Festival du Bitume et des Plumes

Du Bitume et des Plumes: Street Art Since 2014

Since its creation in 2014, the Festival du Bitume et des Plumes transforms Besançon's public spaces into open-air stages every autumn. Supported by the Association du Goudron et des Plumes, recognized as being of general interest, this festival has become the largest street arts festival in Franche-Comté, attracting an ever-growing family audience.

A Multidisciplinary Program

The festival offers a rich and diverse program that embraces all forms of street arts: circus, dance, street theater, clown, performances, concerts, exhibitions, and installations. Each edition features around thirty shows and a dozen activities, inviting the public to wander through the city, discovering artistic offerings.

Place Granvelle: The Heart of the Festival

Place Granvelle, in the center of Besançon, is the beating heart of the festival. It's where the main shows and activities are concentrated. But the festival also takes over other squares and courtyards in the city, creating an urban artistic trail that encourages strolling and discovery.

10 Years of Militant Free Access

Since its inception, the Festival du Bitume et des Plumes has chosen total free access (except for the evening "After du Bitume"). This choice is asserted as a political act: to guarantee accessibility, foster encounters between audiences, and enable emancipation through art. In ten years, this gamble has largely paid off, with the festival growing from a few thousand spectators to 18,000 in 2024.

The 2025 Edition: 10 Years Under the Sign of Love

The 2025 edition, the tenth, was themed around Love. With 35 shows and 9 activities, this anniversary edition offered an eclectic program: circus with Gagarine is not dead, dance with Amours, theater with JOUIR, and many other artistic offerings to discover with family.

A Committed Festival Rooted in its Territory

The Festival du Bitume et des Plumes is more than just an artistic event; it's a territorial project. It unites a network of passionate volunteers, follows an eco-responsible approach, and works with local residents to create social connections. The festival is supported by the City of Besançon, Grand Besançon Métropole, and the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Region.