Plein Champ

Plein Champ: Le Mans, the street art capital of Pays de la Loire

In 2019, a new kind of festival was born in the prefecture of Sarthe. Plein Champ has established itself in just a few editions as the major urban arts event in Western France, attracting over 51,000 visitors during its last edition and dotting the city with over sixty monumental murals.

A weekend of live creation at Parc du Gué-de-Maulny

Every first weekend of July, the Parc du Gué-de-Maulny transforms into a giant open-air studio. Nearly 90 artists—graffiti artists, muralists, calligraphers, sculptors, performers—take over the park's walls, hoardings, and ephemeral installations to create before the public's eyes. From Friday afternoon to Sunday evening, the festival is in full swing with live performances, DJ sets, concerts (electro, rap, urban music), and participatory workshops open to all.

The phosphorescent nights of Plein Champ

One of the festival's signatures is its nocturnal performances. When night falls on the park, the artworks take on a new dimension thanks to light shows and projections. Artist Philippe Echaroux regularly presents spectacular light installations that blur the line between urban art and digital art, creating unforgettable moments of visual magic.

A permanent artistic trail in the city

Beyond the summer festival, Plein Champ transforms Le Mans throughout the year with its mural trail. Each edition leaves lasting marks on the city's walls, forming a true open-air museum. The M.U.R Plein Champ, located in the courtyard of the Musée de Tessé, regularly renews its artwork, offering the people of Le Mans and visitors a permanent connection with urban art. The festival makes a point of respecting gender parity in its artist selection and promoting local talent.