Name: Bouligny en Fête 2026
Start: 2026-09-12T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-09-20T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Bouligny

About Bouligny en Fête

Bouligny en Fête is a festive and cultural event organized in the former mining town of Bouligny, in Meuse. Led by a collective of local residents and associations with the support of the University of Lorraine, this event highlights the mining and industrial heritage of the commune through various activities: guided tours, participatory exhibitions, improvisation theater shows, film screenings and debates, and moments of conviviality. Bouligny en Fête celebrates the identity and memory of this working-class town in Meuse.

A festival rooted in mining history

Bouligny en Fête was born from the desire of residents and associative actors to celebrate and pass on the memory of the mining town of Bouligny. Located in northwestern Meuse, this commune lived for a long time from iron ore extraction and still bears the traces of its industrial past. The event is part of a scientific and cultural mediation initiative led by a collective of residents, supported by Citoyens & Territoires Grand Est and the SAPS (Sciences Avec et Pour la Société) team from the University of Lorraine.

A rich and participatory program

The Bouligny en Fête program unfolds over several days and offers various activities accessible to all. Guided tours of the town allow for a rediscovery of the architectural and urban heritage inherited from the mining era. Participatory photographic exhibitions highlight residents' testimonies and the commune's evolution. Improvisation theater offers lively and interactive performances, while film screenings and debates address themes of work, working-class identity, and intergenerational transmission.

A festival by the pond

Some activities take place by the ponds of Bouligny, offering a pleasant and friendly natural setting. This outdoor festival invites families and visitors to enjoy a moment of relaxation and sharing in a green environment, while discovering the commune's cultural richness.

Industrial heritage and social connection

Bouligny en Fête explores the values of work, relationships between genders and generations in a town marked by industry. The event contributes to creating social bonds and strengthening residents' sense of belonging to their territory. It promotes local associations and their role in animating community life.

A collective and civic project

The originality of Bouligny en Fête lies in its collective and civic dimension. It is not a festival imposed from the outside, but a project built with and by the residents, in connection with the university world and territorial development actors. This participatory approach ensures the authenticity and relevance of the event.

Practical information — Bouligny en Fête

Access and transport

By car: Bouligny is located in the north of Meuse, about 25 km from Étain and 40 km from Verdun. Accessible via the D903 from Étain or the D618 from Briey. From Metz, allow about 45 minutes via the A4 then the D903. From Verdun, allow about 40 minutes via the D903. Free parking in the town.

By train: The nearest station is Conflans-Jarny (Meurthe-et-Moselle), served by TER Grand Est on the Metz – Verdun and Metz – Longwy lines. Bouligny is then accessible by car (about 15 km) or by taxi.

Practical information

Location: Bouligny (55240) – The event takes place in various locations in the commune: the town hall, the ponds of Bouligny, the streets of the town. A detailed program with addresses is provided before each edition.

Period: September, over several days, in conjunction with the European Heritage Days.

Price: Free admission for all activities.

Catering: Refreshments and food available on site during the event's highlights.

Practical advice

The event takes place partly outdoors, particularly around the ponds. Bring clothing suitable for September weather and comfortable shoes. Some activities require prior registration; inquire at the town hall.

Mining heritage

Bouligny is a former mining town in the Lorraine iron ore basin. The guided tours offered as part of the event allow visitors to discover the urban and architectural heritage inherited from the industrial era: workers' housing, municipal buildings, landscaped green spaces.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available in the neighboring towns of Étain and Spincourt. For longer stays, the cities of Verdun and Briey offer a wider choice of hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Contact

Mairie de Bouligny

Place Daniel Mayer, 55240 Bouligny

Website: www.mairiebouligny.fr