Les Arts J'Entends
Street arts festival in the streets of Argentan
About Les Arts J'Entends
Les Arts J'Entends is a street arts festival that takes place every summer in Argentan, in the Orne region. Created in 2018, this free and festive festival takes over the streets, squares, and gardens of the town for three days with about ten companies offering street theater, circus, dance, music, humor, and poetry. Accessible to all, children and adults alike, Les Arts J'Entends transforms Argentan into an open-air stage where street performances, aerial acrobatics, quirky orchestras, and burlesque performances mingle.
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Les Arts J'Entends: Argentan vibrates to the rhythm of street arts
Since 2018, the Les Arts J'Entends festival has transformed the town of Argentan into a vast open-air theater every summer. For three days in July, about ten professional companies take over the streets, squares, and gardens of the Orne town to offer free shows combining theater, circus, dance, music, and humor.
An eclectic and family-friendly program
The strength of Les Arts J'Entends lies in the diversity of its programming. Each edition showcases a variety of artistic forms:
Circus and acrobatics
Contemporary circus companies offer spectacular acts: aerial acrobatics, acrobatic cycling, tightrope walking, and vaulting, surprisingly and poetically taking over the urban space.
Street theater and performances
From burlesque theater to object theater, including parades and participatory performances, the festival offers shows that engage passers-by and turn every street corner into a living stage.
Music and quirky orchestras
Unusual musical groups, such as the eccentric orchestra Impérial Kikiristan, liven up the streets of Argentan with festive and engaging sounds, blending brass bands, world music, and infectious energy.
A free and accessible festival
True to the spirit of street arts, the festival is completely free. The shows take place in public spaces, allowing everyone – families, children, curious passers-by – to enjoy a moment of sharing and artistic discovery. The festival thus contributes to the summer cultural animation of Argentan and the democratization of culture.
An event rooted in the city
Les Arts J'Entends is part of the cultural policy of the City of Argentan, which supports this unifying event. The festival contributes to the city's influence and invites spectators to rediscover their daily environment from an artistic and festive perspective.
Les Arts J'Entends — edition 2026
9th edition of the Les Arts J'Entends festival in Argentan. Free street performances in the streets, squares, and gardens of the town. Program to be announced.
Prices Les Arts J'Entends 2026
Practical information — Les Arts J'Entends
Access and transport
By car: Argentan is accessible via the A88 (Argentan exit) from Caen (approx. 1h) or from Alençon via the N26 (approx. 30 minutes). From Paris, take the A28 then the D438 or the N12 then the N26 (approx. 2h30). Free parking in the city center, notably at Place du Marché and the train station parking lot.
By train: Argentan station is served by the Paris-Granville line (approx. 2h15 from Paris via Caen or Dreux). The station is a few minutes' walk from the town center where the shows take place.
Festival venues
The shows take place in the streets, squares, and gardens of Argentan's town center. A map of the event with the different performance venues and show times is available at the festival reception and can be downloaded from the town's website. The shows take over various urban spaces: public squares, parvis, gardens, and pedestrian streets.
Prices
Festival entirely free. All shows are free access in public spaces. No reservation required, spectators are free to move from one show to another as they wish.
Times
Shows take place in the afternoon and evening, generally from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Some shows are performed several times a day in different locations. The detailed program with precise times is published on the Argentan town website and distributed on site.
Food and drink
Restaurants and shops in the town center are open during the festival. Refreshment stands and food stalls may be set up depending on the edition.
Contact
Ville d'Argentan – Cultural Department
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 02 33 36 40 03
Website: www.argentan.fr
Practical advice
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around town all day
- Consult the program so you don't miss ephemeral shows and parades
- Shows are suitable for all ages, ideal for families
- In case of rain, some shows may be moved or canceled
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Les Arts J'Entends
Rues et places du centre-ville d'Argentan