Les Vieilles Charrettes

The party by the Tertre pond

Since its creation, the Les Vieilles Charrettes festival has established itself as one of the summer's musical events in Eure-et-Loir. Organized by the Coudray-au-Perche festival committee, the event takes place by the picturesque étang du Tertre, offering an enchanting natural setting for festival-goers. Every year in July, music lovers gather in this preserved corner of Perche for an evening of concerts under the stars.

A festive and varied program

The Les Vieilles Charrettes program focuses on musical diversity and festive energy. The evenings begin in the late afternoon with bands of various styles before building up in intensity throughout the night. The 4th edition notably featured Lukaz Sister, a female vocal trio accompanied by musicians, P'tits Fils de Jeanine in their quirky Wazoo style, and Tribute Telephone to revisit the hits of the famous French group. This mix of genres — chanson, rock, pop, covers — creates a festive atmosphere where everyone can find something they enjoy.

A festival that grows year after year

Launched with the modesty of a village festival, Les Vieilles Charrettes have seen remarkable progress. From a few hundred spectators at the first edition, the festival grew to around 2,500 festival-goers for its 4th edition. This growth reflects the public's enthusiasm for this event rooted in its territory, driven by passionate volunteers and supported by the municipality of Coudray-au-Perche.

The spirit of a festival committee

Les Vieilles Charrettes perfectly embodies the spirit of festival committee festivals that charm rural cultural life. The organization relies entirely on volunteering, with a close-knit team working for several months in advance to prepare the event. The bar, catering, and reception are managed by the villagers, creating a warm and authentic atmosphere that larger festivals cannot replicate.

Coudray-au-Perche, in the heart of Perche

Coudray-au-Perche is a rural commune in Perche eurélien, nestled between green hills and peaceful ponds. The Tertre pond, which hosts the festival, offers an ideal bucolic setting for an evening of outdoor music. Festival-goers can combine their visit with discovering the natural and architectural heritage of Perche, including manors, Romanesque churches, and hiking trails.