The history of Chartres en lumières began in 2001, when the newly elected municipal team of Chartres undertook the renovation of the city’s historic center, including the Chartres Cathedral and medieval city gate. Then a festival of light was conceived to highlight the renovated city center, bring the city’s residents together, and attract more tourists.
The inaugural Chartres festival of light was held in September 2003, during the annual European Heritage Days. During the festival, the city’s most notable landmarks and monuments were illuminated to draw attention to their history and heritage. The event was a success, and it was decided to make it permanent. Three years later, Chartres joined LUCI (Lighting Urban Community International), a nonprofit association that brings together cities that sustainably use urban lighting as a tool for cultural, social, and economic development.
For more than two decades now, twenty or so heritage sites in the historic city center Chartres have been illuminated seven nights a week for several months in a row. Originally running from April until October, Chartres en lumières was extended until January in 2020. The illuminations start at dusk, depending on the time of nightfall, and last until 1 am from April to late October and until 11.30 pm from the last week of October to January.
Some of the sites that are usually illuminated during Chartres en lumières include the Chartres Cathedral, the Chartres Fine Arts Museum, the collegiate church of Saint-André, the municipal theater, the facade of the departmental council, the Montescot Hotel, Saint-Agnan’s Church, Saint-Pierre’s Church, several squares and bridges, and more. From the end of November, about a dozen sites are illuminated in Christmas colors to bring in the holiday cheer.
Chartres en lumières is a free event produced by the City of Chartres; the sites illuminated during the festival are public monuments or buildings visible from public spaces. Visitors are free to choose their own route and stroll around the city’s historic center. However, there are also paid guided tours for those who want to learn more about the history and heritage of Chartres while enjoying the spectacular light installations.
The biennial Festival of Light (Fête de la lumière) is held as part of Chartres en lumières in odd-numbered years, coinciding with European Heritage Days in September. During the festival, visitors can participate in a unique program of events in addition to the illuminations: street art, installations, live shows, and more.
Since its inception, Chartres en lumières has been recognized as the world’s largest event of its kind based on the number of illuminated sites, the duration of the event, and the richness of its programming. It attracts over a million visitors from all over France and abroad every year, with Fête de la lumière drawing about 70,000 visitors over the weekend.
Photo: chartresenlumieres.com
