Coup de Chauffe

Cognac's street arts festival since 1995

Founded in 1995 by René Marion, Coup de Chauffe has become over three decades one of the unmissable events for street arts in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Organized by L'Avant-Scène, a national conventioned stage for "Art and creation" in movement arts, the festival is currently directed by Stéphane Jouan.

A weekend of free shows throughout Cognac

Every first weekend of September, Coup de Chauffe takes over the streets, squares, and the lush Jardin Public of Cognac. For three days, companies of street theater, dance, circus, music, and movement arts offer open-air performances, transforming the city into a vast artistic playground. All shows are completely free, allowing as many people as possible to discover street arts.

Over 500 companies hosted since its creation

Since its inception, Coup de Chauffe has hosted over 500 companies and attracts around 30,000 spectators each year. The 2024 edition celebrated the festival's 30th anniversary, confirming its strong presence in the Charente and national cultural landscape. The festival favors contemporary creations, innovative forms, and premieres, offering a showcase for the most creative companies on the street arts scene.

A festival rooted in the city

Coup de Chauffe stands out for its deep integration into the urban fabric of Cognac. Performances take place in the streets, on the squares, in the parks, on the quays, and in unusual locations in the city center, creating a direct and barrier-free relationship between artists and the public. This proximity is the festival's strength and identity.