Festival Voix & Danses
A multidisciplinary and touring festival in the heart of Bocage Bressuirais
2026
About Voix & Danses
Voix & Danses — edition 2026
The 5th edition of the Voix & Danses Festival takes place from October 3rd to 23rd, 2026, across six towns in the Bocage Bressuirais region: Bressuire, Cerizay, Mauléon, Moncoutant-sur-Sèvre, La Chapelle-Saint-Laurent, and Argentonnay. Thirteen events are scheduled, featuring contemporary dance, flamenco, opera, puppetry, theater, workshops, and a closing traditional folk dance ball. Tickets range from 3 € to 15 €, with two events offering free admission.
2026 Edition
The 5th edition of the Voix & Danses Festival runs from October 3rd to 23rd, 2026. Thirteen events are planned across six towns in the Bocage Bressuirais: Bressuire, Cerizay, Mauléon, Moncoutant-sur-Sèvre, La Chapelle-Saint-Laurent, and Argentonnay, where the Château de Sanzay will host a show for young audiences. Venues include Le Théâtre, Salle Émeraude, Foyer Hérault, Salle Le Local, and Lycée Maurice Genevoix in Bressuire; La Griotte in Cerizay; La Passerelle in Mauléon; Bel Air in Moncoutant-sur-Sèvre; and Salle Pie X in La Chapelle-Saint-Laurent.
In her introduction to this year's festival, association president Monique Sauvignon describes this "fifth Voix & Danses festival" as a response to a challenging time for the arts, featuring a program that brings together both professionals and amateurs.
Culture and Health
Two dates are part of the association's culture-and-health initiative. On October 15th at Lycée Maurice Genevoix in Bressuire, students from three schools will present a theater and dance project developed with Cie du Désordre and Cie Need as part of the "Cultivons notre santé #5" highlight. On October 16th in Cerizay, Cie du Désordre will present "De toi, de moi, de nous, l’art de prendre soin," a staged reading based on interviews with local healthcare workers and patients. Both events take place during Mental Health Awareness Week, running from October 5th to 18th, 2026, under the theme "For our mental health, let's open ourselves to the arts."
Young Audiences
Three shows are aimed at children and teenagers: "Il était une voix" on October 21st in Mauléon and "Bulbe" on October 22nd at the Château de Sanzay, both for ages 3 and up, and "ou Comment je suis devenu danseur" on October 23rd in Cerizay, written for teenagers.
How to Book
Tickets go on sale September 5th, 2026, online via the festival's website (powered by HelloAsso) and at the Bocage Bressuirais Tourist Office in Bressuire and Mauléon (05 49 65 10 27). Remaining tickets will be sold at the festival box office on the day of the show, subject to availability. Reserved tickets can be picked up on-site on the day of the event. All venues are accessible to people with reduced mobility; the association requests advance notice to ensure proper arrangements.
Highlights Voix & Danses 2026
- Pérégrines opens the festival on October 3rd at the Théâtre de Bressuire, featuring singer Norig and dancer Karine Gonzalez
- Welcome, a dance and music quartet based on Purcell choreographed by Florence Loison, on October 10th in Mauléon
- Need some Bowie on October 17th at Salle Émeraude in Bressuire, preceded by a pre-concert at the media library and followed by the Ziggy Mercury DJ set
- Three shows for children and teenagers: Il était une voix (October 21st, Mauléon), Bulbe (October 22nd, Château de Sanzay), and ou Comment je suis devenu danseur (October 23rd, Cerizay)
- Traditional folk ball with Les Drôles for the closing night, October 23rd at Foyer Hérault in Bressuire, free admission
Programme Voix & Danses 2026
Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
- 8:30 PM — Pérégrines, Cie La Mesure Sorcière · Le Théâtre, Bressuire. A feminine dialogue between flamenco and Balkan music. Featuring Norig (vocals), Karine Gonzalez (dance, vocals), Cédric Diot (guitar, bouzouki, percussion), and Ivica Bogdanić (accordion). In collaboration with the Agglomération du Bocage Bressuirais. 15 € / 12 € reduced / free for children under 12.
Friday, October 9th, 2026
- 8:30 PM — LéZéRan, electric and committed poetry · Salle Pie X, La Chapelle-Saint-Laurent. Francis Lebarbier (lyrics, vocals) and Victor Poilane (vocals, accordion, guitar). In partnership with the La Stabul’ association and the town of La Chapelle-Saint-Laurent. 10 € / 8 € reduced / free for children under 12.
Saturday, October 10th, 2026
- 8:30 PM — Welcome, Cie Zutano BaZar · Salle La Passerelle, Mauléon. A dance and music quartet based on Henry Purcell’s "Welcome to all the pleasures," choreographed by Florence Loison. Performers: Denis Monjanel, Edouard Monjanel, Marjorie Kellen, Claire Pidoux. Musical composition: Denis Monjanel and Edouard Monjanel. Texts by Christopher Fishburn, Lise Prat-Cherhal, and Joël Kérouanton. In partnership with the town of Mauléon. 15 € / 12 € reduced / free for children under 12.
