The historic town of Pézenas will transform into a photography paradise from October 24 to November 2, 2025, as it hosts the fifth edition of the Temps d'Expo festival. This free and open-to-all event, organized by the Temps d'Expo association, will turn the town's narrow streets, squares, and historic buildings into open-air galleries showcasing the work of talented photographers from across the region.
This year's edition brings together 34 photographers, carefully selected from more than 130 applications submitted to the festival organizers. Their diverse works will be displayed across 18 different locations throughout Pézenas' historic center, including prominent venues such as the Foyer des Campagnes, Hotel des Barons de Lacoste, an ephemeral gallery, Hotel Flottes de Sébasan, and numerous other culturally significant sites throughout the medieval town.
True to its spirit of openness and inclusivity, the festival celebrates the diversity of photographic approaches and artistic perspectives. The invited artists present varied artistic universes, spanning documentary photography, nature photography, portraiture, visual poetry, and societal reflection. This eclectic mix ensures that visitors will encounter a broad spectrum of photographic styles and subjects, making the festival accessible to audiences with different tastes and interests.
This year's guest of honor is photographer Thierry Vezon, a specialist in wildlife and landscape photography who will present his exhibition "From Camargue to the Great North" at the Hotel Flottes de Sébasan. Vezon's photographic journey offers a respectful and sensitive look at nature, featuring aerial views of the Camargue salt marshes with their abstract colors, before transporting visitors to the icy lands of Greenland and Svalbard. His work demonstrates a deep appreciation for the natural world and showcases the dramatic contrasts between Mediterranean and Arctic landscapes.
As with every edition of the festival, a collective exhibition will be installed on Cours Jean-Jaurès, the town's main thoroughfare. This year's collective exhibition, titled "Martror," pays homage to the Day of the Dead celebration traditionally observed in Pézenas. According to the association, this theme, deeply rooted in local tradition, symbolizes memory, transmission, and the connection between generations, reflecting the town's rich cultural heritage and its ongoing relationship with its past.
Temps d'Expo proudly maintains a philosophy of making culture accessible to everyone. Entry to all exhibitions is completely free, and numerous opportunities for dialogue between the public and photographers are scheduled throughout the ten-day festival. These interactive moments allow visitors to better understand the artistic approaches of the exhibitors and engage with the major environmental and social issues raised by their photographic works, fostering meaningful connections between art and community.
The festival will officially open to the public on Friday, October 24, at 3:00 PM, followed by the official inauguration ceremony at 6:00 PM at Place des États du Languedoc, with an alternative indoor location at the Foyer des Campagnes in case of rain. Outdoor exhibitions will remain freely accessible throughout the entire duration of the festival, allowing visitors to explore the photography displays at their own pace and convenience. Indoor venue hours are Monday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, while weekends and Saturday, November 1st feature continuous hours from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, ensuring maximum accessibility for both local residents and tourists visiting the region.
