Colombey Village d'Art

Colombey Village d'Art: When Barns Become Galleries

Every year in mid-August, the village of Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, famous for its historical connection to General de Gaulle, transforms into a true open-air art village. Private barns, inner courtyards, and municipal buildings open their doors to showcase the works of about sixty artists and craftspeople from Haute-Marne and neighboring regions.

An Artistic Trail Through the Heart of the Village

The concept of Colombey Village d'Art is as simple as it is appealing: to turn the village into a vast exhibition space by utilizing about twenty locations scattered throughout the village streets. Visitors wander freely from barn to barn, discovering canvases, watercolors, sculptures, ceramics, photographs, leather goods, wood and metal creations, glassware, mosaics, and street art works along their stroll. Each location offers a different atmosphere, between ancient stones and subdued lighting, creating a unique setting for the presented creations.

Varied and Accessible Disciplines

The event stands out for the diversity of disciplines represented. While painting—figurative, animal, or contemporary—remains prominent, the event also highlights more popular forms of expression that border on artistic craftsmanship. You can find jewelry made from repurposed objects, colorful artisanal toys, textile creations, marquetry, framing, and original mechanical installations. This openness to various artistic practices makes the trail accessible to all audiences, from seasoned art lovers to the simply curious.

An Event Rooted in its Territory

Colombey Village d'Art was born in 2015 on the initiative of a local painter who had the idea of transforming the village into an art space for a weekend. The event has since been organized by the municipality of Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, in partnership with the local firefighters' association and football club, with the support of numerous volunteers and residents who make their barns available.

Over the years, the event has found its audience and established itself as a must-see summer event in Haute-Marne. The tenth edition in 2024 cemented the event's status as a local cultural tradition, hosting 75 exhibitors and attracting visitors from across the Grand Est region.

Beyond Art: Friendliness and Local Produce

The artistic trail is complemented by a market of local producers offering vegetables, craft beers, ice cream, champagne, and regional specialties from Haute-Marne. Visitors can also dine on-site and enjoy the warm atmosphere of the À La Croix de Lorraine café. On Saturday evenings, entertainment extends the festivities with dance shows, fire performances, and tastings. This festive and gourmet dimension makes Colombey Village d'Art more than just an exhibition: it's a true village festival celebrating creativity.

A Weekend of Artistic Discoveries

Colombey Village d'Art traditionally takes place over two days, Saturday and Sunday around August 15th. Admission is free, allowing everyone to stroll at their own pace through the village streets and meet the artists in their temporary workshops. Sunday afternoon is usually the busiest time, with full parking lots and an attendance that can reach 2,500 visitors over the entire weekend.