Les Mains en l'Air - Festival of Puppetry Arts
The festival of puppetry arts of Finistère
2026
About Les Mains en l'Air
Les Mains en l'Air — edition 2026
The 9th edition of the Les Mains en l'Air festival takes place from November 3rd to 8th, 2026, in Guilers, in partnership with Le Quartz and the Finistère Departmental Council. It kicks off with “Saga Familia” by Compagnie Turak at the Petit Théâtre du Quartz.
Les Mains en l'Air — 2026 Edition
The 9th edition of this puppet arts festival runs from November 3rd to 8th, 2026, in Guilers, in partnership with Le Quartz and the Finistère Departmental Council. The event offers a variety of activities for families, schools, and the general public.
The festival opens with “Saga Familia,” a performance by Compagnie Turak, at the Petit Théâtre du Quartz: Tuesday, November 3rd at 8:30 PM and Wednesday, November 4th at 7:00 PM.
The remainder of the program, typically held at Espace Jean Mobian, has not yet been released by the Guilers town hall.
Highlights Les Mains en l'Air 2026
- 9th edition, from November 3rd to 8th, 2026
- Opening with “Saga Familia” by Compagnie Turak at the Petit Théâtre du Quartz (November 3rd and 4th)
- Organized in partnership with Le Quartz and the Finistère Departmental Council
Programme Les Mains en l'Air 2026
Tuesday, November 3rd
- 8:30 PM — Saga Familia (Compagnie Turak) · Petit Théâtre du Quartz
Wednesday, November 4th
- 7:00 PM — Saga Familia (Compagnie Turak) · Petit Théâtre du Quartz
The rest of the schedule (performances at Espace Jean Mobian, workshops, and exhibitions) has not yet been released by the Guilers town hall; it will be added as soon as it is published.
Prices Les Mains en l'Air 2026
Practical information — Les Mains en l'Air
Access and Venues
The festival takes place in Guilers (Finistère), in the Brest metropolitan area. Shows are held at the Espace Jean Mobian (Margodenn hall), the Halle Baucina, and the exhibition hall.
Address: 16 rue Charles de Gaulle, 29820 Guilers
Prices
Paid shows: from 4 to 15 euros. Several events are free (exhibitions, workshops by registration, Apéro Marionnette).
Ticketing
Tickets available at the Guilers town hall reception and on Ticketmaster.
Contact
- Phone: 02 98 37 37 37
- Website: www.mairie-guilers.fr
Puppetry Arts in the Spotlight in Finistère
Les Mains en l'Air is a unique festival in Finistère, entirely dedicated to puppetry arts. Every autumn, the town of Guilers, on the outskirts of Brest, transforms into a true open-air theater where puppeteers, performing arts companies, and visual artists gather to celebrate this ancient art revisited by contemporary creation.
Shows for All Ages
The festival's program is aimed at all audiences, from toddlers to adults. The invited companies present various forms: string puppets, glove puppets, shadow theater, animated objects, giant puppets, and hybrid forms blending visual arts, music, and storytelling. The shows take place in several emblematic venues in the town: the Espace Jean Mobian (Margodenn hall), the Halle Baucina, and the exhibition hall. Some performances are free, while others are accessible at very modest prices.
Workshops, Exhibitions, and Meetings
Beyond the shows, the festival offers puppet-making workshops led by professional artists, allowing children and families to discover this fascinating art. Exhibitions created by students from Guilers schools showcase the mediation work carried out throughout the year. The Apéros Marionnette (Puppet Happy Hours), moments of conviviality shared with the artists, complete this immersion into the world of puppetry.
A Festival Rooted in its Territory
Created in 2018, the Les Mains en l'Air festival is supported by the City of Guilers and the Compagnie Singe Diesel, in partnership with Brest métropole, the Maison du Théâtre, and Le Quartz, a national stage in Brest. In just a few editions, it has become a must-see cultural event in the Brest region, attracting a loyal and growing audience. The festival contributes to the influence of puppetry arts in Brittany and promotes the democratization of this often-underestimated art form.
A Commitment to Contemporary Creation
Les Mains en l'Air stands out for its support of contemporary creation in the field of puppetry arts. The invited companies, from all over France, present innovative forms that push the boundaries of traditional puppetry. The festival has thus become a place for discovery and experimentation, where the public can appreciate the richness and diversity of this constantly evolving living art.
Where does it take place — Les Mains en l'Air
Les Mains en l'Air in brief
History of Les Mains en l'Air
Edition 2025 Nov 2025Other festivals near Guilers
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Published by Valentin Contard, festival listings writer. Reviewed, corrected and approved by Christophe Contard, editor-in-chief. .
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