The Festival of Joan of Arc

The Festival of Joan of Arc is only one of the many festivals celebrated in the Loire Valley – here are our other recommendations:

Chartres en Lumiere

23April – 18September

Every night from April 23^rd to September 18^th, Chartres illuminates its top monuments including the Cathedral, the Marceau and Cygne Square as well as la Rue des Ecuyers giving a new dimension to the city's best landmarks. Chartres en Lumiere ends with a festival on September 17^th and 18^th called the "Fêtes des Lumières".

For more info visit http://www.chartresenlumieres.com

Le Printemps de Bourges

Bourges

13 April – 18April

This festival of modern music, involving established artists and newcomers, will be celebrating its 37^rd Anniversary in 2010. This year’s edition will feature no less than 40 shows, and hundreds of concerts in bars and restaurant.

For more info visit www.printemps-bourges.com

The International Garden Festival of Chaumont

29 April – 15October

Created in 1992, this festival has become a must for garden enthusiasts and also landscape gardeners who get the chance to exhibit their work. 2010 will be no exception, with 30 gardens created especially by top landscape gardeners. This year's theme is "Gardens of Colour".

For more info visit www.loirevalleytourism.com

The Romantic Festivities of Nohant

June

A must for Chopin fans, this festival celebrating romantic music, takes place at the spot where the composer spent 7 summers and wrote half of his work. It also aims at re-creating the lively atmosphere of Chopin's days when both Liszt and himself were heard playing the piano.

For more info visit Loire Valley Tourism

The Loire Festival

Orleans 

September

The Loire River takes centre stage during this exciting festival. Foreign river boats as well as traditional French boats gather together to celebrate the river’s history. During the day, watch dances and performances along the river banks or shop through craft and produce markets. At night, don’t miss any of the water shows meant as a tribute to the Loire.

For more info visit www.tourisme-orleans.com