Danse en festival
Dance Festival - DARC 2025© leszekglasner - Adobe Stock

Are you a fan of dance and good music? Ever heard of the DARC Festival ? It's the event not to be missed this summer in Châteauroux! It offers an explosive mix of dance workshops with dance pros from all over the world and concerts that set the evenings alight. This year, it takes place from August 12 to 22. This not-to-be-missed event attracts over 65,000 people every year. Intrigued? Then enter the world of the DARC 2025 Festival !

What is the DARC 2025 Festival?

A little history: the DARC Festival, or Stage-Festival International de Châteauroux in the Indre region of France, was founded in 1976. What began as a simple dance workshop has become a major cultural event in France. Why DARC? It's an acronym for "Dance, Art, Rhythm and Culture".

Note that this festival is now a tradition, a meeting place for dance and music enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, it's the ideal place to learn, share and have fun.

Take advantage of this opportunity to discover several not-to-be-missed events in Indre this summer!

What's on?

The DARC Festival offers a wide range of activities: a variety of dance classes (23 disciplines, to be precise), open-air concerts, exhibitions and even creative workshops. You can learn hip-hop, salsa, contemporary and more.

The atmosphere is both festive and family-friendly. There's something for everyone, whether you want to learn, discover or simply enjoy the shows. Magical, isn't it?

Discover other cultural festivals: the 10 must-sees in France!

What artists will be performing at DARC 2025?

This year, the DARC Festival stage will welcome artists such as Eddy de Pretto, Vitaa and Sheila. We're talking about concerts ranging from pop and reggae to rock and rap. Yes, there's something for everyone!

  • Tuesday, August 12: LMZG and Danakil (free).
  • Wednesday, August 13: Tambour Tambour and Les Goguettes.
  • Thursday, August 14 : Jihel and Eddy de Pretto.
  • Friday, August 15: Mokado and Etienne de Crécy.
  • Saturday August 16 : Amandine Bourgeois and Morgane Ji (free).
  • Sunday August 17 : Cyril Mokaiesh and Cie Käfig.
  • Monday, August 18: Numah and Sheila.
  • Tuesday, August 19 : Lyna Mayhem and Vitaa.
  • Friday, August 22: the final DARC show.

Then why not try out one of the Top 11 Green Festivals in France?

How to get to the DARC 2025 Festival?

Wondering how to get to the action in Châteauroux ? It's super easy!

  • By train: the Châteauroux SNCF station is well served. Once there, you can take a cab or rent a bike with Mob d'Emploi 36.
  • By bus : buses are free throughout the Communauté d'Agglomération Castelroussine. Convenient, isn't it?
  • By car: if you prefer to come by car, there is plenty of parking available. And don't forget carpooling!

Consult the Festival Essentials and the Indispensable Checklist to make sure you don't forget anything!

Where to stay nearby?

Need somewhere to put your bags? Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Book the ÉLYSÉE HÔTEL the ÉLYSÉE HÔTEL: located right in the center of town, this elegant and warm hotel is a real winner. Rooms are comfortable and spacious, with air conditioning for optimum well-being. Enjoy a pleasant break at the piano bar, and relax in the sauna and whirlpool. The meal trays, concocted by a talented restaurateur, are delicious.
  2. Book a room at Best Western Plus Hôtel Colbert the Best Western Plus Hôtel Colbert: for a slightly more luxurious stay, this hotel offers top-of-the-range services, with a score of 8.5 out of 10. It's the ideal place to treat yourself during the festival.
  3. Book a stay at Camping Le Rochât Belle Isle le Rochât Belle Isle: a magnificent 3-hectare campsite on the banks of the Indre river, offering top-quality facilities (playground, pony trekking, fishing and access to the beach at Lac de Belle Isle). Well served by free buses and close to a supermarket. Dogs are accepted under certain conditions, and one free entry to the swimming pool per stay.

What are the dates of the DARC Festival?

Mark your calendars! The DARC Festival will be held from August 12 to 22, 2025. Save the dates for 10 days of dance, music and celebration!

The DARC Festival 2025 is the event of the summer to experience and dance! With dance workshops led by the pros, a host of concerts and a festive atmosphere, there's something to make everyone happy! And for more information on festivals in France, check out our article on the 20 must-see music festivals in France.