Les Nocturnes de l'Abbaye de Thiron-Gardais
Night concerts and summer markets in the abbey gardens
About Nocturnes de l'Abbaye
Summer Saturdays: Musical Evenings in the Heart of Perche
Every summer since 2019, the Thiron-Gardais Festival Committee has offered musical entertainment throughout the Saturdays of July and August. Locally known as the Summer Saturdays (or Nocturnes de l'Abbaye), these evenings bring together residents and summer visitors in the bucolic setting of the Jardin Imbert, at the foot of the medieval abbey of Thiron-Gardais, in the heart of the Perche Regional Natural Park.
Free Concerts Under the Stars
Every Saturday in July and August, a free concert is organized starting at 7 PM, with the main concert generally beginning at 8:30 PM. The program, entrusted to emerging artists, covers a wide musical spectrum: pop rock, jazz, variety, French chanson, folk. Bands like Karine Fontaine, Les Mitchels, BrouNotes, Iconic, Laurent Jarry, Silly Lovers, or Décibels have enlivened recent editions, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere typical of village festivals.
The natural acoustics of the garden, encircled by the abbey's ancient walls, give the concerts a special resonance. Spectators settle on the grass or on chairs provided, enjoying the mildness of the Percheron summer nights.
Producers' Market and Friendly Barbecue
From 7 PM, a producers' market sets up in the gardens, offering local Percheron products and local creations. A barbecue allows visitors to eat on-site in a village festival atmosphere, accompanied by local beers, Perche ciders, and cold drinks. This moment of sharing around the table and music brings together families, long-time residents, and summer visitors in a spirit of conviviality that characterizes the region.
Torchlight Procession and National Holiday Fireworks
On the Saturday of the National Holiday, the evening takes on a special dimension with a torchlight procession through the village streets, accompanied by an orchestra, followed by a fireworks display launched in the abbey gardens at the end of the evening. This pyrotechnic show, whose reflections dance on the medieval walls, is one of the highlights of the season.
The Abbey of Thiron-Gardais, Jewel of Perche
Founded in 1114 by Bernard de Tiron, the Abbey of the Holy Trinity of Thiron-Gardais was one of the most important abbeys of the Order of Tiron. The Abbey Estate today includes the abbatial church, the restored conventual buildings, the historic gardens, and a museum. This exceptional heritage offers a unique setting for the Summer Saturdays, blending living culture and a millennial legacy.
Nocturnes de l'Abbaye — edition 2026
2026 edition of the Summer Saturdays at Thiron-Gardais Abbey. Seven free evenings from July 11 to August 29, 2026, every Saturday from 7 PM to 11 PM in the Jardin Imbert at the foot of the medieval abbey: pop rock, jazz, and variety concerts (Karine Fontaine, Les Mitchels, BrouNotes, Iconic, Laurent Jarry, Silly Lovers, Décibels), producers' market, barbecue and — on Saturday, July 18 for the National Holiday — a torchlight procession and fireworks in the abbey gardens.
Summer Saturdays 2026 — Thiron-Gardais Abbey
For their 2026 edition, the Summer Saturdays (Abbey Nocturnes) present seven free musical evenings, from Saturday, July 11 to Saturday, August 29, 2026, in the Jardin Imbert at the foot of the medieval Thiron-Gardais Abbey.
Seven Saturdays, Seven Atmospheres
This season features emerging artists in various styles — accordion variety, pop rock, folk, French song. Each evening takes place from 7 PM to 11 PM, with the opening of the producers' market and the start of the barbecue from 7 PM, followed by the main concert at 8:30 PM.
National Holiday at the Heart of the Season
Saturday, July 18, 2026 is the highlight of the summer: in addition to the musical program, there will be a torchlight procession through the village streets, accompanied by an orchestra, followed by fireworks set off in the abbey gardens to close the evening. It's the unmissable National Holiday event in the Perche.
Producers' Market and Friendly Barbecue
Every Saturday, the producers' market offers the flavors of the Percheron region from 7 PM: farm products, local ciders and beers, artisanal creations. The on-site barbecue allows you to dine in a village festival atmosphere, in the magical setting of the abbey gardens at dusk.
Organized by the Thiron-Gardais Festival Committee since 2019, this 2026 edition perpetuates the tradition of a village festival open to all, in an exceptional heritage setting.
Programme Nocturnes de l'Abbaye 2026
Saturday, July 11, 2026 — 7 PM to 11 PM
- 8:30 PM — Karine Fontaine · Jardin Imbert · Accordion variety
Saturday, July 18, 2026 — National Holiday — 7 PM to 11 PM
- 8:30 PM — Les Mitchels · Jardin Imbert · Variety
- 9:30 PM — Torchlight procession · village streets · animated by Les Métronosiques
- 11:15 PM — Fireworks · Abbey gardens
Saturday, July 25, 2026 — 7 PM to 11 PM
- 8:30 PM — BrouNotes · Jardin Imbert
Saturday, August 1, 2026 — 7 PM to 11 PM
- 8:30 PM — Iconic · Jardin Imbert · Pop rock
Saturday, August 8, 2026 — 7 PM to 11 PM
- 8:30 PM — Laurent Jarry · Jardin Imbert
Saturday, August 22, 2026 — 7 PM to 11 PM
- 8:30 PM — Silly Lovers · Jardin Imbert · Folk song with Anglo-Saxon and French influences (revisited pop rock, blues, country folk)
Saturday, August 29, 2026 — 7 PM to 11 PM
- 8:30 PM — Décibels · Jardin Imbert · Pop rock
Program communicated by the Thiron-Gardais Festival Committee via Radio Intensité and the Perche Regional Natural Park. No concert on Saturday, August 15.
Highlights Nocturnes de l'Abbaye 2026
- Seven free musical Saturdays from July 11 to August 29, 2026
- Pop rock, jazz, variety, and folk programming in the Jardin Imbert
- Torchlight procession and fireworks in the abbey gardens on July 18 (National Holiday)
- Producers' market with Percheron local products from 7 PM
- Friendly on-site barbecue
- Exceptional heritage setting at the foot of the medieval abbey (12th c.)
Prices Nocturnes de l'Abbaye 2026
Practical information — Nocturnes de l'Abbaye
Practical Information
Access
Jardin Imbert, rue de l'Abbaye, 28480 Thiron-Gardais. Approximately 40 km southwest of Chartres via the D922.
Hours
Every Saturday in July and August, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Producers' market opens at 7:00 PM. Main concert at 8:30 PM. Torchlight procession and fireworks display on the Saturday of the National Holiday only.
Food and Drink
Barbecue and refreshment stand on site. Producers' market with local Percheron products.
Tips
- Free concerts and access.
- Bring warm clothing for outdoor evenings.
- Bring a blanket or folding chairs for the concerts.
- Take advantage of the day to visit the Abbey Estate and its gardens.
Contact
Town Hall / Thiron-Gardais Festival Committee: 02 37 49 42 50 · [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Nocturnes de l'Abbaye
Jardin Imbert - Domaine de l'Abbaye
Jardin Imbert, rue de l'Abbaye, 28480 Thiron-Gardais