Les Photographiques du Haut-Lignon
Summer photographic trail in the six communes of Haut-Lignon
About 6x6 Haut-Lignon
Les Photographiques du Haut-Lignon: A Photo Trail Through Six Villages
Since 2021, the 6x6 photographic trail has transformed the six communes of Haut-Lignon into a vast open-air exhibition space each summer. Born from the initiative of Denise Vallat, vice-president of the community of communes, this festival creates connections between villages through photography, inviting the public to discover the works of renowned artists in unique locations: galleries, botanical gardens, bookstores, former town halls, barns, and village squares.
Six Villages, Six Photographic Perspectives
The trail unfolds on the Vivarais-Lignon plateau across six communes: Le Chambon-sur-Lignon (24 rue Neuve), Tence (La Boîte à Soleils bookstore), Le Mazet-Saint-Voy (botanical garden), Le Mas-de-Tence (square below the church), Saint-Jeures (barn on rue du Sabotier), and Chenereilles (former town hall and Espace d'Art Contemporain des Roches). Some exhibitions are displayed outdoors, allowing them to be appreciated at any time, in a natural and picturesque setting.
Strong Themes and Renowned Artists
Each edition explores a unifying theme. The first editions focused on water and rurality. The 2024 edition, titled "Regards de femmes" (Women's Gaze), celebrated female photography with works by Dolorès Marat, Cha Caillat, Jenny de Vasson, Alexandra Boulat, Françoise Nuñez, and Françoise Fournier, offering a temporal journey through a century of photography, from Madagascar to Kyrgyzstan, and dreamlike explorations. The 2025 edition, "Ici au loin" (Here and Far Away), brought together nine photographers, including Finn Pentti Sammallahti and American Lucian Perkins (two-time Pulitzer Prize winner), alongside local talents like Françoise Fournier, Dominique Berta, and Luc Chazot.
A Vibrant Festival Beyond Exhibitions
Beyond the approximately 140 photographs on display, the festival offers about twenty free events throughout the summer: guided tours with the artists, film and documentary screenings, linocut workshops, concerts, artistic performances, and readings. The inaugural vernissage, a truly convivial highlight, brings artists and the public together for a moment of sharing. The festival involves a dozen artistic and logistical partners, requiring nine months of preparation and several thousand kilometers traveled for artwork transport.
Strong Territorial Roots
Les Photographiques du Haut-Lignon is part of the cultural dynamic of the Vivarais-Lignon plateau, a mountainous area in Haute-Loire renowned for its history of resistance and welcome. The festival contributes to the summer tourist appeal of this nature destination by offering an original cultural trail that invites exploration between built heritage and the landscapes of Velay. With around 8,000 visitors per edition, the festival has established itself as a must-see photography event in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
6x6 Haut-Lignon — edition 2026
The 6th edition of the 6x6 photographic exhibition, titled « Where the Sky Begins », takes place from June 26 to August 23, 2026 in the six communes of Haut-Lignon. Centered around the theme of the sky and clouds, this edition brings together the works of twelve photographers, including the famous Michael Kenna, Masao Yamamoto, and Marc Riboud, exhibited with free access in the villages of the Vivarais-Lignon plateau. The inaugural opening takes place on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 6 PM.
« Where the Sky Begins » — 6th edition of the 6x6 exhibition (2026)
From June 26 to August 23, 2026, the 6th edition of the 6x6 photographic exhibition invites you to look up at the sky. Titled « Where the Sky Begins », this edition brings together the works of twelve photographers who explore the sky, clouds, and horizon in all their facets, spread across the six communes of Haut-Lignon.
Twelve Perspectives on the Sky
The edition gathers international figures in photography — Michael Kenna, Masao Yamamoto, Marc Riboud — alongside invited artists: Joséphine Michel, Youssef Ishaghpour, Myriam Boncompain, Hervé Nègre, Agathe Waechter, Clément Bransiani, Georges Auclaire, Dominique Berta, and Michel Lombard.
