Les Petits Pots dans les Grands

Les Petits Pots dans les Grands: Toddler Cultural Awakening

Created in 2024 by the City of Tours, the festival Les Petits Pots dans les Grands is a unique cultural event in the Centre-Val de Loire region, entirely dedicated to the artistic and cultural awakening of children aged 0 to 4 years. For a week in the spring, this festival offers a program specially designed for toddlers, with the conviction that awareness of art and culture begins in the first months of life.

A Program Designed for Toddlers

The festival unfolds a range of sensory and artistic experiences adapted for very young children: lullabies and world music, sensory theater performances, "ciné-câlins" (short film screenings in a cozy setting), parent-child dance workshops, interactive exhibitions, and artist encounters. The program is developed in collaboration with early childhood professionals and local childcare facilities.

Free Weekend Highlights

Each edition offers two major free festive days open to all on the weekend, held in emblematic cultural venues in Tours. These highlights bring together shows, awakening workshops, play and reading areas, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Families discover original artistic offerings designed to be shared between parents and children.

A Commitment to Culture from the Earliest Age

The festival is part of the cultural and artistic awakening policy promoted by the City of Tours, which offers a rich young audience season throughout the year with shows, workshops, and events for children. Les Petits Pots dans les Grands benefits from the support of the Réseau Jeune Public (Young Audience Network) of the Ligue de l'Enseignement, which assists professionals in cultural mediation for toddlers.

The festival is also a time for professional exchange, with mornings dedicated to early childhood professionals, educators, and cultural practitioners, fostering the sharing of experiences and reflection on the challenges of cultural awakening for 0-4 year olds.

Cultural Venues Serving Early Childhood

The festival takes place in several cultural venues in Tours, including the Espace Jacques Villeret, the 37e Parallèle, media libraries, and early childhood care facilities. This presence in different neighborhoods of the city allows it to reach a wide audience and promote access to culture for all families in Tours.