Les Fous Rires du Château

Les Fous Rires du Château: A Month of Laughter in the Heart of the Gorges de la Loire

Since 2022, the Les Fous Rires du Château festival has transformed the amphitheater of the Château de Saint-Victor-sur-Loire into an open-air temple of laughter. Nestled in the majestic setting of the Gorges de la Loire, this summer comedy festival offers, every Tuesday and Wednesday from mid-July to mid-August, a rich and varied program blending humor, stand-up, theater, improvisation, and musical comedy shows.

A Festival Born from a Passion for Laughter

The festival was born from the initiative of Philippe Ayanian, a comedian from Saint-Étienne, and the teams from Comédie Triomphe, a well-known comedy club in Saint-Étienne. Their ambition: to offer a month of family entertainment in an exceptional historical setting, highlighting local and regional talents. Under the artistic direction of Marilyn Lattard, also an actress, the festival has built a loyal and growing audience, expanding from a few evenings at its creation to a program of nearly twenty shows by its fourth edition.

Two Time Slots, Two Ambiences

Each festival evening offers two show time slots:

• 6 PM — Young Audience Shows (ages 4 and up): Interactive shows lasting 45 to 50 minutes where children participate and experience the adventure with the artists. Magic, storytelling, puppetry, clowning, and fantasy adventures are on the program.
• 8:30 PM — All Audience Shows: Comedies, stand-up, improvisation, musical comedy shows, and comedic plays performed by actors and companies from the Loire and Rhône-Alpes regions.

An Exceptional Heritage Setting

The Château de Saint-Victor-sur-Loire, overlooking the Gorges de la Loire, provides a unique setting for open-air performances. The semi-covered amphitheater of the castle, surrounded by century-old gardens and medieval towers, allows spectators to enjoy the shows in an atmosphere that is both intimate and grand. From the terrace, visitors can admire the panorama of the gorges and the nearby Château d'Essalois.

Friendliness and Sharing

From 4:30 PM, the bar run by Les Amis de Saint-Victor-sur-Loire allows spectators to gather for a drink and snacks with friends before the shows. This friendly atmosphere, combining picnics, aperitifs, and live performances, is an integral part of the festival's identity.