Les Affranchis

Les Affranchis: thirty years of street arts in La Flèche

The history of Les Affranchis dates back to the summer of 1992, when the Compagnie du Tapis Franc, a troupe from Nantes directed by actor and director Philippe Bilheur, originally from La Flèche, presented several shows in the town's streets. Building on the success of these performances, the company signed an agreement with the town of La Flèche and settled there in December 1992. With the support of two local cultural associations, Le Carroi and the association Art-Go, it gave birth the following summer to an entirely free festival: Les Affranchis.

A popular and generous festival

Since 1993, Les Affranchis has taken over the heart of La Flèche, a charming town on the Loir river nestled in the south of Sarthe, every first weekend of July. For three days, the town's streets, squares, parks, and courtyards are transformed into stages to host shows of street theatre, circus, music, dance, and performance. Entry is free for all performances, in keeping with the festival's original spirit.

An IN and OFF program

The festival is structured around a dual program. The IN program, supported by Le Carroi, invites around twenty professional companies selected for the quality and originality of their proposals. The OFF program, on the other hand, offers a springboard for about ten independent and emerging companies, often regional, who come to present their recent creations. An OFF Award rewards the most acclaimed show by the public and professionals each year.

Le Carroi: cultural engine of La Flèche

The festival is organized by Le Carroi, a cultural association that has been established in La Flèche for many years. A true driving force of local cultural life, Le Carroi programs shows, exhibitions, and workshops throughout the year at its premises at 27 rue Grollier. Les Affranchis is the highlight of its annual activity, bringing together volunteers, artists, and residents in a festive and supportive spirit.

La Flèche celebrates

During the festival, La Flèche lives to the rhythm of street arts. Shows follow one another from morning to evening in a joyful effervescence, families stroll between performances, the terraces of cafes and restaurants are full, and the entire town vibrates with contagious energy. The event attracts thousands of spectators from all over Sarthe and beyond each year.