Les Boréales

A cultural bridge between Normandy and the Far North

The festival Les Boréales was founded in 1992 by Éric Eydoux, then director of the Franco-Norwegian Office (OFNEC), in collaboration with Lena Christensen and other colleagues from the Department of Nordic Studies at the University of Caen. The association Norden, hosted by the OFNEC, was the legal support for the event in its early days. In thirty editions, Les Boréales has established itself as the most important festival dedicated to Nordic culture in Europe.

A cycle of discoveries around the Nordic countries

The festival initially took the form of a five-year cycle (1992-1996) which, in turn, highlighted each of the five Nordic countries — Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland. Over the years, Les Boréales has broadened its horizons to include the Baltic countries (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia), Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, offering a comprehensive panorama of Northern European cultures.

A multidisciplinary and demanding program

For about ten days in November, the festival offers a rich and varied program: literature (author meetings, readings), performing arts (theater, dance, circus, performances), music (concerts), cinema and video, and contemporary art exhibitions. Many events are free, making the festival accessible to the widest possible audience.

Regional and international reach

While Caen remains the heart of the festival, Les Boréales extends throughout Normandy, with events organized in numerous towns and villages in the region. The festival regularly collaborates with Nordic cultural institutions and hosts internationally renowned artists, such as the Finnish band Steve 'N' Seagulls or the author Sofi Oksanen.