France is a land of art and culture. It's also home to 10 photo festivals that reveal, season after season, stories told in images. Whether you're a fan of artistic shots, hard-hitting photojournalism or nature photography, these events invite you to travel differently. They plunge you into the world of photographers. These artists immortalize the moment with a unique sensitivity. From the seashores of Normandy to the mountains of Aubrac, each festival reveals a new way of looking at the world. That's why we invite you to embark on a French tour of visual emotions.
1. Les Rencontres de la Photographie d'Arles
This is France's most famous festival, where contemporary photography meets major retrospectives by renowned artists. With good reason, it has become a must-attend event for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Consequently, it takes place from early July to late September. It takes place in Arles, metropolis of Roman Gaul and photo capital of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. The focus is on contemporary, documentary and retrospective photography. Exhibitions are held throughout the town, in emblematic sites such as the Church of Saint-Blaise and Montmajour Abbey. Don't miss the chance to spend a few days in this magnificent Occitan town and discover the 13 must-see sites. It's the perfect time of year to stroll through the historic center and enjoy the various exhibitions. What's more, it's the major international event for meeting world-renowned artists, with over 40 exhibitions each year.
2. La Gacilly Photo Festival
The Festival Photo La Gacilly is unusual in that it takes place outdoors. It highlights major environmental issues through immersive photographic exhibitions. It takes place from June to November in La Gacilly, Brittany. The stated style is that of committed environmental photography. The works are exhibited in streets and gardens, creating a spectacular open-air journey. Why shouldn't you miss it? Because it's Europe's biggest open-air photo festival. Where art and the environment meet to raise awareness of ecological issues.
Read the article: La Gacilly is one of Brittany's most beautiful villages, so don't hesitate to read our dedicated article.
3. Photo festivals: Visa pour l'image
Discover the world's biggest photojournalism festival, dedicated to current affairs around the globe. From late August to mid-September, Perpignan, in the Occitanie region of France, is the place where photojournalism takes center stage. Powerful exhibitions on conflict, migration and humanitarian crises are scattered throughout the city and in prestigious venues. Block off your diary and come and enjoy reports from the most prominent photojournalists. And keep up with the latest trends in visual journalism.
4. Les Promenades Photographiques de Blois
This festival showcases contemporary photography through exhibitions throughout the city, from June to September in Blois, Centre-Val de Loire. The festival showcases contemporary and experimental photography. Open-air exhibitions combine landscapes and creative photography. It's a great opportunity to discover emerging artists and explore new photographic perspectives.
Activities to book take advantage of your stay in Blois to visit the town. To do so, we suggest you book book this guided tour by clicking here.
5. Photo festivals: Portrait(s) in Vichy
Here's a festival that celebrates the art of portraiture with a rich program and world-renowned photographers. It takes place from June to September in Vichy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Exhibitions are held in the city's emblematic venues, including the historic thermal baths. Here's a must-see for lovers of photographic portraits, with artists exploring the many facets of this genre.
The article to read: discover our article dedicated to the Portrait(s) de Vichy photography festival.
6. L'Été Photographique de Lectoure
This intimate festival showcases contemporary photography in a rural setting, from July to September in Lectoure, Gers. The event specializes in art and documentary photography. Exhibitions are staged in heritage sites such as churches and castles. It's a warm-hearted festival that offers a magical encounter between heritage and contemporary creation. And why not prolong the pleasure with the 17 must-sees in the Gers?
7. Guilvinec Photo Festival - Man and Sea
This festival's exhibitions highlight the relationship between man and the sea through immersive, powerful photography. From June to September in Guilvinec, Brittany, the focus is on maritime and environmental photography. Open-air exhibitions in the streets of the fishing port offer total immersion in the maritime world. All in all, it's a must for lovers of maritime photography and grandiose landscapes, including the 15 most beautiful villages in Brittany.
8. Photo festivals: Les Femmes s'Exposent
The Festival Les Femmes s'Exposent showcases the work of women photographers through open-air exhibitions at historic sites in Houlgate, Normandy. From June to September, this artistic event reflects on themes such as women's emancipation and social struggles. It's a unique opportunity to admire powerful photographs. They are both social and artistic, captured by talented women from all over the world. Come and discover these striking and engaging works in an exceptional setting.
9. Mesnographies
The Les Mesnographies festival combines photography and social commitment, highlighting contemporary issues such as the environment. It takes place outdoors, from June to July, in the natural setting of Les Mesnuls, in the Yvelines department. This free festival features open-air exhibitions spread over several villages. Visitors can enjoy an exceptional artistic journey. So don't miss this opportunity to discover committed works of art. They create a dialogue between art and the issues facing our society. All in an idyllic and rejuvenating setting.
10. PHOT'Aubrac
The PHOT'Aubrac festival celebrates nature photography in the heart of the Aubrac Natural Park. Every year in mid-September, photography enthusiasts and nature lovers gather in Nasbinals. They discover exhibitions dedicated to biodiversity and environmental issues. This photographic style highlights animal scenes, grandiose landscapes and works that question our relationship with the environment. What makes PHOT'Aubrac unique is its exceptional rural setting. Exhibitions are set up in atypical locations: in the open air, or in traditional local buildings. The festival offers a visual and sensory escape into the beauty of Aubrac, making each exhibition a captivating experience. Not to be missed by anyone wishing to combine art and nature.
Frequently asked questions about photo festivals
Find the answers to your questions here. Make the most of photo festivals in France, from preparation to visit, and don't miss any of the must-see exhibitions.
Which is the biggest photo festival in France?
The biggest photo festival in France is Les Rencontres de la Photographie d'Arles. It's an internationally renowned event. It attracts thousands of visitors every year, with over 40 exhibitions across the city.
What are the best summer photo festivals?
The best summer photo festivals are Les Rencontres d'Arles, Festival Photo La Gacilly, and Visa pour l'image in Perpignan. Nowadays, each offers an incredible and highly enriching program.
What's the must-see photo festival in Le Mans?
Les Photographiques is one of Le Mans' major cultural events. Born out of the former Festival de l'image, founded over 30 years ago, it celebrates contemporary photography with free exhibitions across the city. Organized by the Festival de l'image association, it is supported by several local and national institutions. This annual event attracts amateurs and professionals alike. It showcases established artists as well as new talent.
What's the best festival for nature photography?
The best festival for nature photography is PHOT'Aubrac, with its focus on biodiversity and wildlife photography, in the magnificent setting of Aubrac.
France's 10 photo festivals reveal a wealth of visual discoveries, from photojournalism to nature photography. Each event brings to light a wealth of work and artists not to be missed. To find out more about festival news, discover our complete selection of festival news on Petit Futé.
