus creating a dialogue between medieval architecture and contemporary creation.
A unifying event
Organized by the Communauté de Communes du Pays d'Issoudun and the Tourist Office, the Fêtes de la Tour Blanche benefit from the support of the Région Centre-Val de Loire and the Conseil Départemental de l'Indre. The event attracts thousands of spectators each year, making Issoudun a major cultural destination in Berry during the Ascension holiday.
Fêtes de la Tour Blanche — edition 2026
31st edition of the Fêtes de la Tour Blanche in Issoudun. Four days of free shows, street theater, circus, music, and activities in the heart of the historic center for the Ascension weekend.
31st edition of the Fêtes de la Tour Blanche
The Fêtes de la Tour Blanche return in 2026 for their 31st edition during the Ascension weekend. The historic center of Issoudun will once again host dozens of performing arts companies for four days of popular and free celebration.
True to its tradition of accessibility and artistic diversity, the festival will offer a program combining street theater, circus, music, dance, puppetry, and participatory activities for all audiences.
Highlights Fêtes de la Tour Blanche 2026
- 31st edition of the festival
- Free shows in the historic center
- International and regional companies
- Street arts, circus, music, theater
- Participatory activities for all
Prices Fêtes de la Tour Blanche 2026
Practical information — Fêtes de la Tour Blanche
Practical Information
Access
The festival takes place in the city center of Issoudun, around the Tour Blanche and in the streets of the historic center.
- By car: Issoudun is accessible via the A20 (exit 11) from Paris or Limoges, and via the N151 from Bourges or Châteauroux.
- By train: Issoudun SNCF station, a few minutes' walk from the city center.
Opening Hours
- From Thursday to Sunday, from 2 PM to approximately 10:30 PM
- Continuous performances in various locations in the city center
Prices
- Free admission for all shows and activities
Food and Drink
Food stalls and refreshment stands on site. Numerous restaurants and shops in the center of Issoudun.
Contact
Office de Tourisme du Pays d'Issoudun: 02 54 21 74 02 - [email protected]
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Fêtes de la Tour Blanche at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Fêtes de la Tour Blanche
Centre-ville d'Issoudun
Place Saint-Cyr, 36100 Issoudun