Festival Contes et Légendes
The festival of storytelling and orality arts in Marcq-en-Baroeul, for young and old
About Contes et Légendes
The Festival Contes et Légendes is an annual event dedicated to the arts of speech and storytelling, held every year in February-March in Marcq-en-Baroeul, in the Lille metropolitan area. Since its creation 25 years ago, this family festival explores the art of storytelling in all its forms: theatrical readings, musical performances, traditional tales, contemporary narratives, and unusual shows. Around thirty performances are offered in the cultural venues of the city and partner municipalities, for an audience ranging from toddlers (from 6 months) to adults.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Contes et Légendes at the best price.
Sponsored link
Festival Contes et Légendes: The Art of Storytelling for All in Marcq-en-Baroeul
The Festival Contes et Légendes is a cultural event organized every year in February-March by the city of Marcq-en-Baroeul. For 25 years, this festival has explored the arts of speech and primarily the art of storytelling, inviting young and old on wonderful journeys to the four corners of the world.
Around Thirty Performances for All Ages
Each edition offers about 30 performances in the cultural venues of Marcq-en-Baroeul and partner municipalities in the Lille metropolitan area. The program offers a wide variety of artistic forms: theatrical readings of tales, musical performances, traditional tales, contemporary narratives, and other unusual shows where storytelling sometimes blends with music, shadows, paper and objects, or live drawing.
From Toddlers to Adults
One of the festival's strengths is its appeal to all audiences, from toddlers from 6 months to adults. Families will find a program adapted to each age group, with performances specifically designed for children and others for a more mature audience. Teenagers are not forgotten, with contemporary and innovative formats.
Le Colisée Lumière and Partner Venues
The festival traditionally opens at the Colisée Lumière in Marcq-en-Baroeul, the city's emblematic performance hall, and unfolds in various cultural venues: theaters, media library, Le Minorelle, cinema. For several years, the festival has extended to partner municipalities in the metropolitan area: Ferme du Bocquiau in Haubourdin, Château Robersart in Wambrechies, and media libraries in Lille.
A Recognized Festival
Over the years, the Festival Contes et Légendes has established itself as one of the major events for storytelling and oral arts in the Hauts-de-France region. It contributes to the promotion of this ancient living art and the transmission of stories between generations.
Contes et Légendes — edition 2026
The 25th edition of the Festival Contes et Légendes will be held from February 14 to March 1, 2026, in Marcq-en-Baroeul and partner municipalities. For this anniversary edition, storytelling performances from around the world will be offered for all ages at the Colisée Lumière and partner venues in the metropolitan area.
Festival Contes et Légendes 2026 - 25th Edition
The Festival Contes et Légendes celebrates its 25th edition from February 14 to March 1, 2026. This anniversary edition invites spectators of all ages on numerous and wonderful journeys at the Colisée Lumière in Marcq-en-Baroeul and at partner venues in the Lille metropolitan area: Ferme du Bocquiau in Haubourdin, Château Robersart in Wambrechies, and media libraries in Lille.
Highlights Contes et Légendes 2026
- 25th anniversary edition of the festival
- Performances in partner municipalities: Haubourdin, Wambrechies, Lille
- Program for all ages from 6 months
Prices Contes et Légendes 2026
Practical information — Contes et Légendes
Festival Venues
- Colisée Lumière - 55 rue Montgolfier, 59700 Marcq-en-Baroeul (main venue and opening night)
- Théâtre Charcot - Marcq-en-Baroeul
- Médiathèque La Corderie - Marcq-en-Baroeul
- Le Minorelle - Marcq-en-Baroeul
- Cinéma CGR - Marcq-en-Baroeul
- Ferme du Bocquiau - Haubourdin
- Château Robersart - Wambrechies
- Partner media libraries in Lille (Saint-Maurice Pellevoisin, Lille Sud)
Access
By Public Transport
Marcq-en-Baroeul is served by the R tramway (Marcq-en-Baroeul station) and several bus lines of the Ilévia network. The Colisée Lumière is a 5-minute walk from the tram station. Bus line 36 also serves the center of Marcq-en-Baroeul.
By Car
Marcq-en-Baroeul is located northeast of Lille, 5 km from the city center. Access via Boulevard Clemenceau or Avenue de Flandre. Free parking is available near the Colisée Lumière and other performance venues.
By Bike
V'Lille stations are located near the center of Marcq-en-Baroeul. Bicycle racks are available in front of the Colisée Lumière.
Prices and Ticketing
Prices vary depending on the performance (from 3 to 12 euros). Family discounts are available for children's shows. Some performances are free (storytelling in media libraries). Tickets can be purchased at the reception of the Colisée Lumière, at partner venues, and on the website of the city of Marcq-en-Baroeul. It is recommended to book in advance as some performances sell out quickly.
Recommended Ages
The festival's performances are suitable for different age groups, clearly indicated in the program: from 6 months, from 3 years, from 6 years, from 10 years, and for all audiences. Choose performances suitable for your children's age for an optimal experience.
Contact
Ville de Marcq-en-Baroeul - Culture Department
Website: marcq-en-baroeul.org
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Contes et Légendes at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Contes et Légendes
Colisée Lumière et lieux partenaires
55 rue Montgolfier, 59700 Marcq-en-Baroeul