Les Turbulentes
The free and family street arts festival of Vieux-Condé
About Les Turbulentes
Born on May 1, 1999, in Vieux-Condé, Les Turbulentes is one of the most important national street arts festivals. Organized by Le Boulon, a national center for street arts, it offers a free and family-friendly weekend with about thirty theater, circus, dance, and puppet companies. Approximately 35,000 festival-goers participate each year in this popular and inclusive celebration.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Les Turbulentes at the best price.
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Les Turbulentes: Street Arts Celebration in Vieux-Condé
The festival Les Turbulentes was born on May 1, 1999, in Vieux-Condé, in the Valenciennes region. In over twenty-five years of existence, it has established itself as one of the major street arts events in France, attracting around 35,000 festival-goers each year to this town in the Nord mining basin.
Le Boulon: A Unique Creation Space
The festival is organized by Le Boulon, designated a National Center for Street Arts and Public Space since 2013. Located in a former industrial wasteland of 4,500 m², Le Boulon is a space for creation, artistic residencies, and dissemination. It supports companies throughout the year, and Les Turbulentes is the annual highlight of its programming.
A Multidisciplinary Festival
Each edition hosts about thirty artistic companies offering a wide variety of disciplines: street theater, contemporary circus, dance, music, puppetry, participatory installations, and ambulatory performances. The shows take place in the streets of Vieux-Condé, within Le Boulon, and in unusual locations in the area, transforming the town into a vast open-air stage.
Free, Family-Friendly, and Inclusive
Les Turbulentes is distinguished by its completely free nature and its family-friendly dimension. The festival is accessible to all audiences, with programming dedicated to young audiences and accessibility measures for people with disabilities. The atmosphere is convivial and festive, true to the popular spirit of street arts.
The Mining Basin as a Stage
Vieux-Condé is a town in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais mining basin, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Les Turbulentes draws a particular energy from this working-class and popular history. The performances take over the streets, squares, and industrial wastelands, transforming a territory marked by deindustrialization into a space for creation and celebration.
Les Turbulentes — edition 2026
The 28th edition of Les Turbulentes will take place from May 1 to 3, 2026, at Le Boulon and in the streets of Vieux-Condé. Three days of free and family-friendly performances.
Les Turbulentes 2026 – 28th Edition
The festival Les Turbulentes returns for its 28th edition from May 1 to 3, 2026, at Le Boulon and in the streets of Vieux-Condé. Three days of free performances combining street arts, circus, dance, music, and participatory creations are on the program for this unmissable spring event.
Highlights Les Turbulentes 2026
- 28th edition of the festival
- May 1 to 3, 2026
- Free and family-friendly festival
- About thirty companies expected
Prices Les Turbulentes 2026
Practical information — Les Turbulentes
Festival Access
By Car
Vieux-Condé is accessible from Valenciennes via the D935 (approx. 20 min) and from Lille via the A23 then the D935 (approx. 1 hour). Free parking available in town.
By Train
Nearest stations: Condé-sur-l'Escaut or Valenciennes (TER from Lille, approx. 1 hour). Shuttles may be available from the stations.
Prices
Festival entirely free. All shows and activities are free to attend.
Food & Drink
Food and drink stalls are set up on the Le Boulon site and in the streets. Local specialties and varied cuisine.
Young Audience Program
Many shows are specially designed for children and families. A dedicated space for young audiences is available.
Contact
Le Boulon – National Center for Street Arts
69 rue Gambetta, 59690 Vieux-Condé
Email: [email protected]
Official website: lesturbulentes.com
Accommodation
Vieux-Condé has limited accommodation options. Valenciennes (20 min) and Condé-sur-l'Escaut offer a wider choice of hotels and B&Bs.
Practical Tips
- The festival takes place mostly outdoors, so pack clothing suitable for the weather.
- Many shows are ambulatory, wear comfortable shoes.
- Consult the program distributed at the entrance to not miss anything.
- Young audience shows are marked in the program.
Accessibility
The festival pays special attention to accessibility. Adapted routes are offered, and staff are trained to welcome people with disabilities.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Les Turbulentes at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Les Turbulentes
Le Boulon et rues de Vieux-Condé
69 rue Gambetta, 59690 Vieux-Condé