Festival À toutes Vapeurs

Homage to Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot

Void-Vacon is the cradle of the automobile. It was in this Meuse commune, located between Toul and Ligny-en-Barrois, that Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot was born in 1725, considered the pioneer of the automobile. This military engineer designed and built the first self-propelled vehicles in history: the famous steam drays (1770-1771). The Festival À toutes Vapeurs pays tribute to this visionary genius through a unique event of its kind.

Working Steam Engines

The heart of the festival consists of demonstrations of working steam engines. Visitors can admire a life-size replica of Cugnot's dray, traction engines, miniature locomotives, steam boats, and other machines powered by steam. The spectacle of these machines in action, with their whistles, steam jets, and complex mechanisms, fascinates both children and adults.

Exhibitions and Scale Models

The festival also features exhibitions of scale models, Stirling engines, and model trains. These educational presentations explain the principles of thermodynamics and steam mechanics in a fun and accessible way.

Agricultural and Mechanical Heritage

Beyond steam engines, the festival celebrates agricultural heritage with exhibitions of vintage tractors, period agricultural equipment, and collector vehicles. These carefully restored machines bear witness to the evolution of agricultural and transport techniques since the 19th century.

Activities and Entertainment

The festival is designed as a family and educational event. Activities with costumed historical reenactors, exhibitions on Cugnot's life, workshops for children, and guided demonstrations complete the program for the two days. The Espace Cugnot, a permanent museum dedicated to the inventor, is open to visitors during the festival.

Catering and Hospitality

Catering and refreshment stands are available on the festival site, allowing visitors to eat between demonstrations and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the event.