L'eau de là

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.