Les Photographiques
Contemporary photography festival in Le Mans
About Les Photographiques
Since 1988, Les Photographiques — formerly Festival de l'image — has explored the richness and diversity of contemporary photographic creation in Le Mans and its surrounding area. Over nearly a month, between March and April, this festival offers exhibitions in about ten emblematic locations: Centre des expositions Paul Courboulay, Collégiale Saint-Pierre-la-Cour, ESAD Talm, media libraries, and art centers. With 38 editions under its belt, Les Photographiques stands as one of the major photography events in the Pays de la Loire region.
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Les Photographiques: Contemporary Photography at the Heart of Le Mans
Founded in 1988 under the name Festival de l'image, the Les Photographiques festival is one of the oldest photography festivals in France. Supported by the association Festival de l'image, chaired by Freddy Coudray, it celebrates contemporary photography every spring in all its diversity: documentary, artistic, and engaged.
A Multi-Site Festival Throughout the Agglomeration
Les Photographiques takes over about ten remarkable venues in Le Mans and its surrounding area. The Centre des expositions Paul Courboulay, the festival's main venue, hosts the major exhibitions. The Collégiale Saint-Pierre-la-Cour, ESAD Talm Le Mans, the Médiathèque Louise Michel in Allonnes, the Centre d'art Île MoulinSart in Fillé-sur-Sarthe, and the Parc Théodore-Monod in Le Mans complete a rich and varied exhibition trail.
A Demanding Selection of Authors
Each edition brings together about fifteen photographers selected for the quality and originality of their work. The festival highlights works of great plasticity and pictorial quality, exploring the boundaries between photography, painting, and visual arts. An annual call for authors and a photographic residency program allow for the discovery of emerging artists alongside established photographers.
Openings, Meetings, and Conferences
Beyond the exhibitions, Les Photographiques offers festive openings, meetings with photographers, conferences, and debates on contemporary imagery. The festival also organizes guided tours of the exhibitions and educational workshops for schoolchildren and young audiences.
Les Photographiques — edition 2026
The 38th edition of Les Photographiques takes place from March 7 to April 5, 2026, in Le Mans and its surrounding area. Sixteen photographers are selected, including Marianne Barthélemy, Young June Kim, Stéphane Mahé, and Anaïs Tondeur. Exhibitions in about ten emblematic locations.
38th Edition — March 7 to April 5, 2026
Les Photographiques returns for its 38th edition from March 7 to April 5, 2026. This year, sixteen photographers have been selected to exhibit in about ten locations in Le Mans and its surrounding area.
Guest Photographers
Among the artists featured this edition are: Marianne Barthélemy, Young June Kim, Stéphane Mahé, and Anaïs Tondeur, the guest photographer, whose work explores the links between art, science, and the environment. Their works showcase the richness and diversity of contemporary photographic creation.
A Remarkable Exhibition Trail
The exhibitions will take place at the Centre des expositions Paul Courboulay, the Collégiale Saint-Pierre-la-Cour, ESAD Talm Le Mans, the Médiathèque Louise Michel in Allonnes, the Centre d'art Île MoulinSart in Fillé-sur-Sarthe, and the Parc Théodore-Monod. Openings, meetings with photographers, and guided tours will punctuate the festival.
Prices Les Photographiques 2026
Practical information — Les Photographiques
Access
Main venue: Centre des expositions Paul Courboulay, 2 rue Paul-Courboulay, 72100 Le Mans. The festival spans about ten locations in Le Mans and its surrounding area.
By tram: Line T1, Paul Courboulay or Éperon stop.
By car: Parking available near the Exhibition Centre.
Prices
Free admission to most exhibition venues.
Contact
Association Festival de l'image — 2 allée Claude-Debussy, 72100 Le Mans. Phone: 02 43 78 92 20 — Email: [email protected]
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Les Photographiques
Centre des expositions Paul Courboulay
2 rue Paul-Courboulay, 72100 Le Mans