Arts en Cité
Contemporary art exhibitions in the "Petites Cités de Caractère" of Orne
About Arts en Cité
Arts en Cité is a contemporary art festival organized every summer in Longny-les-Villages (Orne), in partnership with Tourisme 61, the Departmental Fund for Contemporary Art (FDAC), and the Departmental Council of Orne. From late June to early August, works by artists from the FDAC are exhibited in the heritage sites of this "Petite Cité de Caractère" in Perche. The festival also offers cultural mediation activities with schools and exhibitions created by students with resident artists.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Arts en Cité at the best price.
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Arts en Cité: Contemporary Art in Perche Heritage
The Arts en Cité festival offers an original encounter between contemporary art and architectural heritage in the commune of Longny-les-Villages, in the heart of Orne's Perche region. In partnership with Tourisme 61, the Departmental Fund for Contemporary Art (FDAC), and the Departmental Council of Orne, this summer festival showcases works by contemporary artists in the remarkable sites of this "Petite Cité de Caractère" (Small Town of Character).
FDAC Works on Display
Each edition of Arts en Cité is built around a unifying theme. Works from the Departmental Fund for Contemporary Art—paintings, sculptures, photographs, installations—are selected and displayed in the heritage spaces of Longny-au-Perche, creating a unique dialogue between contemporary creation and historic architecture.
Cultural Mediation Activities
The festival places significant emphasis on cultural mediation and artistic education:
- Workshops with Schoolchildren: Mediation activities with students from Félix Leclerc college and the Jambée school.
- Cultural Projects with Artists: Artist residencies in schools, resulting in creations exhibited during the festival.
- Student Exhibitions: Ceramic sculptures, photographs, and creations made by the children.
Longny-au-Perche, "Petite Cité de Caractère"
Longny-au-Perche, designated a "Petite Cité de Caractère", provides a remarkable heritage setting for the festival. The town hall's main hall, public spaces, and historic buildings of this Perche town host the artworks within an architectural showcase that adds an extra dimension to the artistic experience.
A Festival that Enriches the Territory
Arts en Cité is part of an initiative to disseminate contemporary art in rural areas. The FDAC works are also presented in other "Petites Cités de Caractère" in Orne, creating an artistic trail across the department. This initiative helps make contemporary art accessible to audiences who do not always have the opportunity to visit galleries and museums.
Arts en Cité — edition 2026
Arts en Cité 2026 in Longny-les-Villages. Contemporary art exhibitions from the FDAC in the heritage sites of this "Petite Cité de Caractère" in Perche.
Prices Arts en Cité 2026
Practical information — Arts en Cité
Access to Longny-les-Villages
By Car: Longny-les-Villages (formerly Longny-au-Perche) is located 50 km east of Alençon. From Alençon, follow the D955 towards Bellême, then the D11 towards Longny (approximately 50 minutes). From Nogent-le-Rotrou, take the D918 (approximately 15 km, 20 minutes). From Paris, take the A11 towards Le Mans, then the N12 and departmental roads (approximately 2.5 hours). Free parking is available in the town center, near the town hall and exhibition venues.
By Train: Longny does not have a train station. The nearest station is Nogent-le-Rotrou (15 km), served by TER Centre-Val de Loire trains from Paris-Montparnasse (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes). A vehicle is required to reach Longny from the station.
Exhibition Venues
The Arts en Cité exhibitions are held in the Salle de la Mairie (Town Hall Hall), 1 place de l'Hôtel de Ville, 61290 Longny-les-Villages. The entrance to the exhibition hall and the town hall courtyard also host outdoor works (sculptures, installations). FDAC works are also exhibited in other "Petites Cités de Caractère" in Orne, creating a departmental artistic trail to explore throughout the summer.
Opening Hours
Exhibitions are open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM, from late June to early August. Access outside these hours may be possible upon request to the town hall. Guided tours can be organized for groups by reservation.
Prices
Admission to the exhibitions is completely free. Guided tours are also free.
To Discover in the Village
Longny-au-Perche, designated a "Petite Cité de Caractère", is worth a stroll to discover its architectural heritage: the 16th-century Notre-Dame-de-Pitié chapel, the Saint-Martin church, half-timbered houses, and washhouses. The weekly Wednesday morning market enlivens the town center.
Accommodation and Dining
Longny and its surroundings offer bed and breakfasts, gîtes, and restaurants. The Hauts du Perche Tourist Office (www.tourismehautsduperche.fr) can provide information on accommodation and dining options.
Contact
Mairie de Longny-les-Villages
1 place de l'Hôtel de Ville, 61290 Longny-les-Villages
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Arts en Cité at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Arts en Cité
Salle de la Mairie de Longny-au-Perche
1 place de l'Hôtel de Ville, 61290 Longny-les-Villages