Les Arts'Osés — Hip-hop and urban cultures festival
The urban cultures meeting point on the Thouars castle esplanade
About Les Arts'Osés
Les Arts'Osés is the hip-hop and urban cultures festival of Thouars, organized every summer in June by the Centre Socio-culturel du Thouarsais. Since 2011, it has transformed the esplanade of the Thouars castle into a giant playground dedicated to urban cultures: breakdance battles, rap and hip-hop concerts, electro stages, street basketball, urban sports demonstrations, graffiti and graphic arts exhibitions. With a program mixing national artists and local scene, accessible prices and a festive and inclusive atmosphere, Les Arts'Osés has established itself as the unmissable event for urban cultures in Deux-Sèvres.
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Fifteen years of urban cultures at the foot of the castle
Since its creation in 2011, Les Arts'Osés has grown to become the main festival dedicated to urban cultures in the north of Deux-Sèvres. Organized by the Centre Socio-culturel du Thouarsais, the event takes over the esplanade of the Thouars castle every June, a remarkable site overlooking the Thouet valley, for two days of celebration dedicated to hip-hop, rap, electro, breakdance, and street sports.
The festival celebrates the diversity of urban cultures in all their dimensions: musical, choreographic, sporting, and visual. On stage, nationally renowned artists rub shoulders with emerging talents and local artists from the Thouarsais region, in a program that rejects labels and embraces all the aesthetics of the city. Breakdance battles, rap concerts, electro DJ sets, street basketball, asphalt sports demonstrations, and graphic arts exhibitions make up an eclectic and unifying program.
An accessible and committed festival
Les Arts'Osés upholds the values of the Socio-cultural Center that organizes it: accessibility, social diversity, and cultural openness. Prices are deliberately kept low, with discounts for students, minors, and job seekers, and free admission for children under 12. A campsite is available on the festival site, allowing festival-goers to experience the full two-day event.
The festival is also committed to being eco-responsible, with recycling facilities, reusable tableware, and public awareness campaigns on environmental issues. The music competition, organized before the festival, offers a stage to young local artists, making Les Arts'Osés a true springboard for the local urban scene.
Les Arts'Osés — edition 2026
16th edition of Les Arts'Osés in Thouars. Kery James, Yaniss Odua, Sniper, Queen Omega, Mandragora, and Rakoon on the castle esplanade on June 26 and 27, 2026. Urban cultures, battles, street sports, and graphic arts.
16th edition: Kery James and Yaniss Odua headline
The 16th edition of Les Arts'Osés promises to be one of the most ambitious in the festival's history. On June 26 and 27, 2026, the esplanade of the Thouars castle will host Kery James, a major and undisputed figure of committed French rap, alongside Yaniss Odua, an ambassador of French reggae, and Sniper, returning after their notable appearance in 2025.
Queen Omega, queen of dancehall and reggae, Mandragora, and Rakoon complete a lineup that blends rap, reggae, dancehall, and electro. Breakdance battles, urban sports, graffiti exhibitions, and a competition for emerging artists accompany the musical program for two days of total immersion in urban cultures.
Programme Les Arts'Osés 2026
2026 Lineup
- Kery James — Committed French Rap
- Yaniss Odua — Reggae
- Sniper — French Rap
- Queen Omega — Dancehall/Reggae
- Mandragora
- Rakoon
Activities
- Breakdance battles
- Urban sports and street basketball
- Graphic arts exhibitions
- Competition for emerging artists
Highlights Les Arts'Osés 2026
- Kery James, a major figure of French rap, headlining
- Yaniss Odua and Sniper on the lineup
- Queen Omega for dancehall and reggae
- 16th edition of the festival
- Breakdance battles and urban sports
Prices Les Arts'Osés 2026
Practical information — Les Arts'Osés
Practical Information
Access
The festival takes place on the esplanade of the Thouars castle, in the town center.
- By car: Thouars is located 65 km from Poitiers, 80 km from Niort, and 30 km from Bressuire. Parking near the castle.
- By train: Thouars SNCF station (TER Tours-Bressuire line).
Prices
Presale: €13 (full price), €8 (reduced price). On-site: €17 (full price), €12 (reduced price). Free for children under 12. Reduced price: students, under 18s, job seekers.
Camping
Free camping on the festival site, by reservation.
Contact
- Centre Socio-culturel du Thouarsais
- Phone: 05 49 66 76 40
- Email: [email protected]
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Les Arts'Osés at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Les Arts'Osés
Esplanade du Château de Thouars
Esplanade du Château, 79100 Thouars