Professional driver, passionate about events, Laurent Andrieux invites young and old to discover, from Saturday November 30, his illuminated garden in La Roquette. A family tradition that he reinvents with heart and creativity
At 41, Laurent Andrieux continues an important tradition for his family: Christmas lights. Based in Bassillac-et-Auberoche, in 2020 he took over from his father Patrick, who did so in Cherveix-Cubas for twenty-five years. “It’s a tribute and a way of perpetuating the Christmas spirit that influenced my childhood,” explains Laurent.
After a break in 2023 for health reasons, he returns with an even more magical edition. His garden, prepared for three months, opens its doors this Saturday, November 30. The inauguration at 6 p.m. promises to be festive. It will be marked by the presence of Motos 24, an association which collects stuffed animals for children who have just had surgery.
In 2022, nearly 300 visitors discovered the illuminations. Laurent hopes to exceed this figure this year. The garden can be visited every evening until Saturday January 4.
The Christmas express train, all made from recycled materials.
Sonia Fauconnet-Bureau
Laurent’s world goes beyond simple garlands. His garden becomes real “theatrical Christmas scenes”: luminous ice floes, laughing penguins, snowy forest, enchanted train, sparkling reindeer or animated characters.
He puts on the costume
Everything is made from recycled materials. “With nothing, you can do a lot!” Between palox boxes, polystyrene or parts of old toys, everything is reused,” underlines Laurent, committed to combining creativity and energy sobriety thanks to LEDs and a solar panel.
The big new feature for 2024 is a circuit leading to Santa’s superb cabin, where Laurent, in costume, will welcome visitors with music for souvenir photos.
An invitation to share
“Seeing the wonder of the children and the emotion of the adults is my greatest reward. Christmas is about sharing, kindness and happiness,” he confides.
Practical. Free entry, at 3795 avenue Mitterrand in Bassillac, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Vigilance recommended when parking.
