International Festival of Caricature, Press Drawing and Humor

The Saint-Just-le-Martel Festival: World Temple of Caricature

Since 1982, the small village of Saint-Just-le-Martel, on the outskirts of Limoges, has hosted a unique event each autumn: the International Festival of Caricature, Press Drawing and Humor. Founded by Gérard Vandenbroucke, former mayor of the commune, this festival has become, over more than forty years, the undisputed world reference for press drawing and caricature.

An Iconic Venue: Espace Loup

Initially held under a traveling tent, the festival has had its own dedicated space since 2011: the Espace Loup, an international center of 2,000 m² named in homage to one of the first cartoonists to attend the festival. This permanent building, located at 7 route du Château d'Eau, houses both the temporary exhibitions of the annual festival and a permanent center dedicated to press drawing, open year-round.

The Grand Prix de l'Humour Vache

The festival's supreme award, the Grand Prix de l'Humour Vache, is presented each year to an internationally renowned cartoonist. Its trophy is as unique as the festival itself: an authentic Limousin cow worth 1,000 euros. Among the laureates are the biggest names in global press drawing, including many cartoonists from Charlie Hebdo. After the attack of January 7, 2015, Maryse Wolinski donated her husband Georges Wolinski's desk to the center, strengthening the unbreakable link between the festival and the defense of freedom of expression.

A Major International Event

For ten days, over 150 cartoonists from around the world gather in Saint-Just-le-Martel for thematic exhibitions, signing sessions, live drawing, creative workshops, and debates on press freedom. The festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year and provides a fantastic space for encounters between artists, journalists, and the general public, centered on the power of the line and humor.

A Commitment to Freedom of Expression

Much more than just an artistic festival, the event in Saint-Just-le-Martel is a militant act in favor of freedom of expression and press freedom. In partnership with organizations like Cartooning for Peace, the festival defends the right to satirical drawing and pays tribute to persecuted cartoonists worldwide. It has become a place of memory and resistance through the pen.