"Democratizing photographic art and culture in rural areas" : 12 free exhibitions until the end of

Every summer, the Norman village of Martagny (Eure), east of Lyons-la-Forêt, is transformed into an open-air art gallery. A completely free festival to discover the work of famous or more emerging French and international photographers.

On the edge of the Lyons forest, in this small town of just over 130 inhabitants, their work is exhibited in the countryside.

200 photos in color or black and white gathered around 12 exhibitions: this is the Martagny Photo Festival.

Created in 2018 by two image and photography enthusiasts, Laurent Lucas and Jean-François Aubert, the event has grown over the years. But the success has not changed the initial objective: “democratize photographic art and culture in rural areas” summarizes Laurent Lucas for this ninth edition.

Until August 30, 2026, visitors can discover the photos of recognized photographers such as the adopted Norman, Jean Gaumy and his exhibition “The seamen“.

But also emerging artists like David TěšÃnský, who is exhibiting for the first time in France. The Czech documentary photographer takes his lens around the world to break stereotypes and provide visibility to controversial realities.

For two and a half months, the Martagny Photo Festival offers a unique experience.outside the walls, outside the galleries. Everything is free to access. We offer an hour’s ride. There is mediation for families. The works are installed in various places such as paths, meadows or along a river. details Laurent Lucas.

See the report produced by Frédéric Lafond and Eric Lombaert

In Martagny, you can also take a step back into the past. 110 years ago, from February 21 to December 18, 1916, thousands of soldiers clashed during the Battle of Verdun (Meuse). To document this conflict, the Army Photographic Section was dispatched to the site. Propaganda tools at the time, these photos are today a testimony to one of the main battles of the Great War.

For this 2026 edition, the festival aims to explore different genres: documentaries, artistic creations and poetic vision.

The Festival and its photos can be discovered from June 13 to August 30, 2026, at the Martagny mill.