- Lucie TESTARD
- - Aug. 20, 2026
Fancy a unique experience? Over a weekend in September, principal dancer Hugo Marchand will transform the medieval ruins of Crussol into an open-air ballet stage. A rare event, open to all, and one not to be missed.
There are evenings that leave a lasting impression, when the setting and the moment come together to create something truly unique. Amidst the ruins of Crussol Castle (Château de Crussol), overlooking the northern Rhône Valley and beneath the late-summer sky, the magic happens naturally.
On 12 and 13 September 2026, two exceptional performances of "Étoiles au Château", led by principal dancer Hugo Marchand, will bring this extraordinary venue to life.
Hugo Marchand : a star stepping off the stage
Hugo Marchand is no ordinary dancer. Appointed principal dancer at the Paris Opera in 2017, he is now one of the most admired figures in classical and contemporary dance. A bronze medallist at the prestigious Varna International Competition, considered the "Nobel Prize" of dance, he performs the greatest roles in the repertoire at the Palais Garnier and the Opéra Bastille.
Hugo Marchand is also a man of conviction. In 2022, he founded the Hugo Marchand pour la Danse association, with a simple yet revolutionary idea: to bring dance to places where it is not usually found. To take the stars out of Parisian theatres and have them perform in France’s most beautiful monuments, at a price that is affordable for everyone.
A unique show in a unique setting
Perched above the Rhône Valley, Crussol Castle is transformed, for two evenings, into a veritable open-air theatre. This exceptional natural and historic setting hosts a performance blending dance, music and heritage.
On stage, several principal dancers and soloists from the Paris Opera, brought together under the direction of Hugo Marchand, accompanied by musicians (cello and piano). A rare convergence of disciplines, enhanced by the magic of the setting and the light of the setting sun.
A tour of iconic locations
The fourth edition of the « Les Étoiles au Château » project is part of a national tour showcasing prestigious venues :
• Domaine de la Bourbansais (13 and 14 June)
• Château de Chambord (14 and 15 July)
• Château de Crussol (12 and 13 September)
It is a source of great pride for the Rhône-Crussol region to host this exceptional cultural event.
The artists
Star Dancers ballet : Léonore Baulac, Mathieu Ganio, Dorothée Gilbert, Germain Louvet, Hugo Marchand, Marc Moreau, Hannah O’Neill, Myriam Ould-Braham, Ludmila Pagliero.
Principal Dancers : Hohyun Kang, Silvia Saint-Martin.
Musicians : Elena Bonnay, Ophélie Gaillard, Julie Sevilla-fraysse.
Performances at Crussol Castle
Place : Château de Crussol
Single ticket price: €13 per person (ages 4 and over)
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Suitable for all ages
Online booking is available on the association’s website below :
Previous performances have sold out, so don’t delay!
