L'eau de là
Artistic walks and events around water in Pays de Retz
About L'eau de là
L'eau de là is a nature and arts festival organized annually by the association Territoires Imaginaires and Pornic Agglo Pays de Retz. Since 2017, this free event has highlighted the aquatic landscapes of Pays de Retz, along the Acheneau river, through artistic walks, ephemeral scenographic installations, concerts, theater, traditional boat cruises, and kayak outings. Each edition unveils a new scenography by the water, transforming the locations into an ephemeral poem blending poetry, magic, and mystery. Free and open to all.
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L'eau de là: Where Art Meets Water in Pays de Retz
Born in 2017 from the imagination of the association Territoires Imaginaires, the L'eau de là festival is a unique annual event that celebrates the encounter between art, nature, and water in the Pays de Retz, in Loire-Atlantique. Developed in partnership with Pornic Agglo Pays de Retz and the riverside municipalities of the Acheneau, this free event each year takes over a different natural site by the water to transform it into an immersive and ephemeral artistic experience.
Artistic Walks Along the Water
The founding principle of L'eau de là is simple and poetic: to invite the public to stroll along the water to discover scenographic installations, artistic performances, and soundscapes created for the occasion. Each edition unveils a new scenography designed by Territoires Imaginaires, which transforms the banks, paths, and bodies of water into an ephemeral poem where light, sound, theater, and visual arts intertwine. Visitors experience atmospheres filled with poetry, magic, and mystery, at the pace of a contemplative walk in the heart of nature.
A Rich and Varied Program
Over the years, L'eau de là has developed a rich program structured around several themes:
- Traditional Boat Cruises: Boarding La Juste, a traditional boat, to discover the Acheneau and its historical, geographical, and environmental secrets, guided by local enthusiasts.
- Kayak Outings: Slow and bucolic discovery trips along the water to observe fauna and flora in a peaceful environment.
- Concerts and Musical Performances: Afro-tropical music, electro on the water, world music, and immersive sound creations (Voyages Sonores).
- Theater and Live Performance: Fun and educational theatrical interventions, such as the character of "Professor Mole" who raises awareness about biodiversity.
- Guided Walks: Historical hikes with the Société des historiens du Pays de Retz, presenting the history of the Acheneau and the region.
- Nighttime Scenographic Installations: Light displays and visual creations that reveal the aquatic landscapes at dusk.
Exceptional Natural Sites
The originality of L'eau de là also lies in its itinerant nature. The festival moves from one site to another over the editions, showcasing the richness of the southern Loire's aquatic landscapes: the Pierre Tremblante in Cheix-en-Retz, the Port de la Morinière in Port-Saint-Père, or sites in Rouans. The Acheneau, a tributary of the Loire that flows through these municipalities, forms the natural thread of the event, offering a bucolic and preserved setting conducive to contemplation and discovery.
A Festival Committed to the Territory
Driven by the association Territoires Imaginaires, whose mission is to reveal territories through innovative cultural and artistic proposals, L'eau de là is part of a process of enhancing the natural and cultural heritage of Pays de Retz. The festival brings together artists, local associations, and residents of the territory in a participatory and friendly dynamic. Co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), it demonstrates a commitment to fostering culture in rural areas, close to the landscapes and the communities that inhabit them. On-site catering and a family atmosphere complete this festive day in the heart of nature.
L'eau de là — edition 2025
8th edition of the L'eau de là festival at the Pierre Tremblante site in Cheix-en-Retz. Artistic walks and events around water starting at 3 PM. Traditional boat cruises on La Juste, kayak outings, electro break on the water with Tom Leclerc, afro-tropical concert with Washaa, theatrical intervention by Professor Mole, historical walk. Free admission.
8th Edition: Pierre Tremblante Hosts the Festival
The L'eau de là festival returns for its 8th edition on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Pierre Tremblante site in Cheix-en-Retz. This event, where artistic walks rhyme with unique and ephemeral moments, unfolds from 3 PM in an exceptional natural setting by the Acheneau river.
Nautical Activities
Cruises aboard the traditional boat La Juste are offered with departures every 45 minutes from 3 PM (ages 6+, reservation required). Local enthusiasts invite visitors to discover the secrets of this exceptional environment from historical, geographical, hydraulic, agricultural, and environmental perspectives. Discovery kayak trips with Kayak Nomade are offered at 3 PM and 4:30 PM for a one-hour slow and bucolic paddle to encounter local fauna and flora.
Music and Performance
The "Electro Break on the Water" with musician Tom Leclerc offers departures every 45 minutes from 3:15 PM to 6:15 PM for an original musical experience on the water. In the evening, the band Washaa presents an energetic afro-tropical concert. Professor Mole provides a fun and educational theatrical intervention on biodiversity from 3 PM to 7 PM.
Heritage
A guided walk with the Société des historiens du Pays de Retz departs at 3:30 PM for a discovery of the Acheneau's history (duration: 1h to 1h30, ages 10+). Nighttime scenographic installations complete the program at dusk.
Programme L'eau de là 2025
Program — Saturday, July 5, 2025
- 3 PM: Festival Opening — Cruises on La Juste (departures every 45 min, reservation on HelloAsso)
- 3 PM and 4:30 PM: Discovery kayak trips with Kayak Nomade (1h)
- 3:15 PM - 6:15 PM: "Electro Break on the Water" with Tom Leclerc (departures every 45 min)
- 3:30 PM: Guided walk with the Société des historiens du Pays de Retz (1h-1h30)
- 3 PM - 7 PM: "Professor Mole" theatrical intervention
- In the evening: Afro-tropical concert with Washaa
- At dusk: Nighttime scenographic installations
Catering and drinks on site.
Highlights L'eau de là 2025
- 8th edition at the Pierre Tremblante site in Cheix-en-Retz
- Traditional boat cruises on La Juste
- Electro break on the water with Tom Leclerc
- Afro-tropical concert with Washaa
- Kayak trips with Kayak Nomade
- Theatrical intervention by Professor Mole
- Historical walk with the Société des historiens du Pays de Retz
- Nighttime scenographic installations
- Free admission
Prices L'eau de là 2025
Practical information — L'eau de là
Practical Information
Access
By car: From Nantes, take the direction of Pornic via the D723 and then follow the signs for Cheix-en-Retz (approx. 30 minutes). The Pierre Tremblante site is indicated from the village center. Free parking near the site.
By bus: Aléop line Nantes-Pornic, Cheix-en-Retz stop. Check schedules with the Aléop network.
Location
The festival takes place outdoors on a natural site along the Acheneau river. The exact location changes with each edition: Pierre Tremblante in Cheix-en-Retz, Port de la Morinière in Port-Saint-Père, or sites in Rouans. Refer to the current year's program for the precise location.
Prices
Access to the festival is completely free. Some activities (boat cruises, kayak outings) require prior reservation via HelloAsso.
Catering
Catering and drinks available on site.
Audience
Festival open to all, including families. Some activities are accessible from age 6 (boat cruises) or 10 (guided walks).
Information
- Association Territoires Imaginaires: [email protected]
- Phone: 06 64 61 41 44
- Intercommunal Tourist Office: 02 40 82 04 40
- Website: territoires-imaginaires.fr
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — L'eau de là
Sites naturels au bord de l'Acheneau
La Pierre Tremblante, 44640 Cheix-en-Retz