La Vraie Vie de Château takes place on 8 June 2025
For the 7th edition of ‘La Vraie Vie de Château’, the Town of Saumur and Maison Bouvet Ladubay are joining forces once again to bring King René’s castle to life in a whole new way.
On Sunday 14 June, from 2 pm to 10 pm, just like the minstrels of old, clowns and circus performers will bring the
castle gardens to the delight of young and old alike. They will perform juggling acts, pole balancing, aerial acrobatics, balloon sculpting and more... We promise you a festive day in an exceptional historic setting. Could this be what “La Vraie Vie de Château” is all about?
SEVERAL PERFORMANCES this afternoon
Chinese Pole and Trumpet
A funny chap takes to the stage. Gabriel Rainjonneau has come with his trumpet to retrieve his pole.
He climbs up, pauses mid-movement, and falls, sending a shiver down our spines. And making us laugh?! An acrobatic and musical performance – intense and engaging. You’ll forget the feat of strength and let yourself be carried away by the fluidity of the movement.
Aerial Hoop
Déborah Mantione spins her hoop with energy, precision and a good dose of mischief. Between spectacular moves, she plays as much with the audience as she does with gravity. A dynamic and joyful moment to look up and gain a little height during La Vraie Vie de Château!
Clowns
Blending laughter and emotion, a pair of clowns invite the audience on an irresistible whirlwind of mischief and tenderness. By turns clumsy, delicate or hyperactive, they improvise a world where poetry springs from the smallest of things. A tender, burlesque and luminous show that moves as much as it amuses.
Balloon sculptures
With hands full of magic, Romain Grousset transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Every balloon becomes an adventure, a character, a dream captured in the air. He brings colours and shapes to life, creating memories that float with joy.
Unicycle and juggling
With gentleness and elegance, Paul Keaton plunges us into a whirlwind world where headwear gradually takes control of the performer. An absurd and delicate show, blending clowning, a hat catapult, high-wire juggling and balancing on a unicycle.
Batucada NotSo Brasil
The NotSo Brasil group is coming to Saumur and hitting the streets to get you dancing! They have just one ambition: to bang on drums until they drop! Their instruments are those of Samba-reggae and north-eastern Brazil. Their music is from there and elsewhere, with songs woven through it. Contagious energy that’s entirely renewable!
FROM 4PM TO 5PM: RIHLA PERFORMANCE: TRAJECTOIRES
Young dancers and acrobats share their journeys: “We grew up over there… but now we live here.” ” On stage, four circus artists present a performance that is both intimate and universal. The circular platform on which they perform serves as a performance space, a technical constraint and a metaphor for the paths we take. A sensitive and socially conscious production by the Tadour company, in collaboration with the École des Arts du Cirque La Carrière, showcasing the full expressive power of contemporary circus.
FROM 8.30PM TO 11PM: BALKAN MUSIC CONCERT
L’Amfifanfare and its twenty or so musicians invite you to dance, sing and travel to the rhythm of festive Balkan music, blending theatrical interludes with infectious energy! For over 20 years, Amfifanfare has been touring France and Europe, from the Hauts-de-France to the Balkans, from Ouessant to the shores of the Black Sea, spreading its joie de vivre and love of sharing wherever it goes. A moment of dance, fun and celebration to share together: Živeli!
Themed TOURS
From equestrian theatre to circus acts, a guided tour to rediscover the municipal museum’s collections. Three 40-minute tours during the afternoon. €5 for those aged 26 and over. Please go to the château ticket office to book.
Explore the château’s collections and temporary exhibitions until 6pm (€5 flat rate for those aged 26 and over)
On site
BOUVET LADUBAY - BRUT DE LOIRE 1851-2026, exploring 175 years of history
Complimentary tasting of wines from the Saumur & Crémant de Loire appellations (until 6 pm)
Food and drink (fouées, pasta, galettes, crêpes, churros, candyfloss, red berries and ice cream)
Relaxation areas