Sunday, October 11th, 2026
- 10:00 AM — Danse-Sons!, workshop led by Ana Popovic and Pauline Audebaud · Salle Le Local, 11 rue Bathilde Bernard, Bressuire. Body awakening to the sound of Tibetan bowls, exploration of dance movement, followed by a discussion on sensations. Ages 16 and up, no experience required. Booking recommended, 15 spots available. In partnership with the town of Bressuire. 10 €.
- 3:30 PM — "Rouge incarnat" and "D’Ici là", two dance duets · Salle La Griotte, Cerizay. "Rouge incarnat" by Cie Léa (Lolita Espin Anadon), in collaboration with musician Christophe Bunel. "D’ici là" by Cie Jusqu’à maintenant, with Stéphanie Gaillard and Maxime Herviou. In partnership with the town of Cerizay. 15 € / 12 € reduced / free for children under 12.
Thursday, October 15th, 2026
- 7:00 PM — "Et moi, et nous, dans tout ça?", Cie Need and Cie du Désordre · Theater hall, Lycée Maurice Genevoix, Bressuire. Theater and dance performance by students from Campus des Sicaudières, Lycée Maurice Genevoix, and Lycée du Val de l’Ouin, followed by a discussion with the artists and teachers. Writing and theater workshops led by Soizic Gourvil and Filip Forgeau; dance workshops by Fiona Le Goff. Free admission upon reservation, subject to availability.
- 8:00 PM — Screening of "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" (Furyo) by Nagisa Oshima, starring David Bowie · Cinéma Le Fauteuil Rouge, Bressuire. A Cercle Rouge session, echoing the concert on October 17th.
Friday, October 16th, 2026
- 8:30 PM — "De toi, de moi, de nous, l’art de prendre soin", Cie du Désordre · Salle La Griotte, Cerizay. A staged reading based on interviews conducted in June 2025 with local healthcare workers, students, and patients, accompanied by soundscapes created by students from the Conservatory’s computer-assisted music classes, led by Antoine Bonnet. Conceived and performed by Soizic Gourvil and Filip Forgeau. In partnership with the town of Cerizay. 15 € / 12 € reduced / free for children under 12.
Saturday, October 17th, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Pre-concert and meeting with the duo Destroy of Destruction · Bressuire Media Library. Presentation of documents on David Bowie. Free admission.
- 8:30 PM — Need some Bowie, Destroy of Destruction duo · Salle Émeraude, Bressuire. David Humeau and Corinne Gazull (vocals, ukulele) cover David Bowie and other artists, with the participation of the contemporary music workshop led by Mathias Moinard. In partnership with the Boc’Hall association, the Bocage Bressuirais Music Conservatory, and the Bressuire Media Library. Pay-what-you-want from 5 €.
- Time TBC — DJ set Ziggy Mercury! · Salle Émeraude, Bressuire. Michel, under his alter ego Ziggy Mercury, plays new wave and classics.
Sunday, October 18th, 2026
- 4:00 PM — Petits potins lyriques, Cie Voix Emoi · Salle Bel Air, Moncoutant-sur-Sèvre. Three opera singers and a pianist revisit opera, operetta, and American songs: Véronique Usureau and Marie-Pierre Blond (sopranos), Virginie Rabiller (mezzo-soprano), Stéphanie Moreau (piano). With the participation of the Dames de Chœur from the Bocage Bressuirais Music Conservatory. In partnership with the Conservatory and the town of Moncoutant-sur-Sèvre. 15 € / 12 € reduced / free for children under 12.
Wednesday, October 21st, 2026
- 3:30 PM — Il était une voix, Cie Idéosphère and Cie Novao · Salle La Passerelle, Mauléon. Dance, theater, and poetry: the inner journey of a little girl locked in her room. Written by Aurore Lambert, performed by Angéline Hérissé and Aurore Lambert. Ages 3 and up. In partnership with the Bocage Bressuirais Music Conservatory and the town of Moncoutant-sur-Sèvre. 3 € per child accompanied by an adult, 3 € per additional adult.
Thursday, October 22nd, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Bulbe, Cie Macadam Tempo · Château de Sanzay, Argentonnay. A journey in songs and puppets: Bulbe the daffodil, the only one that didn't bloom, sets out to find her place. Lyrics, harp, and guitar: Sarah Kellendonk. Vocals and puppetry: Neve Brossard, Sarah Kellendonk, Noé Riché-Simon. Ages 3 and up. In partnership with CSC La Colporteuse. 3 € per child accompanied by an adult, 3 € per additional adult.
Friday, October 23rd, 2026
- 6:00 PM — "ou Comment je suis devenu danseur", Groupe Fluo · Salle La Griotte, Cerizay. A choreographic and spoken solo by Benoit Canteteau about his teenage years as a skater. Sound design: Nicolas Marsanne. Dramaturgy: Karel Vanhaesebrouck. Written for teenagers of all ages. Benoit Canteteau also leads a dance workshop with young people from the Bressuire and Cerizéen community centers. In partnership with the town of Cerizay and both community centers. 8 € / 5 € reduced / free for children under 12.
