Celebrating
the Biennale
From the Place de la Manufacture d’Armes to the Halles Barrouin, via the streets and gardens of the Cité du design and the Télécom campus, the 2025 Saint-Étienne International Design Biennial will be taking on a festive air! In line with the theme of this 13th edition, Ressource(s), présager demain (Resource(s), Foreseeing the Future) and over 6 weekends, from 24 May to 29 June 2025, a free, festive and multifaceted programme will form a link between the exhibitions installed at the Platine de la Cité du design and the Halles Barrouin.
Inaugural weekend
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May
- From Place de la Manufacture d’Armes to Halles Barrouin
- Night-time opening of exhibitions on Saturday from 8pm to midnight
Fête foraine loufoque (Crazy funfair)
→ Saturday 24 May from 11am to 8pm
→ Sunday 25 May from 10am to 7pm
Made from recycled materials and thanks to the creative talents of renowned artistic companies, this unusual funfair is in the pure tradition of the fairground arts, twisting its codes with humour, ingenuity and mischief. Mechanical or muscle-powered rides, giant structures on the move, a burlesque brass band, zany entresorts, immersive and/or corrosive shows... Alone, with family or friends, let yourself be carried away into the baroque world of a crazy funfair!
With the shows: La Kermesse (Compagnie La Machine) ; L’Arbre nomade et Le Petit manège fait main (Compagnie des Quatre Saisons , Belgique) ; Stand 2000 (Compagnie Théâtre Group’) ; T’as de beaux yeux Carabosse (Compagnie L’Illustre famille Burattini) ; Le Train fantôme (Compagnie Bitonio) ; Nomad - L’Ethno machine (Compagnie Le Strapontin) ; Les Moustachettes et tuyauteries (Compagnie de Majorette mixte et décalée) ; Le Voyage et L’Étrange voyage de Seynor Tonet (Compagnie Tombs Creatius, Espagne) ; Les Musiciens automates & performance live (Compagnie Karlito) ; Le Cirque des puces savantes (Vagab’Onde Prod).
INAUGURAL SHOW
Carabosse - Parcours de feu (Fire installation)
→ Saturday 24 May from 9.30pm to midnight
Duration 2h30 - All audiences
Fire installation over 1 km
Free access
For one evening, the Carabosse company takes you on a fiery journey through the 13th Saint-Étienne International Design Biennial. Steel, coal, water and steam echo Saint-Étienne’s industrial and mining past, as well as the beginnings of what we now call design. As night falls, let yourself be seduced, step by step, by the melody of the flames.
Based in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the Carabosse company designs large-scale artistic, human, sensory and emotional experiences. For over 25 years, it has been inventing imaginary worlds, havens of freedom, and travelling the world to write its poetry of fire - 900 shows on 5 continents in 30 countries and 500 towns.
Take advantage of the inaugural weekend to visit all the Biennial exhibitions, which are EXCEPTIONALLY FREE, as is the entire STAS public transport network, on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May!
La Biennale Complètement Gaga
(The Biennial Completely Gaga)
Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June
- Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville and place Jean-Jaurès
- Parc François-Mitterrand
Complètement Gaga Festival
→ Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June
Committed to ecological sobriety since its launch in 2018 and echoing the 13th Biennial’s theme Ressource(s), présager demain, the Complètement Gaga street arts festival is stopping off at the Cité du design to present 4 shows from its 2025 edition.
Over the course of a weekend, theatre, dance, music and circus arts will be showcased in a unique artistic setting. The programme is festive, family-friendly and free of charge.