A Journey Through Six Villages
As every summer, each commune hosts one or more exhibitions in its emblematic locations:
- Le Chambon-sur-Lignon — gallery at 24 rue Neuve: Michael Kenna, Masao Yamamoto and Marc Riboud
- Tence — bookstore La Boîte à Soleils: Joséphine Michel
- Saint-Jeures — media library La Dentellière des mots: Youssef Ishaghpour and Myriam Boncompain
- Le Mas-de-Tence — Le Belvédère: Hervé Nègre
- Le Mazet-Saint-Voy — botanical garden: Agathe Waechter
- Chenereilles — Biodiversity Park: Clément Bransiani, Georges Auclaire, Dominique Berta and Michel Lombard
Several exhibitions are installed outdoors and are permanently accessible, allowing them to be enjoyed at any time in a natural setting. The artistic and cultural education project of the community of communes extends the theme throughout the year with, notably, augmented reality sound capsules created from interviews with residents about their relationship with the sky, and a show created and directed by Christophe Galland, presented at Le Calibert in early July.
All exhibitions and events have free admission.
Programme 6x6 Haut-Lignon 2026
Opening
- Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 6 PM — Inaugural opening of the 6x6 exhibition « Where the Sky Begins ».
Exhibitions, from June 26 to August 23, 2026
- Le Chambon-sur-Lignon — Gallery at 24 rue Neuve · Michael Kenna, Masao Yamamoto, Marc Riboud · open Tuesday to Sunday, 2:30 PM–6:30 PM.
- Tence — Bookstore La Boîte à Soleils · Joséphine Michel.
- Saint-Jeures — Media library La Dentellière des mots · Youssef Ishaghpour, Myriam Boncompain · Tuesday 4 PM–6 PM, Wednesday and Friday 10 AM–12 PM and 3 PM–6 PM, Saturday 10 AM–12 PM.
- Le Mas-de-Tence — Le Belvédère · Hervé Nègre.
- Le Mazet-Saint-Voy — Botanical Garden · Agathe Waechter.
- Chenereilles — Biodiversity Park · Clément Bransiani, Georges Auclaire, Dominique Berta, Michel Lombard.
Outdoor exhibitions are accessible daily from 7 AM to 9 PM. Around twenty free events (guided tours, screenings, workshops, meetings) accompany the exhibition throughout the summer; the artistic and cultural education project of the community of communes also offers augmented reality sound capsules and a show by Christophe Galland presented at Le Calibert in early July.
Highlights 6x6 Haut-Lignon 2026
- 6th edition of the 6x6 photographic exhibition, from June 26 to August 23, 2026
- Theme « Where the Sky Begins »: the sky and clouds seen by twelve photographers
- International headliners: Michael Kenna, Masao Yamamoto and Marc Riboud
- Exhibitions spread across the six communes of Haut-Lignon
- Inaugural opening on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 6 PM
- Free admission to all exhibitions and events
Prices 6x6 Haut-Lignon 2026
Practical information — 6x6 Haut-Lignon
Access
The photographic trail spans six communes in Haut-Lignon, Haute-Loire. The central point is Le Chambon-sur-Lignon (43400), accessible from Le Puy-en-Velay (approx. 45 min via D15 and D151) and from Saint-Étienne (approx. 1h15). The six communes are: Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, Tence, Le Mazet-Saint-Voy, Le Mas-de-Tence, Saint-Jeures, and Chenereilles.
Exhibition Venues
- Le Chambon-sur-Lignon: gallery at 24 rue Neuve
- Tence: La Boîte à Soleils bookstore (1st floor)
- Le Mazet-Saint-Voy: botanical garden
- Le Mas-de-Tence: square below the church
- Saint-Jeures: barn, rue du Sabotier
- Chenereilles: former town hall and Espace d'Art Contemporain des Roches
Period
The festival takes place every summer from late June to late August (approximately two months). Outdoor exhibitions are accessible at all times. Indoor spaces have variable hours depending on the venue.
Prices
Admission to exhibitions and all meetings and events are completely free.
Contact and Information
- Official website: www.6x6photos-hautlignon.fr
- Organizer: Communauté de communes du Haut-Lignon
Practical Advice
The journey between the six villages is by car (allow about 15 to 30 minutes between the furthest communes). Free parking in each village. The festival is accessible to all audiences. Plan a full day to explore all six exhibitions.
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Vous avez repéré une erreur ou une information manquante ?
Aidez-nous à garder cette fiche à jour. Toute proposition est relue par notre équipe avant publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Where does it take place — 6x6 Haut-Lignon
Divers lieux dans les six communes du Haut-Lignon
24 rue Neuve, 43400 Le Chambon-sur-Lignon