Festival des Trop Petits
Artistic and cultural awakening festival for toddlers in Argentan
About Les Trop Petits
The Festival des Trop Petits: Art at a Child's Level
Since 2009, the Festival des Trop Petits has been a must-attend event for artistic awakening in the Orne region. Organized by the Quai des Arts, Argentan's performing arts venue, this festival is specially designed for toddlers from 6 months old and their families. For two weeks in the spring, it unfolds a gentle, poetic, and sensory program that introduces the youngest to the joys of the stage.
A Tailor-Made Program for Toddlers
Each edition features a selection of five shows at the Quai des Arts, carefully chosen for their artistic quality and suitability for a very young audience:
Puppets and Shadow Theater
Puppet, shadow theater, and pop-up shows transport children into fascinating visual universes. Stories come to life before the amazed eyes of toddlers through intimate and sensory theatrical forms.
Dance and Music
Creations combining dance and music invite children to discover movement and rhythm. These body and music awakening shows engage the senses and encourage spontaneous interaction from the very young audience.
Beyond the Quai des Arts
The festival spreads throughout the town of Argentan thanks to cultural partnerships with several institutions:
- Le Normandy Cinema: screening of adapted animated films
- Fernand Léger - André Mare Museum: fun visits and creative workshops
- La Curieuse Bookstore: readings and stories for little ones
- Conservatory: music and dance workshops
- Media Library: reading and awakening sessions
The Joyeux Bazar: A Festive Finale
Each edition concludes with the "Joyeux Bazar", an entirely free afternoon open to all, with workshops, games, shows, and surprises for children and their families. This festive and participatory event symbolizes the generous and friendly spirit of the festival.
Les Trop Petits — edition 2026
Prices Les Trop Petits 2026
Practical information — Les Trop Petits
Access and Transport
By car: Argentan is accessible via the A88 from Caen (approx. 1 hour) or the N26 from Alençon (approx. 30 minutes). From Paris, take the A28 then the N26 (approx. 2.5 hours). Free parking near the Quai des Arts, particularly in Place du Marché.
By train: Argentan station is served by the Paris-Granville line. The station is a few minutes' walk from the Quai des Arts and the town center. Connections are possible from Caen and Alençon.
Main Venue
Quai des Arts, Place du Marché, 61200 Argentan. This is the main venue for the festival where the five shows in the program take place. Other partner venues host complementary activities in the town: Le Normandy cinema, Fernand Léger - André Mare museum, La Curieuse bookstore, conservatory, and media library.
Prices and Ticketing
Shows at the Quai des Arts: €4 per person (single price for adults and children). Special rates for school groups and nurseries. The final Joyeux Bazar is entirely free and open to all. It is recommended to book tickets in advance on the Quai des Arts website or by phone, as capacity is intentionally limited to ensure the comfort and listening quality for the young audience.
Target Audience
The festival is specially designed for children from 6 months to 6 years old accompanied by their parents, grandparents, or childminders. The shows are adapted to the sensitivity and attention span of toddlers, with short durations (30 to 40 minutes) and gentle, sensory artistic forms. School groups (nurseries, kindergartens) are welcomed during dedicated weekday slots.
Accessibility
The Quai des Arts is accessible to people with reduced mobility. For any specific requests, please contact the Quai des Arts in advance.
Contact
Quai des Arts – Argentan
Phone: 02 33 39 69 00
Website: www.quaidesarts.fr
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Where does it take place — Les Trop Petits
Quai des Arts
Place du Marché, 61200 Argentan