Son et Lumière du Château de La Palice

A live performance in the heart of Bourbonnais heritage

Since 2016, the park of the Château de La Palice in Lapalisse has been transformed each summer into a grand stage for an entirely renewed sound and light show. Organized by the association Les Compagnons du Temps in partnership with the Lapalisse Tourist Office, this summer event has become a must-see in Bourbonnais and Allier. Nearly 80 volunteers, aged 6 to 70, bring to life original creations that blend local history, legends, and regional heritage.

Video mapping, pyrotechnics, and living tableaux

The majestic facade of the castle serves as a monumental screen for the video mapping created by the Chromatik studio. The projections blend with light effects, pyrotechnics, and an original soundtrack specially composed for each edition. The extras from the association embody historical figures in choreographed living tableaux, while the company Chevaux de prestige adds the equestrian dimension with scenes of tournaments and chivalry. The whole creates a striking harmony between projected images, lights, and live-action scenes.

Creations that tell the story of Lapalisse and Bourbonnais

Each edition offers a new scenario rooted in the history of the region. Previous editions have explored the mysteries of Bourbonnais and local legends (2019), as well as the remarkable destinies of men and women born in Lapalisse (2022). In 2024-2025, the creation "Once upon a time... Monsieur de La Palice" celebrates the 500th anniversary of the death of the famous Marshal Jacques II de Chabannes, lord of La Palice, who fell at the Battle of Pavia in 1525. The show retraces his life from childhood to the battlefield through colorful and moving scenes.

A unifying and family-friendly event

The Son et Lumière de Lapalisse is above all a human adventure. The volunteers of Les Compagnons du Temps gather each year for rehearsals, staging, and conviviality around the Taverne des Compagnons, open from 7 PM in the castle park. The show begins at 10 PM and lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Accessible to the whole family, it attracts several thousand spectators each edition in an enchanting setting, at the foot of one of the most beautiful castles in the Allier. Since its creation, the show has gathered nearly 23,000 spectators over its various editions.