La Rochelle
Dive into the secrets of Saint-Louis Cathedral in La Rochelle An immersive sound and light show in a historic place! Buy your tickets
360°
Projections
History
Live Music
After captivating more than 500 000 spectators across France, LUMINISCENCE continues its tour and settles in the heart of La Rochelle for a series of exceptional dates in the emblematic Saint-Louis Cathedral. For the first time, experience a show where history, video mapping and 360° music unite to reveal this jewel of La Rochelle's heritage as you have never seen it before. The light projections enhance the Gothic architecture and rich maritime history of this historic cathedral at the heart of the Atlantic city.
Photo Credit © Laura Vesmare
Sit comfortably in the nave, look up, and let the voice of the cathedral’s guardian spirit guide you on a journey beyond time. You’ll experience a full 360-degree immersion, where history, video mapping, and live music come together to unveil the legend of this sacred monument.
Act 1: A Cathedral for “The Rebel”
Act 2: Between Shadows and Light
Act 3: A Monument to Music
Act 4: Eternal Legacy
Duration : 45 minutes
Artistic direction : Ateliers BK
Photo credit © Mikhail Syntenkov
Thanks to a speaker system that surrounds the audience, every note and every beat travels through the building to deliver an unprecedented sound immersion. As a result, the audience, comfortably seated, doesn’t just listen — they physically feel the vibrations and perceive every nuance with exceptional clarity. This total sound immersion, combined with the venue’s natural acoustics, transforms listening into a unique sensory experience, where sound becomes substance and movement.
© Laura Vesmare
Every weekend, during exceptional evening events, the vocal ensemble Polymnie, conducted by Fabrice MAURIN, invites you to experience a unique musical version of the show. The region’s most talented singers will revisit classical and sacred masterpieces in an exceptional live performance. They will reveal to you the full acoustic richness of one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France.
©Mikhail Sytenkov
Built starting in 1742, Saint-Louis Cathedral has its origins in the period of the Protestant Reformation. In the 16th century, the city became a fiercely contested Protestant stronghold. Strong in its commercial power, it seceded and allied with England. Louis XIII and Richelieu reestablished French authority there in 1628 after a long siege. To mark the return of Catholic worship, the king ordered the relocation of the episcopal seat, and the former Grand Protestant Temple, renamed Saint-Louis, became a temporary cathedral. It was destroyed in a fire under Louis XIV, and the construction of a new cathedral began later thanks to a personal donation from Louis XV. But the work was interrupted by the Revolution and only finished in 1862. The building, in classical style, was designed by architects Jacques Gabriel and his son Jacques-Ange, architects to King Louis XV, who also created the Royal Opera of Versailles, the Petit Trianon, and Place VendĂ´me. Its bright interior is adorned with a dome painted by the master William Bouguereau in the 19th century. Listed as a historic monument in 1906, it remains a place of worship and a symbol of the history of La Rochelle.
Location Pl. de Verdun, 17000 La Rochelle (entrance via Rue Pernelle).
How to access?
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"Our mission is to preserve, transmit and promote our history and our heritage, by enhancing emblematic places that are part of our common heritage. We are proud to offer an artistic, immersive and inclusive experience that allows as many people as possible to discover the richness of our maritime and religious heritage, regardless of their age, culture, nationality or religion. We hope that LUMINISCENCE will allow spectators to take a new look at sacred monuments by creating a unique emotional, memorial and sensory connection."
Romain Sarfati, Co-founder and General Director of LOTCHI.
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