Rues et Cies

Rues et Cies: The Oldest Street Festival in France

Born in 1984 under the name Festival du Colportage at the initiative of the company Dominique Houdart, Rues et Cies has become over the decades a major cultural event on the French artistic scene. Taken over by the City of Épinal in 1990, the festival adopted its current name and continued its development to establish itself as the dean of street arts festivals in France, with over forty editions under its belt.

A City Center Transformed into a Living Stage

For two days, the streets, squares, and alleys of the historic center of Épinal become the playground for national and international companies. From the mythical Place des Vosges to the medieval ramparts of the Chapitre district, passing by the banks of the Moselle, every corner of the city hosts shows of street theater, new circus, dance, acrobatics, and music. Wandering fanfares punctuate the day, creating a unique festive atmosphere.

A Completely Free and Accessible Festival for All

Total free access is the DNA of Rues et Cies. More than 40 shows and 120 performances are offered free to the public, in a spirit of sharing and proximity that only the street can provide. The festival village, set up behind the Palais de Justice, offers a space for meetings and relaxation with concerts, screen printing workshops, and privileged exchanges with the artists.

A New Artistic Direction

Since 2025, the festival has benefited from a new artistic direction entrusted to the Épinal-based company L'Étincelle ProD, bringing a breath of fresh air to this historic event. The 2025 edition featured an original theme titled "L'Appel du Large" (The Call of the Sea), with spectacular creations such as giant five-meter-high lighthouses parading through the streets, a fanfare battle on the Place des Vosges, and a collective mural created live.

An Event Rooted in the Vosges Region

Supported by the municipality of Épinal and numerous volunteers, Rues et Cies contributes to the cultural influence of the Vosges prefecture far beyond regional borders. The festival attracts tens of thousands of spectators each year and boosts the local economy while offering an exceptional showcase for street arts.