| Street theatre La prophétie du sucrier en inox Compagnie En mauvaise Compagnie → Friday 30 May at 5pm Cité du design — Michel-Olagnier garden Duration 1 hour - All audiences La Prophétie du sucrier en inox (The prophecy of the stainless steel sugar bowl) is an epic, absurd and delirious fresco, an immersion in a discount heroic fantasy universe where anything can happen as long as you believe what’s written on the packaging. The show plunges you deep into the hypermarket, a world with its own rules that no one can escape, that swallows and feeds you in a perpetual back-and-forth between chewing and regurgitation. | Circus and music ISO 360 Compagnie La tête sur les étoiles → Saturday 31 May at 11am Cité du design — Tour observatoire Duration 1h15 - All audiences ISO 360 is a musica-absurdo-circassian standard currently being drawn up to govern the life and order of events in the public space. The show questions the rules that govern our daily lives and our ability to live together. The seasoned artists have prepared everything: a relatively stable gantry, a more or less well-adjusted harness, instruments that are virtually in tune. Everything is perfectly hung, oiled, plugged in, standardised... Their mastery will leave you breathless! |
| Poetry and acrobatics Concerto pour une camionneuse Compagnie Ordinaire d’Exception → Saturday 31 May at 5pm Halles Barrouin Duration 45 minutes - All audiences Concerto pour une camionneuse (Concerto for a Truck Driver) is the solo performance of a crazy fil-de-feriste who is totally obsessed with her red shoes. It’s the story of a young woman who ventures into a world where the rules are turned upside down. (Dis)balancing on a wire, shoes in her hands, shoes on her feet, pairs that fly, walk, do as they please... Sometimes grating, sometimes touching, sometimes verging on the limit, her acrobatic journey reveals a woman who reinvents codes and plays with the whole world. | Street arts Anti Compagnie Lapin 34 → Sunday 1st June at 5.30pm Cité du design — Rue Marius-Patinaud Duration 1 hour - All audiences (Re)discover the myth of Antigone revisited in the passionate world of ultras supporters, (ultra) proud of their colours. Antigone, a figure of resistance, claims her freedom by defying the established order. But can the individual be sacrificed to preserve the group? Inflatable costumes, smoke bombs, leaf blowers and a transparent ball in which an artist takes his place... |
Intelligence artisanale
(Craft Intelligence)
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June
- Cité du design — Esplanade Jacques-Bonnaval and rue Marius-Patinaud
Workshops and designers’ market
Creative people, DIY* enthusiasts, experienced do-it-yourselfers, decorating enthusiasts and those with an interest in digital tools... young and old are invited to roll up their sleeves, open their eyes wide and take action! Come and meet over 30 passionate local players: designers, craftspeople, students, artists, start-ups, associations, recycling centres, collectives and educational establishments...
They’ll all be on hand to share their knowledge and expertise with you at free hands-on and introductory workshops. Alongside the workshops, the designers will be exhibiting and selling their finest creations throughout the weekend. Perfect for a gift or for yourself!
Workshops programme
→ Saturday 7 June, 11am to 7pm
→ Sunday 8 June from 10am to 6pm
All the Artisanal Intelligence workshops are free, accessible within the limits of available places and without registration, except those followed by an asterisk (*).
Watercolour* (Isabel Mariscal); Jewellery (RuKA-ST); Seed bomb & birdhouse (Poisson Mécanique); Embroidery (Bariola Durusa); Calligraphy (Caroline Marcellier X Blandin); Ceramics* (Atelier Les Zozos); Kite-making* (L’École du vent); Sewing (Obake - Chrysalide); Cooking* (La Marmite Vivante) ; Fleurs séchées (Reines des Prés) ; Hologram* (Service inclusion numérique Ville de Saint-Étienne) ; Illustration IA* (Laureth Sulfate); Imprimante 3D* (Service inclusion numérique Ville de Saint-Étienne) ; Kokedama* (Hypersensible) ; Laine feutrée (Leïla Bouyssou) ; Linogravure* (Jeanne Vaillant); Leather goods (Flash Slug); Mask* (Pascaline De Glo De Besses); Mosaic (Malika Ameur); Textile design (Studio Manaco); Bicycle repair (Vélo en quartier); Soap* (Savonnerie Élise); Stop motion (Service inclusion numérique Ville de Saint-Étienne); Scented hanging* (Les Crée’pitantes); Weaving (Les Nouveaux Ateliers du Dorlay - La Turbine Créative); Kumihimo braiding (Les Nouveaux Ateliers du Dorlay - La Turbine Créative); Tufting (Atelier Ilané); Digital universes (ProCess); Upcycling Olympic Games 2024 (Saint-Étienne Métropole).
During the workshops, children remain under the full responsibility of their supervisor.
Fashion shows Ressource(s), by students at the Lycée des Métiers de la Mode Adrien Testud
→ Saturday 7 June at 2pm, 4.30pm and 7pm
Cité du design — Tour observatoire and esplanade Jacques-Bonnaval
Fashion show lasts 30 minutes - All audiences
Free admission
Take part in a unique and unusual fashion show launched from the top of the
Tower at the Cité du design! Entrusted to the centre of excellence at the Lycée Adrien Testud, which has been awarded the ‘Métiers de la mode’ label, these ethical and inclusive fashion shows will showcase the Ressource(s) collections made by the students, complemented by original pieces, notably designed using signage from the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The programme features 12 tableaux, 60 unique outfits worn by passionate students and made from recycled materials supplied by local IKEA, AS Saint-Étienne and Saint-Étienne Métropole. A show celebrating the know-how, creativity and the history of textiles in our region!
Ressourcez-vous!
(Re-energise!)
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June
- Cité du design — Esplanade Jacques-Bonnaval, Michel-Olagnier and Maurice-Combe gardens
The Biennial invites you to let go and reconnect your body to your mind with activities based on well-being and an introduction to new and innovative sporting practices! Ressourcez-vous is an invitation to take a step back, begin an introspective journey and explore new ways of moving, breathing, running, meditating, walking, contemplating...
