Le Son Continu - International Gathering of Luthiers and Master Musicians
Traditional Music and Dances at Château d'Ars
About Le Son Continu
The largest gathering of traditional music in Europe
Nestled in the enchanting park of Château d'Ars, a stone's throw from La Châtre, in the heart of George Sand's country, Le Son Continu is more than just a festival: it's a vibrant meeting place for luthiers, musicians, dancers, and lovers of musical traditions from around the world. Since its creation in 1976 in Saint-Chartier, this event has become an essential reference for all enthusiasts of traditional music.
Half a century of passion
The adventure began in 1976 under the name International Gathering of Luthiers and Master Musicians. Initially organized in Saint-Chartier, the festival moved to Château d'Ars in 2009, in the neighboring town of Lourouer-Saint-Laurent. In 2026, the festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary, half a century of uninterrupted music in the heart of Berry.
The International Luthier Exhibition
The centerpiece of the festival, the luthier exhibition brings together around 150 luthiers from all over Europe each year. Bagpipes, hurdy-gurdies, diatonic accordions, Swedish nyckelharpas, Italian zampognas, ouds, jew's harps, bouzoukis: the diversity of instruments presented is exceptional. Instrument competitions punctuate these days of discovery and exchange between artisans and musicians.
Four days of celebration
From morning till dawn, the program is dense and varied. The discovery stages in the castle courtyard welcome emerging artists from 2 PM. Conferences enrich the reflection on musical traditions. Dance workshops allow everyone to learn traditional dances. In the evening, the luthier exhibition gives way to concerts, followed by the legendary dances that continue late into the night, where the public dances to the sound of hurdy-gurdies, bagpipes, and accordions.
A participatory and convivial spirit
What makes Le Son Continu magical is its resolutely participatory spirit. Far from clichés associating traditional music with static folklore, the festival celebrates a living tradition open to the world. The campsite reserved for festival-goers, the food stalls highlighting local and organic producers, and the warm atmosphere of Berry contribute to making this event a unique moment of sharing and conviviality.
Le Son Continu — edition 2026
For its 50th anniversary, Le Son Continu extends over five days, from Friday, July 10 to Tuesday, July 14, 2026. An exceptional opening night on July 10 at the MJCS de La Châtre, in homage to George Sand and the Maîtres Sonneurs, followed by four days of celebration at the Château d'Ars park: international lutherie exhibition (nearly 150 exhibitors), concerts, balls, dance workshops, conferences, and discovery stages.
50 years of traditional music in Berry
Direct heir to the Rencontres Internationales de Luthiers et Maîtres Sonneurs born in Saint-Chartier in 1976, Le Son Continu celebrates its fiftieth anniversary in 2026. Having become the largest European gathering of traditional music and dance, the festival takes place from Friday, July 10 to Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
The opening night on July 10 exceptionally leaves the Château d'Ars for the MJCS de La Châtre: an eclectic evening bringing together four groups, including a tribute to the Maîtres Sonneurs, in memory of George Sand whose novel was at the origin of the first Saint-Chartier meetings (this evening is not included in the Festival Pass).
From July 11 to 14, the Château d'Ars park (Lourouer-Saint-Laurent) hosts the lutherie exhibition with nearly 150 European luthiers, an associations village, conferences (including a meeting with Marc Perrone), dance workshops, instrumentalist competitions, and numerous concerts and balls late into the night.
Programme Le Son Continu 2026
2026 Program — 50th Anniversary Edition
The festival is organized around several stages in the Château d'Ars park, from July 11 to 14 (the opening night on July 10 takes place at the MJCS de La Châtre).
Opening Night — Friday, July 10 (MJCS de La Châtre)
Eclectic evening bringing together four groups starting at 8 PM, with a tribute to George Sand's Maîtres Sonneurs to open this anniversary edition.
La Clairière — Concerts (main stage)
Evening concerts around 9 PM (8 PM on July 14). Among the expected artists: La Mossà, Dafné Kritharas, Ablaye Cissoko (kora) in duo with Cyrille Brotto (accordion), La Machine with Greg Jolivet's hurdy-gurdy, Into the Winds, Session A9.
La Pommeraie — Balls (traditional music)
Grand evening balls until midnight (11 PM on July 14) featuring Blowzabella and Startijenn.
La Cour du Château — Neo-trad balls
Evenings mixing electronic music and traditional instruments, with groups such as TekMao (techno and bagpipes) and Systémique (electronic accordion).
La Prairie — New intimate stage
Late afternoon concerts (around 7 PM, 6 PM on July 14) and competitions for soloists and small ensembles.
La Lisière — Conferences
Daily conferences on the history of traditional music, including a meeting with Marc Perrone.
During the day: international lutherie exhibition (nearly 150 exhibitors), associations village, dance workshops, and instrumentalist competitions.
Highlights Le Son Continu 2026
- 50th anniversary of the festival
- Half a century of traditional music in Berry
- International Luthier Exhibition with 150 exhibitors
- Concerts and dances every evening
- Dance workshops and conferences
- Exceptional anniversary program expected
Prices Le Son Continu 2026
Practical information — Le Son Continu
Practical Information
Access
The festival takes place in the park of Château d'Ars, in Lourouer-Saint-Laurent (36400), 30 km from Châteauroux and near La Châtre.
- By car: From Châteauroux, take the direction of La Châtre via the D943.
- By train: Châteauroux station (30 km), then RÉMI bus line F direction "Spécial Festival" (€3.30). Information: 0806 70 33 33.
- Carpooling: Dedicated carpooling Facebook page available.
Opening Hours
- Park: 10 AM to 6:30 AM (opens Friday at 1 PM)
- Ticket Office: 10 AM to 1:30 AM
- Village / Luthier Exhibition: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Dances: 11 PM (10 PM on Sunday)
Prices
- Park entrance: €8
- Concert entrance: €20 (presale) / €23 (on-site)
- 4-day park pass: €32
- 4-day festival + camping pass: €69 (presale) / €79 (on-site)
- 4-day camping: €5
- Free for children under 12
Camping
Camping reserved for festival-goers, open from Thursday 2 PM to Tuesday 2 PM. Dogs allowed on a leash. Alternative accommodations nearby: Val Vert en Berry campsite and Solange Sand municipal campsite in Montgivray.
Food & Drink
Food stalls on-site with local and organic producers, bars.
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Where does it take place — Le Son Continu
Parc du Château d'Ars
Château d'Ars, 36400 Lourouer-Saint-Laurent