Nevers en Bleu
The color blue celebrated through arts and crafts in Nevers
About Nevers en Bleu
The blue of Nevers, an emblematic color
The blue of Nevers is inseparable from the identity of this Loire city. Since the 17th century, Nevers faience has established itself as one of the most prestigious in France, famous for its deep and luminous blue decorations inspired by Italian maiolica. This characteristic blue, obtained from cobalt oxide, has become the symbol of the city and its centuries-old artisanal know-how.
A festival that celebrates color and creation
The Nevers en Bleu festival draws its inspiration from this unique chromatic heritage to offer an original and unifying cultural event. Every autumn, generally from mid-September to early October, the city is adorned in blue through a trail of exhibitions, artistic installations, and creative workshops scattered in the galleries, designer boutiques, and cultural venues of Nevers.
Visual artists, ceramists, photographers, painters, and designers take over the city to present works exploring all the shades of blue, from traditional faience to the most contemporary creations. The festival thus creates a dialogue between heritage and modernity, between arts and crafts and contemporary art.
An urban trail between galleries and workshops
One of the originalities of Nevers en Bleu lies in its urban trail format. Visitors are invited to wander freely through the streets of Nevers, guided by a map listing the various participating venues. Each stop offers a different perspective on the theme of blue: exhibition of old faiences at the museum, contemporary installations in shop windows, open workshops by ceramists, demonstrations of glazing techniques.
The designer boutique La Verrière, located on Rue François Mitterrand, is one of the highlights of the trail with a thematic exhibition specially designed for the festival.
Promoting Nevers' faience heritage
Nevers en Bleu contributes to promoting the city's faience heritage and supporting the artisans and creators who perpetuate and renew this tradition. The festival is part of the initiative to promote arts and crafts undertaken by the city of Nevers, which has been awarded the label Ville et Métiers d'Art (City of Arts and Crafts).
Nevers en Bleu — edition 2026
Nevers en Bleu returns from September 12 to 27, 2026 for its second edition, on the theme « Art around the gesture ». For two weeks, Nevers city center transforms into an open-air artistic journey combining exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, and performances centered around the color blue, emblematic of Nevers faience.
2026 Edition — « Art around the gesture »
For its second edition, from September 12 to 27, 2026, the Nevers en Bleu festival takes over more than a dozen locations in Nevers city center. Conceived and managed by La Verrière (Designers' Boutique), it brings together established and emerging artists, students, apprentices, collectives, galleries, and workshops from the city center around a common thread: the creative gesture and the color blue, the signature of Nevers faience.
The program is structured into two parts: « Signature », exhibitions and events organized directly by La Verrière in several emblematic locations, and « Variations », independent proposals presented by participants in their own spaces, coordinated by the festival. The detailed day-by-day program will be published by the organizer closer to the event.
Highlights Nevers en Bleu 2026
To remember for 2026
- Exhibition trail in the city center
- Free access
- Program coming soon on nevers.fr
Prices Nevers en Bleu 2026
Practical information — Nevers en Bleu
Practical Information
Location
Route through the city center of Nevers: galleries, designer boutiques, cultural and heritage sites, 58000 Nevers.
Access
- By car: Nevers is accessible via the A77 (from Paris, 2h30) or the A71 (from Clermont-Ferrand, 2h). Paid parking in the city center.
- By train: Nevers SNCF station, served from Paris-Bercy (2h), Lyon, and Clermont-Ferrand. The city center is a 15-minute walk from the station.
Opening Hours
The festival takes place over several weeks in autumn (mid-September to early October). Opening hours vary by venue. The opening reception usually takes place on a Saturday at 6 p.m.
Prices
Free access to most participating venues.
Contact
- City of Nevers: 03 86 68 46 46
- Website: www.nevers.fr
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 — Nevers en Bleu
Centre-ville de Nevers — parcours urbain (La Verrière, 38 rue François Mitterrand)
38 rue François Mitterrand, 58000 Nevers, 58000 Nevers