→ Saturday 14 June from 11am to 8pm
→ Sunday 15 June from 10am to 6pm
Sport
On your own or with your family, try out a wide range of sporting activities free of charge. Open all day, no registration required.
Abseiling from the Tour observatoire (Comité Territorial Montagne Escalade Loire et Haute-Loire); Korfbal (Fédération Korfbal France); Disc golf (Disc Golf Club du Velay); Teqboard (Fédération Nationale de Teqball); Pickleball (Ligue AURA Tennis and Comité de la Loire de Tennis); Frame running (Comité Départemental Handisport de la Loire); Bikes of all kinds (Tandem Production); Pétéca (Idéasport); Home ball (Idéasport); Baby gym (Idéasport); Tree climbing (Hêtre en forez); Slackline (Sainté Slack).
Well-being
The well-being workshops are set up in the shade of the trees in the Michel-Olagnier garden at the Cité du design. They are open all day, without registration.
Self-evaluation
LIBM - UJM and Public Health Department of the City of Saint-Étienne
Measure your strength, flexibility and balance for healthy, active ageing. From the age of 18 for optimal data.
Sophrology - Stéfanie Perret
Using relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and positive visualisations, harmonise your body and mind so you can make the most of your abilities. From age 6.
Self-massage - Bohème et Coquelicot
Need to relax or relieve muscular tension? Learn how to massage yourself using simple techniques that you can reproduce every day. From age 3.
Osteopathy - CIDO
Relieve aches and pains and take care of yourself. Physical well-being for general well-being! Accessible to all ages.
Giant classes
The giant classes take place on the lawn of the Michel-Olagnier garden at the Cité du design. They are available without prior registration, and last one hour.
| Saturday 14 June → 11.30 am: Tai-chi-chuan → 2pm: Dynamic yoga → 3.30pm: Pilates → 5pm: Qi gong | Sunday 15 June → 10.30am: Qi gong → 2pm: Pilates → 3.30pm: Taï-chi-chuan → 5pm: Dynamic yoga |
| Dynamic yoga EDEN Give yourself the chance to move, breathe and feel the energy flowing in a dynamic yoga class open to all. A vibrant interlude, where the body expresses itself and the mind lightens up... From age 16. | Qi gong Association stéphanoise de taï-chi-chuan traditionnel (ASTCCT) Qi gong is a Chinese practice designed to balance vital energies. Move, meditate and feel your way through the various exercises on offer during this introductory course. From age 10. |
| Pilates Pedigree Pilates The secret of Pilates is to tone up gently, develop your body harmoniously, correct bad posture and strengthen deep muscles. From age 12. | Taï-chi-chuan Association stéphanoise de taï-chi-chuan traditionnel (ASTCCT) Through a succession of slow, harmonious movements, tai-chi-chuan invites you to get to know yourself better. From age 10. |
La Biennale fête la musique
(The Biennale celebrates music)
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June
- Cité du design — Michel-Olagnier et Maurice-Combe gardens
- Jean-Monnet University — Campus Télécom
Young audience stage
→ Saturday 21 June, 2pm to 8pm
→ Sunday 22 June from 2pm to 6pm
Concerts and film-concerts, live shows, fun workshops... In the shade of the trees, on the lawns of the Campus Télécom, on the esplanade Jacques-Bonnaval, let’s celebrate music in all its forms! All La Biennale fête la musique events are free and open to the public.
Workshops and activities
| Musical garden Étienne Favre → Saturday 21 June from 2.30pm → Sunday 22 June from 2pm Cité du design - Michel-Olagnier garden Explore music in contact with nature, through some twenty musical structures! Each instrument becomes a game, transforming music theory into a unique sensory experience that reminds us that music is ageless. From age 2. | Musical Siestas Jardinières d’Imaginaire → Saturday 21 June at 2pm, 4pm and 5.30pm → Sunday 22 June at 2pm, 4pm and 5.15pm Cité du design - Maurice-Combe garden Settle into a deckchair with your eyes closed, and let the music take you away... A soothing sound experience, ideal for escaping without moving. Ages 7 and up. |
| La Gova MJC des Tilleuls → Saturday 21 June at 2.30pm Cité du design - Esplanade Jacques-Bonnaval DJ set, musical entertainment, DJing workshops, rap mini-concerts... The La Gova sound caravan will be taking you on a journey through a rhythmic and friendly atmosphere. | ACDC Compagnie Dynamogène → Saturday 21 June, 2.30pm to 6.30pm → Sunday 22 June, 2pm to 6pm Cité du design - Esplanade Jacques-Bonnaval Get into action on the ACDC machine - Athlétic-Cyclo-Disco-Club - powered solely by muscular energy. Pedal, turn the crank and let yourself be carried away by the music. For children aged 10 and over. |
| Atelier Cigar Box Compagnie Cigar Box → Saturday 21 June at 2.30pm → Sunday 22 June at 2pm Cité du design — Esplanade Jacques-Bonnaval Discover the fascinating world of the Cigar Box Guitar, the legendary blues instrument made from recycled objects. Design, play and leave with your own instrument! Bonus: workshop on making rain whistles. Ages 6 and up. | Médiabus Avec Saint-Étienne’s libraries → Saturday 21 June at 2.30pm → Sunday 22 June at 2pm Cité du design — Maurice-Combe garden A selection of books on design, accompanied by sound siestas and book readings for young and old. In the shade of the trees of the Maurice-Combe garden, a moment to savour! |
Shows, film-concerts and screenings
Alongside the workshops and events, La Biennale fête la musique also offers a rich programme of shows, film-concerts and open-air screenings.
