Theater of Chartres

New 2025 : À l’italienne

The Théâtre de Chartres will be more ‘Italian-style’ than ever, inviting audiences on a dreamlike, festive journey through the famous ‘boot of Europe’.

The ornate 19th-century facade is the setting for an enchanted, artistic interlude of travel, art and colour.

Between the courtyard and the garden, the many paintings are inspired by the most beautiful settings and the greatest artists. A special tribute is paid to the mythical characters of the commedia dell'arte in the midst of ancient ruins.

This brand new visual creation features a contemporary aesthetic in its architectural interplay, motion design and visual transitions.

The Théâtre de Chartres is going to be more ‘Italian’ than ever, inviting audiences on a dreamlike, festive journey through the famous ‘boot of Europe’. Discover the scenography from Saturday 5 April.

The ornate 19th-century façade will be the setting for an enchanted, artistic interlude of travel, art and colour.

The many paintings are inspired by the finest decors and the greatest artists. A special tribute will be paid to the characters of the commedia dell'arte, between courtyard and garden, ancient ruins and mythical characters.

This brand new visual creation features a contemporary aesthetic in its architectural interplay, motion design and visual transitions.

Artistic design : Noir Saber

Theater of lights

Meet Marie-Jeanne Gauthé who designed the "Illusions" scenography, projected until 2024 on the Chartres theater.

A little history

Designed by the architect Piébourg and inaugurated in 1861, the Chartres theater is typical of the opulent buildings constructed during the Second Empire.

The theater has preserved its period machinery with its system of counterbalanced poles allowing the scenery to be arranged at will.

Dates and times

The 21 sites of Chartres en lumières are illuminated EVERY, night from dusk to 1am (11pm from the 26 October), until 4th January 2026.

The lighting of the illuminations varies according to the time of nightfall.

  • April: around 9.30 pm / 9.45 pm
  • May: around 10 pm / 10.15 pm
  • June: around 10.30 pm / 10.45 pm
  • July : around 10.45 pm / 10.30 pm
  • August : around 10.15pm / 9.45pm
  • September: around 9.30pm / 9.15pm
  • October: around 9pm / 6.30 from 27 October
  • November: around 6.15pm / 6pm
  • December: 5.45pm
  • January : 5.45pm