- 8:30 PM — Traditional folk ball with Les Drôles · Foyer Hérault, Bressuire. Mazurkas, maraîchines, avant-deux: the band Les Drôles, in a variable lineup, closes the festival. In partnership with the town of Bressuire. Free admission.
The festival website also mentions a free event at the Bressuire Media Library on October 8th at 6:00 PM: performance excerpts echoing the exhibition "La chanson française engagée et féministe." This note is repeated on several show pages and indicates a Wednesday, even though October 8th, 2026, is a Thursday. Please confirm this event with the organizer.
Prices Voix & Danses 2026
Pérégrines, Welcome, "Rouge incarnat" and "D'Ici là", "De toi, de moi, de nous", and Petits potins lyriques: 15 € / 12 € reduced / free for children under 12.
LéZéRan: 10 € / 8 € reduced / free for children under 12.
"ou Comment je suis devenu danseur": 8 € / 5 € reduced / free for children under 12.
Danse-Sons! workshop: 10 €.
Il était une voix and Bulbe (young audiences): 3 € per child accompanied by an adult, 3 € per additional adult.
Need some Bowie: pay-what-you-want from 5 €.
Free admission: "Et moi, et nous, dans tout ça?" (reservation required) and the closing folk ball.
Reduced rate: Voix & Danses members and partner associations, Bocage Bressuirais Music Conservatory students, Scènes de Territoire subscribers, job seekers, people with reduced mobility, youth aged 12-18, students, seniors (60+), and CEZAM card holders.
Tickets available from September 5th, 2026: online at voix-danses.fr via HelloAsso (no commission), at the Bocage Bressuirais Tourist Office in Bressuire and Mauléon (05 49 65 10 27), and at the festival box office on show days.
Payment: secure online payment, or by check made out to Voix & Danses, cash, Chèques Vacances, Pass Culture, and credit card at the festival office and box office.
Individual membership to the association: 10 €.
Practical information — Voix & Danses
Practical Information
Access
The festival is touring and takes place in several towns in the Bocage Bressuirais: Bressuire, Mauléon, Cerizay, Nueil-les-Aubiers, Moncoutant-sur-Sèvre, La Chapelle-Saint-Laurent, Combrand.
By car: Bressuire is accessible via the D938 from Niort (45 min) or the D748 from Poitiers (1h15). Mauléon is located 25 km north of Bressuire.
By bus: Bus lines from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional network. Consult the fluo.eu website.
Ticketing
Purchase online on the festival website and at ticket offices in Bressuire, Cerizay, Mauléon, and Moncoutant-sur-Sèvre. Ticketing opens in early September.
Contact
- Association: Voix & Danses
- President: Monique Sauvignon
- Address: Maison des Associations, 11 place de l'Hôtel de Ville, 79300 Bressuire
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 06 17 01 10 53
A festival born from a beautiful merger
The Festival Voix & Danses was born in 2022 from the merger of two historic events in the Bocage Bressuirais: the Festival Terre de Danses, dedicated to world and traditional dances, and the Festival Éclats de Voix, dedicated to singing and vocal music. This alliance gave birth to a new kind of festival, exploring the links between the voice and the moving body, two fundamental modes of human expression.
From its very first edition in 2022, the festival found its audience: over 3,000 participants across 9 towns, with around 150 invited artists and 300 amateurs involved. This immediate success confirmed the relevance of an ambitious cultural event in a rural area of northern Deux-Sèvres.
A touring festival close to the residents
The strength of Voix & Danses lies in its touring nature. For three weeks in October, the festival travels from town to town in the Bocage Bressuirais: Bressuire, Mauléon, Cerizay, Nueil-les-Aubiers, Moncoutant-sur-Sèvre, La Chapelle-Saint-Laurent, Combrand, and other surrounding villages. Each location hosts performances adapted to its spaces: intimate concerts in restored barns, dance performances in public squares, shows in municipal halls.
This touring approach allows for deep connections with local communities and reaches audiences who do not always have access to diverse cultural offerings. Residents become active participants in the festival through practical workshops, participatory projects, and culture-health collaborations.
A rich and committed program
The Festival Voix & Danses offers an eclectic and demanding program that blends professional artists and amateur practices. On the agenda: choral and polyphonic singing concerts, contemporary and traditional dance performances, creations combining voice and movement, musical theater, documentary screenings, singing workshops, dance masterclasses, yoga and relaxation sessions, and events dedicated to the young audience.
The festival also stands out for its culture-health collaborations, an original dimension that offers artistic actions in conjunction with care and support structures, convinced of the therapeutic and social power of voice and dance.
A commitment to all audiences
True to its motto — “For all tastes and all ages” — the Festival Voix & Danses appeals to both discerning music lovers and families, teenagers and the elderly. Parent-child workshops, youth performances, and rural events contribute to making this event a truly popular and unifying festival in the Bocage Bressuirais.
Where does it take place — Voix & Danses
Voix & Danses in brief
History of Voix & Danses
Edition 2025 Oct 2025Other festivals near Bressuire
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