→ Saturday 21 June
2.30pm - Sand drawing - Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) (Compagnie Anima Nostra)
2.30pm - Improvisation - Battle BD (Battle BD company)
3.30pm - Concert-show - Un Chat dans la Ville (La Soupe aux étoiles company)
4.30pm - Ciné-concert - Décrocher la Lune (Label Caravan)
5.30pm - Musical show - Ça fait WizZ (Compagnie Mots pour Mômes)
5.30pm - Concert-show - Un Chat dans la Ville (Compagnie La Soupe aux étoiles)
6.30pm - Screening - Ponyo sur la falaise (Cinémathèque de Saint-Étienne)
→ Sunday 22 June
2.00 pm - Ciné-concert - Les Temps modernes (Pascal Descamps)
2.30pm - Improvisation - Battle BD (Compagnie Battle BD)
3.30pm - Ciné-concert - La Petite taupe (Label Caravan)
4.30pm - Screening - Le Garçon et le monde (Cinémathèque de Saint-Étienne)
5.00pm - Circus - Bankal (in partnership with the Festival des 7 Collines) (Compagnie Puéril Péril)
5.30pm - Musical show - Ça fait WizZ (Compagnie Mots pour Mômes)
5.30pm - Concert-show - Un Chat dans la Ville (Compagnie La Soupe aux étoiles)
Great wardrobe clear-out and flea market
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June
- Cité du design — Esplanade Jacques-Bonnaval
In the unique and historic setting of the Cité du Design, the weekend brings together second-hand shops, second-hand dealers, antique dealers, record dealers and second-hand booksellers... both professional and amateur. A selection of second-hand objects to encourage re-use, consume differently and get great bargains!
Giant wardrobe clear-out market
La fripe, c’est chic!
→ Saturday 28 June
Give new life to your clothes and stock up on unique finds! Selected with care and style by thrift shops and ressourceries or exhibited by private individuals, all the clothes and fashion accessories on show tell a story and prove that second-hand can be resolutely stylish. At a time when fast fashion is having a lasting impact on the environment, this vintage fashion sale invites you to (re)make sense of your purchases and consume in an eco-responsible way. Don’t miss this opportunity to shop differently and adopt ethical, stylish fashion!
Registration form for professionals (in French)
Registration deadline: Friday 25 April (inclusive) / Registration subject to availability.
Registration form for individuals (in French)
Registration deadline: Wednesday 4 June (inclusive) / Registration subject to availability.
Flea market and garage sale
→ Sunday 29 June from 8am to 5pm
Furniture, art or decorative objects, books, records, everyday items, toys, cult manufactured objects... This big market brings together professional and amateur exhibitors, offering a unique opportunity to give objects a second life. IDEAL for unearthing vintage treasures and adding a unique touch to your home! A smart way to get rid of unused equipment and buy new items at a lower price. ESSENTIAL for supporting the circular economy of re-use.
Registration form for professionals (in French)
Registration deadline: Friday 25 April (inclusive) / Registration subject to availability.
Registration form for individuals (in French)
Registration deadline: Wednesday 4 June (inclusive) / Registration subject to availability.
From the square at the Manufacture d’Armes to the Jardins Suspendus, from esplanade Jacques-Bonnaval to rue Marius-Patinaud, from the Campus Télécom to the Halles Barrouin, the programme links exhibitions at the Cité du design with the ones at the Halles Barrouin. A chance to be curious, have some fun and learn something new, to dream a little and be awed… and remember it’s all about foreshadowing the future!
Simon Chevalier’s Les Étoiles will guide visitors along the rout from the Cité to the Halles Barrouin. These sculptures use the sun to create a light experience during the daytime. The installation, far from being decorative, seeks to re-establish a respectful dialogue with the environment, by using simple, sustainable materials.
In addition to the events, all through the Biennale en fête, foodtrucks serving sweet and savoury food and refreshment stands are planned.
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