La Gacilly Photo Festival France 2025

Background & History

Founded in 2004 by Jacques Rocher, President of the Yves Rocher Foundation, the La Gacilly Photo Festival has grown into Europe’s largest open-air photography festival. Held annually in the Breton village of La Gacilly, it attracts over 300,000 visitors each summer.

The 2025 edition, marking its 22nd year, runs from June 1 to October 5, showcasing ethical and humanistic photography that explores environmental and social issues. Since 2018, its sister event in Baden, Austria, has expanded its reach, drawing a combined 600,000 visitors across both locations.

Event Highlights

• Free open-air exhibitions across streets, gardens, and alleys.
• Large-format prints, some up to 70 square meters, showcase global photographers.
• Guided tours in English, offering insights into artistic and ecological themes.
• Cyanotype workshops for hands-on photographic printmaking.
• Opening weekend (June 7-8, 2025) with photographer meet-and-greets and events.
• Educational projects with Morbihan schools, culminating in a student exhibition.

2025 Program

• Opening Weekend (June 7-8, 2025):
  • June 7: Photographer meet-and-greets (10:00 AM-5:00 PM) at Jardin du Relai Postal, Rue Saint-Vincent, and Labyrinthe Végétal; collaborative fresco painting (Jardin Saint-Vincent); book signing (3:00 PM, Place de la Ferronnerie); conference on British photography (5:00 PM, Centre Culturel Artémisia).
  • June 8: Meet-and-greets (10:00 AM-2:30 PM) with artists like Françoise Huguier and Stéphane Lavoué.
• Exhibitions (June 1-October 5):
  • Featured Photographers: Don McCullin, Martin Parr, Peter Dench, Gina Soden, Corey Arnold, Axelle de Russé, and more.
  • Locations: Rue Lafayette, Chemin des Libellules, Jardin du Marais, and others.
  • Themes: British culture and environmental challenges, including ocean preservation.
• Educational Exhibition: “Pop Nature” by Morbihan students, integrated into the festival and shown in Baden in 2026.
• Note: Full program at festivalphoto-lagacilly.com from spring 2025.

Date

• Date: June 1 to October 5, 2025
• Time: Exhibitions accessible 24/7; Information Desk & Shop open 10:00 AM-7:00 PM daily

Duration

• Duration: 4 months (127 days)

Venue

• City: La Gacilly, Morbihan, Brittany, France
• Main Venues and Addresses:
  • Place de la Ferronnerie: 56200 La Gacilly (Information Desk & Shop)
  • Jardin du Relai Postal: 56200 La Gacilly
  • Rue Saint-Vincent: 56200 La Gacilly
  • Rue Lafayette: 56200 La Gacilly
  • Chemin des Libellules: 56200 La Gacilly
  • Labyrinthe Végétal: 56200 La Gacilly
  • Jardin Saint-Vincent: 56200 La Gacilly
  • Jardin du Marais: 56200 La Gacilly
  • Galerie de l’Aff: 56200 La Gacilly
  • Centre Culturel Artémisia: 5 Avenue des Archers, 56200 La Gacilly
• Additional Areas: Glénac, La Chapelle-Gaceline (near La Gacilly, 56200)
• Note: Exhibitions span public spaces; download the PRM Map or Festival Map at festivalphoto-lagacilly.com.

Contact Information

• Official Website: festivalphoto-lagacilly.com
• Email: contact@festivalphoto-lagacilly.com; reservation@festivalphoto-lagacilly.com (bookings)
• Phone: +33 2 99 08 68 00
• Social Media:
  • Facebook: festivalphotolagacilly
  • Instagram: festivalphotolagacilly
• Note: Contact for bookings, inquiries, or sponsorships.

Ticket Information

• General Admission: Free for all outdoor exhibitions; no reservations required.
• Guided Tours:
  • Full Price: $8.18
  • Reduced (ages 6-17, students, job seekers, disabled): $5.45
  • Free for children under 5
• Cyanotype Workshop:
  • Full Price: $16.35
  • Reduced (same eligibility): $13.08
  • Free for children under 5
• Purchase: Book tours and workshops at festivalphoto-lagacilly.com or on-site at Place de la Ferronnerie. Cash and cards accepted.
• Note: Reserve guided tours early; limited spots.

Cultural Experience

The festival offers an immersive stroll through La Gacilly’s streets, gardens, and alleys, where large-format photographs blend with Brittany’s natural beauty. Visitors engage with thought-provoking images addressing global issues, from climate change to cultural identity. Casual attire and comfortable shoes are recommended for the ambulatory experience. The event fosters reflection and connection, appealing to art enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Food & Drinks

• On-site: Local vendors offer Breton specialties like galettes, crêpes, and cider ($3-$10).
• Nearby: Restaurants in La Gacilly serve seafood, crepes, and French wines ($8-$20).
• Cash preferred for street vendors; cards accepted at restaurants.
• Picnics: Encouraged in gardens like Jardin Saint-Vincent; bring your own food.

