The entire Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil team would like to thank you for coming in such large numbers this year to discover or rediscover the château, its grounds and gardens. So many visits - almost 20,000 this season - have contributed significantly to the restoration and upkeep of the château. Thank you once again...

The joy of dining

The sixteenth edition of the Salon des Curiosités took place on Saturday July 8 and Sunday July 9.

It was a sunny and warm edition, but that didn't stop lovers of antiques, second-hand goods and unusual decorations from coming to bargain hunt and leaving with their arms full of wonders.

Birds of Paradise

Our thanks to the Comité des Parcs et Jardins de France for hosting the "Plume.s" exhibition by photographer Olivier Lasbley.

Built in the 13th century, Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil is surrounded by a moat and set amidst parkland and gardens, including Renaissance water gardens. Nature plays an essential role not only in the beauty of the site, but also in the balance of its biodiversity. Aware of the dangers that threaten nature, causing ecosystems and living species to disappear, the Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil team wishes to help visitors discover, enhance and preserve this essential heritage.

To underline this action, it hosted Olivier Lasbley's photographic exhibition, which raised awareness of the major issue of biodiversity by presenting 12 photos of birds found in the gardens of the Centre Val de Loire region. Allegorizing the link between birds and art, the "Plume.s" exhibition, taken from the book of the same name, invited contemplation, meditation, astonishment and debate.

The Rencontres Musicales, Volume II

The second Rencontres Musicales du Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil was a great success. A moment of exception and good humor during which music resounded in the château and gardens to the delight of all.

Square poster for the Rencontres musicales du Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil, August 2023

Last year's festival featured some 30 artists performing over 3 days. This year, no fewer than 40 artists, musicians, tenors, soloists... performed over 4 days in a variety of concerts and other musical nuggets. The orchestra in residence and all the internationally renowned guests were brought together by the festival's conductor and artistic director, David Molard Soriano. This multi-talented man is responsible for the high quality of the program.

This is how the Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil is developing its musical vocation and confirming its formidable cultural dynamism.

We'd like to express our gratitude to all those who contribute to the development of this festival and make it a moment of beauty and joy:
The festival team: David Molard Soriano, Constance Clara Guibert, Raphaël Nebbula, Vincent Lemoine and all the volunteers.
We would also like to thank
The Centre-Val de Loire region and Nouvelles Renaissances,
The Cher department,
The town of Saint-Amand-Montrond,
Ainay-le-Vieil town hall,
L'Académie des Beaux-Arts,
Aurige Group, Jacquet and Métiers du Bois,
The Peslard company,
Mme Juliette Guibert, Mme Elisabeth Sledziewski et M. Jean-Michel Guibert, M. Alexandre Poulenard, M. Et Mme Nicolas Molard, Mme Marie-Sol de la Tour d'Auvergne,
without whom Rencontres Musicales would not be possible.

See you next year from August 15 to 18, 2024 for a third edition.