Festival Photo à Ciel Ouvert

An open-air photographic museum in the heart of the Vendée marshes

Since 2016, the Festival Photo à Ciel Ouvert has been transforming the charming village of L'Île-d'Olonne into an extraordinary open-air photographic gallery every summer. Driven by the association L'Œil (L'Organisation d'Exposition à l'Île d'Olonne) and its 25 passionate volunteers, this unmissable event for nature photography in Vendée continues to grow with each edition.

An immersive 1.5-kilometer route

The concept is as simple as it is spectacular: nearly 300 large-format photographs are displayed outdoors along a 1,500-meter route that winds freely through the village alleys, squares, gardens, paths, and to the edge of the salt marshes of L'Île-d'Olonne. The prints, in very large format, are hung on stone walls, house facades, fences, and signs along the paths. This open-air scenography offers a unique visiting experience, where photography intimately dialogues with the landscape.

Talented photographers

Each edition brings together about thirty photographers of national and international renown, selected for the quality and originality of their work. Wildlife photographers, landscape artists, naturalists, and visual artists all share the same passion for the living world and the beauty of the natural world. Visitors can discover unique perspectives on the landscapes, fauna, flora, and people who shape our Earth.

The Photo Weekend

The highlight of the festival, the Photo Weekend organized in June, allows the public to meet the exhibiting photographers. Conferences, discussions, and guided tours are offered, providing a rare opportunity to interact directly with the artists and understand their creative process.

An exceptional natural setting

L'Île-d'Olonne, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the salt marshes, offers a remarkable natural setting for this exhibition. The route traverses preserved landscapes where traditional built heritage blends with ecologically rich wetlands. Visiting the festival is also an invitation to discover this authentic Vendée territory, just a few minutes from Les Sables-d'Olonne.