Family & Accessibility

Family-friendly with free entry for children under 5 and activities like the Zoom Zoom self-mediation bag and photo rally. Wheelchair-accessible with parking at La Fabrique (Rue de l’Aff, 56200), free wheelchair loans, and a comfort route (handiplan) available at festivalphoto-lagacilly.com. Seating is provided in galleries. Contact reservation@festivalphoto-lagacilly.com for adapted visits. Well-behaved dogs allowed; guide dogs permitted throughout.

Getting There

• By Air: Rennes Bretagne Airport (RNS, 40 miles, 1-hour drive) or Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE, 60 miles, 1.5-hour drive).
• By Train: Redon station (15 miles, 20-minute drive); TER BreizhGo to Redon, then free festival shuttle.
• By Car: Park at La Fabrique (Rue de l’Aff, 56200) or other lots; limited spaces.
• Public Transport: Bus from Redon (line 8, BreizhGo); check breizhgo.bzh.
• By Foot: La Gacilly’s compact center is walkable; exhibitions span 2-3 km.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers assist with guiding, ticketing, and promotion. Benefits include free access and merchandise. Apply via contact@festivalphoto-lagacilly.com or festivalphoto-lagacilly.com.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsors support exhibitions and education projects. Benefits include visibility and networking. Contact +33 2 99 08 68 00 or contact@festivalphoto-lagacilly.com.

Donation Support

Donations at the mascot kitty (Place de la Ferronnerie) fund the festival’s operations and photographic culture. Every contribution supports sustainability and community engagement.

Sister Event: La Gacilly-Baden Photo Festival

Since 2018, the festival has partnered with Baden, Austria (June 12-October 16, 2025, 8th edition: “Australia & New World”). Directed by Lois Lammerhuber and Florence Drouhet, it reuses La Gacilly’s prints for sustainability, attracting 300,000 visitors. Contact: festival-lagacilly-baden.photo.

2025 Theme

The 2025 theme, “So British!”, celebrates British photography through artists like Don McCullin, Martin Parr, and Mary Turner, exploring UK culture with humor and gravitas. A secondary focus on environmental issues, particularly the sea, features works by photographers like Laurent Ballesta and Corey Arnold, addressing nature-society relationships. This dual theme aligns with the festival’s mission to combine artistic excellence with ecological awareness.

Organizing Committee

The festival is managed by the La Gacilly Photo Festival Association, led by curator Cyril Drouhet. Key partners include the Morbihan Departmental Council and the Yves Rocher Foundation. The Baden, Austria, edition is directed by Lois Lammerhuber and Florence Drouhet, ensuring artistic and logistical coordination across both events. Contact +33 2 99 08 68 00 for inquiries.

Cultural Significance

The festival transforms La Gacilly into an open-air gallery, blending art with the village’s natural and architectural heritage. It promotes a universal language of photography, fostering dialogue on global challenges like biodiversity and climate change. By featuring both renowned and emerging photographers, it bridges art and photojournalism, resonating with diverse audiences. Its commitment to free access ensures cultural inclusivity, while educational programs engage local youth, enhancing Brittany’s cultural identity.

Local Attractions

• Yves Rocher Botanical Garden: Route de Glénac, 56200 La Gacilly.
• La Gacilly Artisan Village: Local crafts (56200 La Gacilly).
• Île-aux-Pies: Nature reserve (10 miles, Glénac, 56200).
• Château de Josselin: Medieval castle (25 miles, 56120 Josselin).
• Redon Abbey: Historic site (15 miles, 35600 Redon).

Accommodation Tips

Book early at hotels like La Grée des Landes (La Gacilly, 56200) or guesthouses in Redon. Airbnb offers rural stays nearby. Expect higher rates during summer; check brittanytourism.com.

Safety and Etiquette

• Respect public spaces; no littering or climbing on displays.
• Photography allowed; check festivalphoto-lagacilly.com for media policies.
• Carry cash for vendors; ATMs are limited in La Gacilly.
• Arrive early for guided tours or workshops to secure spots.

Community and Economic Impact

The festival draws 300,000 visitors, boosting La Gacilly’s economy through tourism, supporting local restaurants, hotels, and artisans. It promotes Brittany’s cultural heritage, fosters environmental awareness, and engages youth through educational programs, enhancing regional cohesion.