Estival des Hallebardiers
Walking performances through the fortified city of Langres
About Estival des Hallebardiers
A unique walking performance concept
The Estival des Hallebardiers is much more than just a festival: it's an immersive and participatory experience that transforms the streets, ramparts, and fortified towers of Langres into a vast open-air theater. Born in 1986 under the name "La Ronde des Hallebardiers," this event has become over the decades a must-see for performing arts in Haute-Marne and the entire Grand Est region.
Three simultaneous shows each evening
The principle is original: three walking performances are staged at the same time, each evening of the performance, in different areas of the fortified city. Each show offers a different atmosphere, allowing the public to experience the city in a new way. The spectator, wearing a cape in the colors of their show, becomes an actor in the story, guided through the alleys, squares, and monuments by professional and amateur actors.
A popular and participatory street theater
The theatrical walk lasts approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the edition, starting from the courtyard of Collège Diderot at 9 PM. The shows combine humor, history, and heritage, playfully revisiting the city's glorious past: from the royal entries of François I and Charles IX to the most inventive contemporary themes.
A new theme each year
Each edition is built around an original theme that completely renews the experience. This creative work is entrusted to a committee bringing together artists, directors, historians, heritage specialists, and company administrators. Past themes have explored medieval history, science fiction, crime thrillers, and the 1960s.
The 2025 edition: "The Future!"
The 2025 edition transported spectators to 2284, in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by destructive climate events and a massive nuclear accident. Three surviving castes—the Manciennes, a matriarchal society honoring Jeanne Mance with a third eye in the middle of their forehead, the Cryo-cortexés, scientists watching over cryogenized individuals, and the Cyborgs—fought over the meager resources of a devastated world. This edition attracted 5,200 spectators.
La Compagnie des Hallebardiers
The festival is organized by the Compagnie des Hallebardiers de Langres, an association created on December 5, 1990. Originating from a volunteer initiative forming "La Milice" in 1986 to guard the ramparts, the company has professionalized over the years, surrounding itself with actors, writers, directors, stage managers, and technicians. It works to promote the architectural, historical, and cultural heritage of Langres through performing arts.
Estival des Hallebardiers — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Estival des Hallebardiers celebrates the company's 40th anniversary on the theme 'La Crise de la quarantaine — Forty(che)'. Three new immersive walking shows are performed simultaneously each evening of performance, on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from July 30th to August 22nd, 2026, through the fortified city of Langres.
2026 Edition: 'La Crise de la quarantaine — Forty(che)'
To celebrate its 40th anniversary (the company was founded in 1986), the Estival des Hallebardiers humorously plays on the theme of 'the midlife crisis'. As every year, three new immersive walking shows are offered simultaneously, each with its own story and its own route through the fortified city of Langres.
Performances
The shows take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, starting at 9 PM, over four weeks: from July 30th to August 1st, from August 6th to 8th, from August 13th to 15th, and from August 20th to 22nd, 2026. Departure is from the courtyard of Collège Diderot.
A Collective Creation
The three teams of amateur actors and actresses are directed by Jeanne Bardin, Morgane Huguenin-Bergenat, and Célia Pichon, based on texts by Alexandra Lucchesi. The spectator, dressed in a cape in the colors of their show, becomes an actor in the story alongside the performers, for a lively, humorous, and unconventional interpretation of Langres' heritage.
Highlights Estival des Hallebardiers 2026
- 40th anniversary of the Compagnie des Hallebardiers
- 2026 Theme: 'La Crise de la quarantaine — Forty(che)'
- Three new and simultaneous immersive walking shows
- Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from July 30th to August 22nd, 2026
Prices Estival des Hallebardiers 2026
Practical information — Estival des Hallebardiers
Dates and times
The Estival des Hallebardiers takes place every summer from late July to late August, with performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. The shows start at 9 PM from the courtyard of Collège Diderot. Spectators are asked to arrive 30 minutes before the show to collect their cape.
Meeting point
The starting point for the shows is at the Collège Diderot, 17 place Diderot, 52200 Langres. The walking performances then tour the streets, ramparts, and monuments of the fortified city.
Prices
- Full price: €16
- Reduced price: €13
- Child price: €6
- Cup deposit: €1 (refundable at the end of the show)
Ticketing
Online ticketing is available on Billetweb. In-person booking is possible at the ticket office located at the Linggo, 2 bis Square Olivier-Lahalle, 52200 Langres:
- Tuesday to Friday: 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
- Saturday: 2 PM - 6 PM
Reserved tickets not paid for are put back on sale from 6 PM on the day of the event. Accepted payment methods: credit card online, cash, checks, and holiday vouchers (ANCV) in person.
Access
- By car: Langres is accessible via the A31 motorway (Langres Sud exit) or the N19. Free parking is available near the ramparts.
- By train: Langres station (TER Grand Est), then shuttle or taxi to the historic town center.
Practical advice
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets
- The show takes place outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather
- The duration of the show is approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Contact
Compagnie des Hallebardiers de Langres
Maison du Pays de Langres, 2 bis Square Olivier-Lahalle, 52200 Langres
Phone: 03 25 90 77 40
Email: [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Estival des Hallebardiers
Collège Diderot - Cité fortifiée de Langres
17, place Diderot, 52200 Langres