Le Temps des Chimères - Salon du Jeu et de l'Imaginaire
The Game and Imagination Fair in Le Puy-en-Velay
About Le Temps des Chimères
Since 2014, Le Temps des Chimères has been the unmissable event for game and imagination enthusiasts in Le Puy-en-Velay. This annual fair takes over the 1,500 m² of the Centre Pierre Cardinal to offer a weekend of fun activities: board games, role-playing games, miniatures, wargames, collectible card games, fantasy literature with author signings, cosplay contests, tournaments, and activities for all ages. Free for children under 12, the fair attracts a family and passionate audience every year.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Le Temps des Chimères at the best price.
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Le Temps des Chimères: Dive into the World of Games and Imagination
Created in 2014 by an association of enthusiasts, Le Temps des Chimères has become, over the years, the major gaming event in Haute-Loire. Every year, the Centre Pierre Cardinal in Le Puy-en-Velay transforms into a true temple of games and imagination, welcoming exhibitors, creators, authors, and players across more than 1,500 m² spread over 4 floors.
A Rich and Varied Program
The fair offers a complete immersion into the cultures of imagination through numerous universes:
- Board Games: hundreds of games for demonstration and free play, with facilitators to introduce you to the latest releases as well as the great classics
- Role-Playing Games: sign-up RPG tables with experienced game masters, offering both introductions for beginners and scenarios for seasoned role-players
- Miniatures and Wargames: demonstration tables, introductory games, and miniature game tournaments with spectacular scenery
- Collectible Card Games: tournaments and introductions to Magic: The Gathering, Lorcana, and other popular CCGs
- Fantasy Literature: a space dedicated to science fiction, fantasy, and horror authors and illustrators, with signing sessions, literary events, and a short story contest
- Cosplay: costume parade and contest, with participants rivaling creativity to embody their favorite characters
The Protozone: A Space for Creators
A unique feature of the fair, the Protozone is a space dedicated to game creators who come to present their unpublished prototypes. Visitors can discover and test games still in development, and provide direct feedback to the authors. It's a privileged space for exchange between creators and players, which makes Le Temps des Chimères proud.
A Friendly and Accessible Event
Driven by a team of passionate volunteers, Le Temps des Chimères stands out for its warm and family-friendly atmosphere. Admission is free for children under 12, and prices remain very affordable to allow as many people as possible to participate. The fair is held annually in the spring, over a full weekend, just a few minutes' walk from the Le Puy-en-Velay train station.
Strong Local Roots
Supported by the City of Le Puy-en-Velay and numerous local partners, Le Temps des Chimères contributes to the cultural and gaming influence of the Velay region. The fair brings together exhibitors from all over the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and attracts an audience from far beyond Haute-Loire, making Le Puy-en-Velay a must-visit destination for game and imagination lovers.
Le Temps des Chimères — edition 2026
The 11th edition of Le Temps des Chimères will be held on April 4th and 5th, 2026, at the Centre Pierre Cardinal in Le Puy-en-Velay. The fair will offer 1,500 m² of fun activities across 4 floors: board games, role-playing games, miniatures, wargames, collectible card games, fantasy literature with authors and illustrators, cosplay, the protozone, and many surprises.
11th Edition - April 4th and 5th, 2026
Le Temps des Chimères returns for its 11th edition on April 4th and 5th, 2026, at the Centre Pierre Cardinal in Le Puy-en-Velay. Following a successful 10th anniversary edition, the fair continues its development and promises an even richer program.
Across 1,500 m² spread over 4 floors, visitors will find all the activities that make the fair a success:
- Board Games: hundreds of games available for free play and demonstration
- Role-Playing Games: introductory tables and scenarios for all levels
- Miniatures and Wargames: demonstrations and tournaments
- Collectible Card Games: Magic: The Gathering, Lorcana, and others
- Fantasy Literature: authors, illustrators, signings, and a short story contest
- Cosplay: costume parade and contest
- Protozone: test the games of tomorrow with their creators
The association is looking for volunteers for this new edition. Feel free to contact them via their official website or social media to join the adventure.
Highlights Le Temps des Chimères 2026
To Remember for 2026
- Dates: Saturday, April 4th and Sunday, April 5th, 2026
- Location: Centre Pierre Cardinal, Le Puy-en-Velay
- 11th Edition
- 1,500 m² across 4 floors
- Call for volunteers underway
- Detailed program coming soon on letempsdeschimeres.com
Prices Le Temps des Chimères 2026
Practical information — Le Temps des Chimères
Practical Information
Location
Centre Pierre Cardinal, 9 rue Jules Vallès, 43000 Le Puy-en-Velay. The fair spans 1,500 m² across 4 floors, offering ample space for various activities.
Access
By car: Le Puy-en-Velay is accessible via the N88 from Saint-Étienne (approx. 1h15) and via the A75 then N102 from Clermont-Ferrand (approx. 2h). Several free parking lots are available near the Centre Pierre Cardinal.
By train: Le Puy-en-Velay SNCF station is about a 10-minute walk from the Centre Pierre Cardinal. It is served from Lyon (via Saint-Étienne) and Clermont-Ferrand.
By bus: The Le Puy-en-Velay urban transport network serves the city center and the areas around the Centre Pierre Cardinal.
Opening Hours
The fair opens its doors on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Activities, tournaments, and shows run continuously throughout the day. Consult the detailed program on the official website before your visit.
Prices
Prices are intentionally affordable:
- 1 day: 4 euros
- 2-day pass: 6 euros
- Free for children under 12 years old
Prices may vary depending on the edition. Consult the official website for up-to-date prices.
Catering
A refreshment bar and a catering area are available on-site throughout the fair. Numerous restaurants and shops are also located nearby in the city center of Le Puy-en-Velay.
Accessibility
The Centre Pierre Cardinal is accessible to people with reduced mobility. For any questions regarding accessibility, please do not hesitate to contact the association prior to the event.
Contact
Association Le Temps des Chimères
Website: letempsdeschimeres.com
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Le Temps des Chimères at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Le Temps des Chimères
Centre Pierre Cardinal
9 rue Jules Vallès, 43000 Le Puy-en-Velay