Les Italiennes de Clisson
Festival of Italian culture in Clisson
About Les Italiennes
A tribute to Italy in the small Tuscan region of Nantes
Since 1997, the Les Italiennes de Clisson festival has celebrated the unbreakable ties between the town of Clisson and Italy every two years. Founded in 1996, the association Les Italiennes de Clisson organizes this event in a town whose Tuscan architecture — barrel tiles, fine bricks, pointed arches — is unique in France, a legacy of sculptor Frédéric Lemot and the Cacault brothers who, in the early 19th century, rebuilt the town devastated by the Vendée wars on the model of the landscapes of Tivoli, near Rome.
A multidisciplinary program in the heart of the city
The festival takes over the streets, squares, and heritage sites of Clisson's town center to offer a rich and varied program. Concerts of Italian music, street performances, film screenings, conferences on transalpine history and culture, exhibitions by artists, and culinary events punctuate several days of festivities. The program blends Italian and French artists, musical ensembles, street theater companies, and cultural speakers, offering an eclectic panorama of the culture of the Bel Paese.
An open and friendly festival
Les Italiennes de Clisson stands out for its accessibility: the majority of the weekend's performances and concerts are free and held outdoors, in a warm and family-friendly atmosphere inspired by the dolce vita. Recent editions have marked an opening towards neighboring towns — Nantes, Gorges, La Haye-Fouassière — with events held in advance of the main weekend, enriching the program with intimate concerts, film-debates, and conferences.
19 editions of Italian passion
Since its creation, the festival has had 19 editions which have allowed the local population to reclaim and identify with the Italian character of their town. Initially focused on folklore and traditions, the festival has gradually expanded its program to include street arts, contemporary music, cinema, and gastronomy, becoming a must-see event in Clisson's cultural life and a highlight of the Nantes vineyard region.
Les Italiennes — edition 2025
19th Edition — Italy Shines Beyond Clisson
The 19th edition of Les Italiennes de Clisson is distinguished by its territorial openness. For the first time, the festival extends its program to the towns of Nantes, Gorges, and La Haye-Fouassière, enriching the week of Italian culture with various events before the big festive weekend of July 5 and 6 in Clisson.
Week Program
- Monday, June 30 at 8:30 PM — Nantes: Aperitif concert with Francesco Mercante (€6)
- Tuesday, July 1 at 8:30 PM — Gorges: Concert by Duo Pa and the choir Boccaloup (free)
- Wednesday, July 2 at 7:30 PM — La Haye-Fouassière: Conference “Little Italy” by Bruno Rossetti and concert by the music school Vibrations (€6)
- Thursday, July 3 at 8:30 PM — Clisson: Film-debate around the film There's Still Tomorrow (cinema ticket price)
- Friday, July 4 at 7:30 PM — Clisson: Concert and Italian ball “Lato Lontaro” (free)
- Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6 from 10 AM — Clisson: Free street performances and concerts in the streets and squares of the town center
Programme Les Italiennes 2025
Detailed Program
- Monday, June 30 — Nantes: Aperitif concert Francesco Mercante
- Tuesday, July 1 — Gorges: Concert Duo Pa + Boccaloup choir
- Wednesday, July 2 — La Haye-Fouassière: Conference “Little Italy” (Bruno Rossetti) + concert by Vibrations music school
- Thursday, July 3 — Clisson: Film-debate — There's Still Tomorrow
- Friday, July 4 — Clisson: Italian ball “Lato Lontaro”
- Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6 — Clisson: Street performances and concerts in the town center
Highlights Les Italiennes 2025
- 19th edition — opening up to Nantes, Gorges, and La Haye-Fouassière
- Concerts by Francesco Mercante, Duo Pa, and Boccaloup choir
- Conference “Little Italy” by Bruno Rossetti
- Italian ball “Lato Lontaro” on Friday evening
- Weekend of free performances in the streets of Clisson on July 5 and 6
- Film-debate around the film There's Still Tomorrow
Prices Les Italiennes 2025
Practical information — Les Italiennes
Practical Information
Location
The festival takes place outdoors, in the streets and squares of Clisson town center (Loire-Atlantique), as well as in various heritage sites in the commune. Some events are also held in neighboring towns (Nantes, Gorges, La Haye-Fouassière).
Access
- By car: From Nantes, take the N149 towards Clisson (approx. 35 minutes). Free parking near the town center.
- By train: Clisson train station, served by TER from Nantes (approx. 30 minutes). The town center is a 5-minute walk from the station.
Prices
The majority of the weekend's performances and concerts are free and open access. Some weekday events (concerts, conferences, film-debates) are offered at a modest price of €6 or at the usual cinema rate. Booking possible via HelloAsso.
Contact
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Maison des Associations, 26 rue de la Madeleine, 44190 Clisson
- Official website: italiennesclisson.jimdofree.com
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Where does it take place — Les Italiennes
Centre-ville de Clisson — Rues et places
26 rue de la Madeleine, 44190 Clisson