L'Ouest Hurlant
Festival of imaginary cultures in Rennes
About L'Ouest Hurlant
L'Ouest Hurlant is Rennes' festival of imaginary cultures, in Ille-et-Vilaine (Brittany). Every spring, it brings together authors, creators, and a large audience passionate about science fiction, fantasy, and fantastic literature for round tables, meetings, book signings, writing workshops, role-playing games, screenings, and exhibitions. Admission is free.
L'Ouest Hurlant, Rennes' meeting point for imaginary literatures
L'Ouest Hurlant is a festival dedicated to imaginary cultures held every spring in Rennes, Ille-et-Vilaine (Brittany). Born in 2022, it celebrates science fiction, fantasy, and fantastic literature in all their forms: literature, comics, role-playing games, illustration, and visual creation.
A rich and multidisciplinary festival
The event offers a dense program combining round tables and conferences, creative and writing workshops, role-playing sessions (family and adult), treasure hunts, short film screenings, masterclasses, live Twitch broadcasts, and book signings by authors. An exhibitors' village and on-site catering complete the experience. Each edition is sponsored by a godfather and godmother from the imaginary world and structured around a theme.
Free admission
L'Ouest Hurlant is freely accessible and free of charge. Organized by the association 18h05, it has established itself as an unmissable event in Rennes' cultural life and contributes to the dynamism of the Ille-et-Vilaine territory.
L'Ouest Hurlant — edition 2026
The 5th edition of L'Ouest Hurlant took place on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Rennes, on the theme 'Between the Words'. Godmother and godfather of this edition: Ielenna and Jolan C. Bertrand. A free weekend dedicated to imaginary cultures, featuring round tables, book signings, workshops, games, and exhibitions.
L'Ouest Hurlant 2026 — 'Between the Words'
The 5th edition of L'Ouest Hurlant took place on April 25 and 26, 2026, in Rennes, across two sites (La Paillette and Espace Bourg-l'Évêque / salle Smague). Under the theme 'Between the Words', it explored language, communication, and the narrative systems of the imaginary: speaking, writing, storytelling, translating, connecting with others.
The literary direction was provided by Betty Piccioli, with author Ielenna as godmother and author Jolan C. Bertrand as godfather. The festival offered round tables and conferences, writing and creative workshops, role-playing sessions, treasure hunts, short film screenings (in partnership with Court-Métrange), masterclasses, live Twitch broadcasts, an exhibitors' village, and on-site catering. Admission was free.
Programme L'Ouest Hurlant 2026
Program 2026 — 'Between the Words'
Saturday, April 25, 2026 (10 AM - 7 PM)
- Round tables and conferences: imaginary cities as characters, magic systems, alternative languages, dystopias and utopias, feminist rewriting of tales, intertextuality and translation
- Communication with machines and artificial intelligence (linguistic futurology)
- Creative and writing workshops, life drawing, character design
- Role-playing sessions (family and adult), treasure hunts
- Author signings, exhibitors' village
- 8:30 PM — First Drag Show of the festival: 'Drags & Dragons'
Sunday, April 26, 2026 (10 AM - 6 PM)
- Round tables: nature and ecology in the imaginary, revolt and commitment in narratives, book club
- Mini-symposium 'Common Future(s)' in partnership with the Université de Rennes
- Signed storytelling for children, short film screenings
- Workshops, signings, masterclasses, and carte blanche sessions by guests
Notable guests: Ielenna (godmother), Jolan C. Bertrand (godfather), Betty Piccioli (literary director), Taous Merakchi, Ache Underscore. Full program on the official website.
Highlights L'Ouest Hurlant 2026
- 5th edition on the theme 'Between the Words'
- Free admission, across two sites in Rennes
- Godmother Ielenna and godfather Jolan C. Bertrand
- First Drag Show of the festival: 'Drags & Dragons'
- Mini-symposium 'Common Future(s)' with the Université de Rennes
Prices L'Ouest Hurlant 2026
Practical information — L'Ouest Hurlant
Practical Information
Locations
L'Ouest Hurlant takes place at two sites in Rennes: La Paillette (Théâtre side), 6 rue Louis Guilloux, and Espace Bourg-l'Évêque (Smague room), 16 rue Papu. The two locations are approximately 7 to 10 minutes apart on foot.
Access
Both sites are served by Rennes public transport (bus, metro, Vélo STAR self-service bikes) and have nearby parking.
Prices
Free admission.
Organization
Festival supported by the association 18h05. Information and contact via the official website ouest-hurlant.com.
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Where does it take place — L'Ouest Hurlant
La Paillette / Espace Bourg-l'Évêque (salle Smague)
Rennes, 35000 Rennes