Horizons Arts-Nature en Sancy
Contemporary art in the heart of nature in the Massif du Sancy
About Horizons Sancy
Horizons Arts-Nature en Sancy: When Art Dialogues with Nature
Since 2007, Horizons Arts-Nature en Sancy has transformed the Massif du Sancy into an open-air art gallery. Every summer, 10 monumental contemporary artworks are installed in remarkable natural sites—forests, waterfalls, 'puys'—creating a unique dialogue between artistic creation and the grandiose landscapes of this Grand Site de France.
A Unique Concept in France
The principle of Horizons is simple and powerful: each year, invite international artists to create ephemeral works that resonate with the natural sites hosting them. Each artist chooses a location in the Massif du Sancy and installs a creation that dialogues with the landscape, light, vegetation, and terrain. The works are freely accessible, integrated into hiking routes.
10 Works in 10 Sites
Each edition features 10 works spread across 10 different sites in the Massif du Sancy:
- Deep beech and fir forests
- The massif's waterfalls and rivers
- Volcanic summits and 'puys'
- High-altitude meadows and pastures
- Glacial valleys and plateaus
A Free and Accessible Event
Horizons Arts-Nature is completely free. Each site is freely accessible at any time of day and integrated into marked hiking trails. This total accessibility allows as many people as possible to discover the works during walks in the massif, at their own pace.
A Committed Vision
Initiated by Luc Stelly and supported by the Sancy Tourist Office, Horizons is part of an initiative that questions the relationship between humans, art, and nature. The creations engage with contemporary environmental issues, inviting visitors to see the surrounding landscapes with fresh eyes.
2026: 20 Years of Creation in Nature
The 2026 edition will mark an important anniversary: 20 years of monumental creations in the Massif du Sancy. To celebrate this event, a retrospective exhibition "Horizons Arts-Nature en Sancy — 20 Years of Monumental Creations" will be presented at the Orangerie du Sénat in the Luxembourg Garden in Paris, from July 31 to August 11, 2026.
Horizons Sancy — edition 2026
The 20th edition of Horizons Arts-Nature en Sancy takes place from June 20 to September 27, 2026, celebrating 20 years of monumental creations in the heart of nature in the Massif du Sancy. Ten works by contemporary artists are installed in ten natural sites of the volcanic massif, complemented by an 11th participatory work "Graine d'Horizons 2026" and a retrospective exhibition at the Orangerie du Sénat in Paris.
20th Anniversary — From June 20 to September 27, 2026
Horizons Arts-Nature en Sancy celebrates its 20 years of monumental creations in the Massif du Sancy in 2026. For this anniversary edition, ten contemporary artists install their works in ten natural sites of the Auvergne volcanic massif, from June 20 to September 27, 2026.
An anniversary with three events
The 2026 edition unfolds around three complementary highlights:
- The main exhibition in the Massif du Sancy, from June 20 to September 27, 2026 — 10 monumental works freely accessible along marked hiking trails
- An 11th anniversary participatory work "Graine d'Horizons 2026" — collective creation with natural materials, activities and a giant picnic on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, 2026 at the Super-Besse resort (Puy de Chambourguet)
- A retrospective exhibition in Paris — "Horizons Arts-Nature en Sancy — 20 years of monumental creations" presented at the Orangerie du Sénat, in the Jardin du Luxembourg, from July 31 to August 11, 2026, as part of the Été du Jardin du Luxembourg
The 11 works of the 2026 edition
The titles of the 11 creations selected for this anniversary edition are:
- A Sentinel
- The Giant of Breath
- The Rest
- Breathing Landscape
- Aquila Serta
- Adrift
- The Embrace
- The Guardians of Sancy
- Wolf
- The Offering
- Graine d'Horizons 2026 (Favorite of 2026 — anniversary participatory work)
The names of the selected artists and the precise location of the works in the Massif du Sancy will be communicated shortly by the organization.
An ecological message at the heart of Sancy
Each artist is invited to propose an in situ installation where the work and the place enter into dialogue. The 2026 creations carry a strong ecological message, resonating with contemporary environmental issues and the remarkable landscapes of the Grand Site de France Sancy.
Programme Horizons Sancy 2026
Summer 2026 — Three Events
From June 20 to September 27, 2026 — Massif du Sancy
- 10 monumental works installed in 10 natural sites of the Massif du Sancy
- Free and open access, 24/7, along marked hiking trails
- Mobile application Mhikes to download: geolocated routes, voice guidance, landscape interpretation, artist interviews
Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, 2026 — Super-Besse (Puy de Chambourguet)
- Collective creation of the 11th participatory work "Graine d'Horizons 2026" with natural materials
- On-site activities
- Giant anniversary picnic
From July 31 to August 11, 2026 — Paris, Orangerie du Sénat (Jardin du Luxembourg)
- Retrospective exhibition "Horizons Arts-Nature en Sancy — 20 years of monumental creations"
- As part of the Été du Jardin du Luxembourg
Details of the selected artists and the precise location of each of the 10 works in the Massif du Sancy will be published shortly by the Sancy Tourist Office. Follow on horizons-sancy.com and official social media.
Highlights Horizons Sancy 2026
- 20th anniversary of Horizons Arts-Nature en Sancy
- 10 monumental works in 10 natural sites of the Massif du Sancy (June 20 → September 27)
- 11th anniversary participatory work "Graine d'Horizons 2026" — collective creation on July 18-19 in Super-Besse
- Retrospective exhibition in Paris, Orangerie du Sénat, July 31 → August 11
- Free and open access 24/7 to all works
- Mhikes mobile application: geolocated routes and artist interviews
Prices Horizons Sancy 2026
Practical information — Horizons Sancy
Practical Information
Access
The 10 works are spread throughout the Massif du Sancy. Each site is accessible via marked hiking trails. A map of the works is available on the official website and in the Sancy tourist offices.
By car: The Massif du Sancy is accessible from Clermont-Ferrand via the D983 then D996 (approx. 50 min to Le Mont-Dore). Parking is available at the trailheads.
Prices
Completely free access. Each site is freely accessible at any time of day.
Recommended Equipment
Bring suitable hiking shoes, water, and sun protection. The trails have varying difficulty levels, from family-friendly paths to more challenging hikes.
Contact
Sancy Tourist Office
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 04 73 65 20 21
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Where does it take place — Horizons Sancy
Massif du Sancy - Sites naturels en plein air
4 Boulevard Mirabeau, 63240 Le Mont-Dore, 63240 Le Mont-Dore