FLIP - Parthenay International Games Festival
The world's largest games festival, free and family-friendly
About FLIP
FLIP, the world capital of games
Since its creation in 1986, the FLIP (Festival Ludique International de Parthenay) has established itself as the largest gaming gathering in Europe. Born from a treasure hunt organized in the streets of Parthenay by the Municipal Leisure Center, the event has grown continuously to become a must-attend event that attracts over 170,000 visitors from around the world each summer.
A life-size games playground
For twelve days in July, the medieval city center of Parthenay transforms into an extraordinary playground. The cobbled streets, shaded squares, and historic ramparts host hundreds of free-access game areas. Board games, video games, escape games, role-playing games, strategy games, dexterity games, giant wooden games: the gaming offer covers all genres and all ages. Game publishers and creators present their new releases in preview, making FLIP a true professional trade show combined with a popular festival.
A free and family-friendly event
The strength of FLIP lies in its completely free access. Families, enthusiasts, the curious, and gaming professionals mingle in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Specific activities are offered for toddlers, teenagers, and experienced gamers. Official tournaments, demonstrations, and game creation workshops complete the program.
An economic and cultural driver
FLIP is supported by the Communauté de communes de Parthenay-Gâtine and is a tremendous tourist driver for the region. The festival generates considerable economic benefits for the city and its surroundings, mobilizing shopkeepers, accommodation providers, and restaurateurs for nearly two weeks.
FLIP — edition 2026
For its 40th anniversary edition, FLIP — Festival Ludique International de Parthenay — returns from July 8 to 19, 2026, to the medieval city of Parthenay (Deux-Sèvres). For twelve days, the world's largest game festival transforms the city center into a huge, free game board open to all, celebrating four decades of gaming passion.
FLIP 2026 — 40th anniversary edition
From July 8 to 19, 2026, FLIP celebrates its 40th anniversary! For this exceptional anniversary, the Communauté de communes Parthenay-Gâtine is rolling out a special edition dedicated to forty years of service to gaming and conviviality. The city center of Parthenay becomes a giant game board of 35,000 m² of entertainment, with over 4,000 games and toys, more than 350 animators, and thematic areas distributed in villages.
The festival villages
The festival is organized around several villages: board games, creators and young publishers, children's games, multimedia, simulation, medieval, sports games, as well as spaces dedicated to accessibility. You can meet game creators and publishers, test new releases, and participate in numerous activities: board games, strategy games, escape games, educational games, and creative workshops.
An anniversary village for the 40th anniversary
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, FLIP takes over the Place du Château with a dedicated anniversary village. This location hosts twelve highlights designed as playful “Proustian madeleines”, honoring games also celebrating their 40th anniversary, award-winning titles from the festival, and games that have left a lasting mark on FLIP's history. An exhibition of 40 panels traces the history of the festival since its creation, installed in the heart of FLIP and accessible to all. The official 40th-anniversary poster was created by illustrator Christine Alcouffe, in partnership with Tiki Editions.
Competitions and highlights
The edition offers several emblematic competitions: the Creators' Trophies, the Publishers' Trophies, and the Video Game Trophies. The ÉducaFLIP label highlights the pedagogical dimension of gaming, and Silver FLIP, a day dedicated to seniors, takes place on July 15.
Programme FLIP 2026
From July 8 to 19, 2026 — daily in Parthenay
FLIP unfolds daily in the city center of Parthenay, with free activities distributed across the different villages (board games, creators, children, multimedia, simulation, medieval, sports games).
Announced highlights
- Anniversary Village (Place du Château) — 12 "40 years" highlights and an exhibition of 40 panels tracing the festival's history.
- "Games of Tomorrow" Area (Creators' Village) — free presentation of prototypes by creators on July 8-9, 13-15, and 19.
- Creators' Trophies — public and jury discovery of games on July 12 and 13; awards ceremony (1st to 4th place) on July 14 at 3 PM on the festival podium.
- Immersive Exhibitions — at the Chapelle des Cordeliers, open from 2 PM to 8 PM: illustrators, authors, and game creators share their inspirations.
- Silver FLIP — day dedicated to seniors on July 15.
- Publishers' Trophies and Video Game Trophies throughout the festival.
Opening hours
The game villages are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2 PM to 6 PM. Full program and detailed hours on the official website jeux-festival.com.
Highlights FLIP 2026
- 40th anniversary edition of the world's largest game festival
- Free festival for the whole family, from July 8 to 19, 2026
- 35,000 m² of entertainment, over 4,000 games, more than 350 animators
- Anniversary Village Place du Château: 12 highlights and an exhibition of 40 panels
- Creators', Publishers', and Video Game Trophies
- Silver FLIP (seniors' day) on July 15
Prices FLIP 2026
Practical information — FLIP
Access
The festival takes place in the city center of Parthenay (79200), in the Deux-Sèvres department. Parthenay is accessible via the N149 from Niort (45 min) or Poitiers (50 min). Parthenay SNCF train station served from Paris-Montparnasse via Poitiers. Free parking on the outskirts of the city center with shuttle services.
Prices
The festival is entirely free and open to all. Free access to all game areas.
Practical information
The festival is open every day for 12 days in July. Numerous catering options on site. Accommodation: campsites, gîtes, and B&Bs in the Pays de Gâtine.
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Vous avez repéré une erreur ou une information manquante ?
Aidez-nous à garder cette fiche à jour. Toute proposition est relue par notre équipe avant publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Where does it take place — FLIP
Centre-ville de Parthenay
Centre-ville, 79200 Parthenay