The Stars of Fontevraud
Les Étoiles de Fontevraud 2025 : a poetic nighttime show at the heart of the royal abbey
From July 8 to August 28, 2025, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud opens its doors after dark for a new edition of Les Étoiles de Fontevraud—an immersive nighttime spectacle that transforms the site with a display as artistic as it is inspiring.
Entitled Les Étoiles de Fontevraud, this annual event returns each year with a new spectacular staging, blending visual art and the memory of the place.
The abbey illuminated, between memory and modernity
By the glow of animated projections, visitors rediscover the abbey buildings through a free-flowing one-hour nighttime journey.
Every corner becomes a living space, filled with imagery, sound, and sensory atmosphere.
Filmmaker Jean-Baptiste Peltier has designed a subtle and elegant installation, somewhere between cinema and visual staging. Through video and sound design, the facades come to life, the vaulted ceilings awaken, and major historical figures emerge in a contemplative atmosphere.This unique production offers an original bridge between heritage and immersive storytelling.
Fontevraud : a historic gem in the heart of western France
Founded in 1101 by Robert of Arbrissel, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud has welcomed figures such as Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II Plantagenet, and Richard the Lionheart, whose recumbent statues still rest in the abbey church.
This storied site has spanned centuries, shaped in part by the Plantagenet dynasty, which contributed greatly to its fame.
The nighttime walk revives this millennial legacy with grace and poetry.
Now a listed historical monument, the abbey stands today as one of the major heritage landmarks in France, nestled in the Loire Valley between Saumur and Angers.
A cultural experience to enjoy with family or friends
Open to all, the event appeals equally to families and lovers of cultural discovery. Children enjoy a playful encounter with history, while adults see the site from a renewed and emotional perspective.
This cultural experience easily fits into a short local getaway, offering meaning and wonder to a wide audience.
Whatever your accommodation nearby, this visit fits perfectly into a short stay in Anjou, blending relaxation and discovery.
Admission is free for visitors under 18, with reduced rates for students, job seekers, and priority groups.
Tickets are available online starting in spring.
Practical information
- July 8 to August 28, 2025, every evening except Mondays
- Entry from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (last admission at 11:00 p.m.)
- Tarifs : 14 € plein tarif / 10 € tarif réduit / gratuit pour les –18 ans
- Booking recommended : www.fontevraud.fr
A chance to explore the abbey and its surrondings
Beyond this unique evening, take the opportunity to discover the local area: Saumur’s vineyards, Angers’ museums, riverside walks along the Loire, or even troglodyte caves.Our accommodations near Fontevraud provide the perfect setting to extend your experience. A wonderful way to blend culture, relaxation, and local tourism.
In summary
A highlight of cultural tourism in the Loire Valley, Les Étoiles de Fontevraud has become one of the region’s most iconic nighttime spectacles.
Les Étoiles de Fontevraud 2025 offers a powerful encounter with history after sunset, in a majestic setting enhanced by light and storytelling.
A memorable summer moment to share with family, heritage, and emotion.
Whether it’s your first time discovering the event or you’re a returning visitor, the 2025 edition promises a captivating experience within the walls of the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud.