Les Invités de Villeurbanne

Les Invités de Villeurbanne: the not-so-ordinary festival

Since 2002, Les Invités de Villeurbanne has transformed the city into a vast open-air theater. Co-produced by the City of Villeurbanne and Les Ateliers Frappaz, National Center for Street Arts and Public Space, this biennial festival (odd-numbered years) has become one of the major cultural events in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and one of the most important street arts festivals in France.

Defining itself as 'the not-so-ordinary festival,' Les Invités offers a bold program that addresses the challenges of our society, aiming to inspire dreams, provoke questions, and imagine the world of tomorrow.

Four days of free shows

For four days in June, around a hundred performances take place throughout Villeurbanne: streets, squares, parks, building courtyards, and unexpected locations. The program combines street theater, circus, dance, acrobatics, parades, processions, and concerts, featuring artists from around the world – from Belgium, Benin, Cameroon, Chile, Congo, Spain, Madagascar, Palestine, Switzerland, and many other countries.

Internationally renowned artists

Les Invités welcomes both internationally renowned companies and emerging artists, fostering a spirit of discovery and sharing. The musical program is eclectic, unexpected, and committed. Various formats – power duos, street texts, not-so-ordinary debates, the living counter – complement the shows to create a total and participatory festival.

A festival rooted in the city

Les Ateliers Frappaz, located at 14-16 rue Docteur-Frappaz in Villeurbanne, have been responsible for the festival's artistic direction since its inception. As a National Center for Street Arts and Public Space, they are a hub for the creation, production, and dissemination of contemporary works for public spaces. The festival is entirely free, open to all audiences, and unites a large network of committed volunteers each edition.