The highlight of Chartres en lumière, the Fête de la lumière, combines the magical atmosphere of illuminations, the discovery of new scenographies, and the festive atmosphere of street performances, wanderings, and entertainment. It is held every two years on the third Saturday of September, coinciding with the European Heritage Days. Visitors can discover a new program endlessly exploring the theme of light during an exceptional festive evening. At nightfall, the heart of Chartres comes alive with art and street shows, plastic installations, participative and interactive animations, musical wanderings, and exhibitions. The lights are rich and fun, creating a great opportunity to experience something truly unique.

Highly anticipated, this event attracts an ever-increasing audience, including residents of Chartres, neighbors from the region, and tourists from all over the world. With an attendance of around 50,000 visitors, it is the biggest back-to-school event in the Centre-Val-de-Loire region. In its 19th edition, held from April 30, 2022, to January 14, 2023, Chartres en lumières featured 21 illuminated sites.

Dates of the previous/upcoming edition: 13 April 2024 – 05 February 2025