Open-air photography festival with large-format exhibitions in the town of Rugles and its green spaces
Every summer, the Rugl'Art Festival transforms the town of Rugles into an open-air photographic gallery. From July to September, over 200 large-format works are exhibited on the town's walls and in the François Mitterrand park. Each edition explores a theme related to the region, presented by a dozen photographers through seven exhibitions. Free and accessible to all, the festival revitalizes rural cultural life and conveys the history of the Eure region through images.
Since 2015, the Rugl'Art Festival has been transforming the small town of Rugles, in the Eure department, into a vast open-air photographic exhibition space. From July to September, the streets, facades, squares, and the François Mitterrand park host very large format photographs, creating a surprising and accessible artistic trail for everyone. The festival, entirely free, invites walkers, families, and photography enthusiasts to wander through the town, discovering visual art along the way.
Each edition of the Rugl'Art Festival revolves around an annual theme celebrating the region, its inhabitants, and their history. Whether it's the passions of the local people, the town of tomorrow, or the environment, the festival invites a dozen photographers to bring their artistic vision to a subject that resonates with local reality. This thematic approach fosters dialogue between generations and helps to convey the history, unique characteristics, and know-how of the Eure region through the lens of photography.
The Image Garden, located in the François Mitterrand park, is the heart of the festival, featuring at least seven exhibitions presenting over 130 large-format photographs. In total, more than 200 works are displayed throughout the town and its green spaces, creating striking contrasts between Rugles' rural architecture, the park's vegetation, and the monumental images. The large-format prints, some several meters high, offer an immersive visual experience that magnifies the photographers' work.
The Rugl'Art Festival was born from a desire to revitalize cultural life in rural areas. By occupying the public spaces of a small town in the Eure department, the festival creates a high-quality cultural event accessible to all, without financial or cultural barriers. The open-air exhibition, visible day and night, allows everyone to discover photography at their own pace. The festival involves residents, associations, and local stakeholders, contributing to the dynamism and attractiveness of Rugles and its region.
In 2024, the Rugl'Art Festival celebrated its 10th edition, confirming its place as a must-see summer event for photography in the Eure department. Since its creation in 2015, the festival has hosted dozens of professional and amateur photographers, exploring diverse themes that paint a faithful and artistic portrait of the Eure region. This longevity testifies to the attachment of residents and visitors to this unique event that combines art, heritage, and conviviality in the heart of Normandy.
The 12th edition of the Rugl'Art Festival is expected from July to September 2026 in Rugles. The festival will feature a new theme explored by a dozen photographers through large-format open-air exhibitions in the town and the François Mitterrand park. Free admission.
The 12th edition of the Rugl'Art Festival is expected from July to September 2026 in Rugles. The festival will feature a new annual theme, explored by a dozen photographers whose large-format works will take over the streets, walls, and the François Mitterrand park of Rugles.
The selected theme and photographers will be announced in spring 2026 on the festival's official website. Admission will remain free, and the exhibitions will be permanently accessible.
By car: Rugles (27250), town center and François Mitterrand park. Free parking in the town center.
By train: L'Aigle station (15 km), then by car.
Open-air exhibitions freely visible from July to September, 24/7.
Free admission.
Website: www.ruglart.com
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Ville de Rugles et Parc François Mitterrand
Centre-ville et Parc François Mitterrand, 27250 Rugles