Le Nombril du Monde

« La Fake au village » — the 2026 edition of Nombril du Monde

Every two years, the village of Pougne-Hérisson transforms into a grand laboratory of spoken arts. For 2026, the Nombril du Monde team has chosen the theme « La Fake au village », a common thread that humorously and poetically explores the grey areas between artistic fiction, pleasant lies, and fake news. For three days, from August 13 to 15, 2026, the gardens, paths, and hidden corners of the site will host some forty artistic proposals: storytelling performances, street theater, concerts, poetry, performed readings, workshops, and installations.

A multidisciplinary program

Among the announced events are « L'épopée taboue » by Louise Roux, « Dérive » by Compagnie Ocus, the Baptiste Pizon Quartet, concerts by Mémé les Watts and Oscar Fou, as well as a series of new formats around the theme: « Fake du jour », « Fake du soir », « Fake de la nuit », and the Grand Marché des Fake News. The festival also offers open stages, photo exhibitions, and a wandering Fake Choir Band on site, as well as a round table dedicated to media and artificial intelligence.

The Jardin des Histoires at the heart of the festival

The Jardin des Histoires — a unique garden-show in France inaugurated in 2004 — remains the heart of the setup: poetic and sound installations, story cabins, and secret nooks serve as a natural backdrop for numerous proposals. The festival thus extends the whimsical identity of the place, in the tradition of the heritage of storyteller Yannick Jaulin, a local native.

Accommodation and catering

The festival does not offer on-site camping: campsites, gîtes, and accommodations in the Gâtine poitevine and the Parthenay region are to be preferred, booking in advance given the attendance. Catering available on site during the three days.

Thursday, August 13, 2026 — opening

• Festival opening at the Nombril du Monde site (7 rue des Merveilles, Pougne-Hérisson)
• Storytelling shows, street theater, and installations in the gardens
• « Fake du jour », « Fake du soir », « Fake de la nuit » formats
• Evening concert

Friday, August 14, 2026

• Shows throughout the day on the various stages of the site
• « L'épopée taboue » — Louise Roux
• « Dérive » — Compagnie Ocus (street theater)
• Baptiste Pizon Quartet — concert
• Grand Marché des Fake News — installations and performances around diverted information
• Open stages, photo exhibitions, sound installations
• Fake Choir Band wandering around
• Evening concerts: Mémé les Watts, Oscar Fou

Saturday, August 15, 2026 — closing

• Continuation of shows and performances in the gardens
• Round table / meeting on media and artificial intelligence
• « Fake du jour / soir / nuit » formats
• Closing concerts and performances in the evening

Full program and detailed schedules on nombril.com/le-festival and on the official ticketing website billetterie.festik.net/lenombrildumonde.

• New 2026 theme: « La Fake au village » — between artistic fiction and fake news
• More than 40 artistic proposals in 3 days (storytelling, theater, music, poetry, installations)
• Grand Marché des Fake News and Fake Choir Band wandering around the site
• Headliners: Mémé les Watts, Oscar Fou, Baptiste Pizon Quartet, Louise Roux, Compagnie Ocus
• The Jardin des Histoires taken over by artists at the heart of the festival
• Round table on media and artificial intelligence

Access

The festival takes place in Pougne-Hérisson (79130), a village located 15 km from Parthenay and 60 km from Niort. Access via the D949 then departmental roads. The Garden of Stories is located at 7 rue des Merveilles.

Prices

The Garden of Stories is free to access from May to September. Festival shows are accessible via ticket purchase (variable prices). Information: 05 49 64 19 19.

Practical information

Biennial festival, from May to September for the cultural season. The Garden of Stories is open on weekends and public holidays from May to June, then from Tuesday to Sunday in July-August. Guided tours and workshops are available.