Since 1992, our January concert series in St. Barts has been followed by a summer series in France. We call it The 72 Hours of Ainay – The Castle Concerts. These extraordinary concerts are underwritten in part by the generosity of the Florence Gould Foundation and take place in the sunflower-filled Berry Region that produced Joan of Arc, an easy drive less than three hours south of Paris and the perfect addition to any Parisian holiday, before or after. With our local partners the Bigny family, who generously provide their 13th century medieval castle, we stage three days of world-class performances equal to those at the island Festival. Each year, during the third weekend in August, the performances at Chateau d’Ainay-le-Vieil delight audiences from all over Europe and the United States and locals from the French countryside. The performances are always a perfect blend of world-class artistry and a magical setting-- ideal for family and friends, adults and children alike. Importantly, the Castle Concerts maintain the same spirit as the island Festival — the charming venue, friendly informality, and the mingling between performers and concertgoers.