International Pastel Festival
The world's largest showcase of pastel art
About Pastel Festival
The International Pastel Festival: A Quarter Century of Artistic Excellence
The history of the International Pastel Festival began in 2000 when Étienne Fompeyrine, a passionate pastel artist from Feytiat, contacted the French Pastel Society to propose organizing an event dedicated to this ancient technique. Convinced by the motivation of local stakeholders, including Serge Bouty, then president of the Municipal Office of Culture and Leisure, Jean-Pierre Mérat, founding president of the SPF, gave his approval. The first exhibition took place in 2001 and was an immediate success with the public, who were amazed by the beauty and subtlety of pastel.
Unparalleled International Reach
Since its creation, the Feytiat International Pastel Festival has continuously gained prestige and notoriety, becoming the world's largest showcase of pastel art. Each summer, the Espace Georges Brassens hosts approximately 300 works carefully selected by a jury of experts, signed by professional pastel artists from all over the globe: USA, Canada, England, Spain, Italy, Australia, Japan, Netherlands, Russia, and China. The festival has attracted up to 20,000 visitors in a single edition and is the preferred meeting place for discerning collectors and internationally renowned artists.
A Rich and Immersive Program
The International Pastel Festival is not limited to a simple exhibition. The opening weekend features continuous demonstrations by the exhibiting artists, offering the public a rare opportunity to observe the creation of a pastel artwork live. Advanced workshops, led by master pastel artists such as Dany Denis or Alain Voinot, allow amateurs and experienced artists to deepen their practice. Manufacturers of pastels and specialized papers also hold a professional trade show, creating a true ecosystem around this pictorial technique.
Pastel: An Art to (Re)Discover
Dry pastel is a noble and demanding pictorial technique dating back to the 16th century. Contrary to popular belief, pastel is neither chalk nor a simple drawing tool: it is pure pigment bound with minimal binder, offering colors of incomparable intensity and luminosity. From Degas to Chardin, from Quentin de La Tour to Rosalba Carriera, the greatest masters have used pastel. The Feytiat festival perpetuates this tradition while highlighting contemporary artists who constantly renew the possibilities of this fascinating medium.
The Public's Favorite
Each year, visitors are invited to vote for their favorite artwork in the framework of the Public's Favorite. In 2025, over 3,100 votes were cast, and the prize was awarded to Gisèle Hurtaud for her pastel portrait "Au marché de Wallia." This award testifies to the public's engagement and the vitality of a festival that places exchange between artists and visitors at the heart of its approach.
Pastel Festival — edition 2026
The 25th edition of the International Pastel Festival will take over the Espace Georges Brassens in Feytiat from June 27 to August 30, 2026. Nearly 300 works by international pastel artists will be exhibited there all summer, in partnership with the Société des Pastellistes de France. On the program: the 8th Pastel Encounters on June 27 and 28 (continuous demonstrations, free), advanced workshops led by master pastel artists, and the Public's Favorite vote.
2026 Edition — 25th International Pastel Festival
The 25th edition of the International Pastel Festival will be held from June 27 to August 30, 2026, at the Espace Georges Brassens in Feytiat. Organized in partnership with the Société des Pastellistes de France, this new edition will present nearly 300 works by professional pastel artists selected from among the best international artists.
The 8th Pastel Encounters — June 27 and 28, 2026
The opening weekend is dedicated to the Pastel Encounters, organized on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the Salle Pierre Louis (free access). Young and old can attend continuous demonstrations, interact with artists, and meet manufacturers of pastels and specialized papers. Among the artists who will lead demonstrations: Jean-Claude Baumier, Nathalie Azmi, Chris, Anne Courtine, Alain Voinot, David Brammeld, Alexis Le Borgne, Oléna Duchêne, Dany Denis, Patrick Henry, as well as Gisèle Hurtaud, Véronique du Boisrouvray, and Vanina Bernardi.
Advanced Workshops
Three-day pastel workshops are offered throughout the summer, led by experienced artists:
- July 1 to 3: Jean-Claude Baumier and Michel Leclercq
- July 22 to 24: Alain Voinot and Oléna Duchêne
- August 5 to 7: Nathalie Azmi and Rosmery Mamani
- August 26 to 28: Sylvie Poirson and Eva Maqueda
Price starting from 215 € per adult, mandatory registration (workshop materials provided).
Public's Favorite
Throughout the exhibition, visitors are invited to vote for their favorite work as part of the Public's Favorite, one of the highlights of each edition of the festival.
Programme Pastel Festival 2026
Opening Weekend — 8th Pastel Encounters
- Saturday, June 27, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Salle Pierre Louis (free access): continuous demonstrations by artists, meetings with pastel artists and manufacturers of pastels and papers.
- Sunday, June 28, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Salle Pierre Louis (free access): continuous demonstrations, interactions with artists.
Artists leading the demonstrations: Jean-Claude Baumier, Nathalie Azmi, Chris, Anne Courtine, Alain Voinot, David Brammeld, Alexis Le Borgne, Oléna Duchêne, Dany Denis, Patrick Henry, Gisèle Hurtaud, Véronique du Boisrouvray, Vanina Bernardi.
Exhibition — June 27 to August 30, 2026
Exhibition of nearly 300 works by international pastel artists at the Espace Georges Brassens. Late opening on August 21 (open until 9:30 PM).
Advanced Workshops (registration required)
- July 1 to 3 — Jean-Claude Baumier, Michel Leclercq
- July 22 to 24 — Alain Voinot, Oléna Duchêne
- August 5 to 7 — Nathalie Azmi, Rosmery Mamani
- August 26 to 28 — Sylvie Poirson, Eva Maqueda
Highlights Pastel Festival 2026
- 25th edition, from June 27 to August 30, 2026, at the Espace Georges Brassens in Feytiat
- Nearly 300 works by professional pastel artists from around the world
- 8th Pastel Encounters on June 27 and 28: continuous demonstrations, free access
- Advanced workshops led by master pastel artists all summer long
- Public's Favorite and late opening on August 21
Prices Pastel Festival 2026
Practical information — Pastel Festival
Practical Information
Access
By car: the Espace Georges Brassens is located in Feytiat, approximately 6 km south-east of Limoges (5 to 10 min by car). Access via motorway A20, exit 35. Free parking nearby. Follow the signs for «Espace Culturel Georges Brassens». The site is air-conditioned and accessible to people with reduced mobility.
By bus: bus line from the centre of Limoges, Feytiat stop.
Exhibition opening hours
Monday to Friday: 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
June 27 and 28 (Pastel Meetings): continuous opening from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Late opening on August 21: open until 9:30 PM.
Prices
Admission: €3 per person. Free for children under 12.
Workshops and courses
Pastel masterclasses (3 days) are offered throughout the summer, led by professional artists. Price from €215 per adult (minimum deposit of €80). Registration required with the Feytiat Town Hall or via the official festival website. Workshop materials provided (easel, board, table and chair).
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Where does it take place — Pastel Festival
Espace Georges Brassens
Place de Leun, 87220 Feytiat