April 2026 Cultural Guide: Art Festivals, Exhibitions, and Performances Across France

Beaux Arts Magazine's April 2026 issue highlights numerous cultural events scheduled throughout the month. The festival calendar includes the drawing festival in Arles, taking place at venues such as Saint-Blaise church and the Van Gogh space, featuring artists like Fabien Mérelle and Ceija Stojka. In Niort, the International Young Photography Encounters, organized by Villa Pérochon, will showcase emerging photographers including Jeanne Lucas and Alexa Brunet from April 16 to May 31. The Noirmoutier Documentary Film Festival runs from April 3 to 6 at cinemas including Le Mimosa, presenting films such as Nicolas Peduzzi's 'État Limite'. Paris hosts several events: Santiago Moreno's puppet show 'Soledad' at Mouffetard until April 4; African music weekends at Musée du Quai Branly on April 11-12 and 18-19 with performances by Nyege Nyege and Femi Kuti; and a Marie Voignier film retrospective at Jeu de Paume from April 7 to 19. National Manufactures open for public visits from April 10 to 12 in cities like Sèvres and Aubusson. Family-oriented activities include the Effervesciences festival at Château du Clos Lucé (April 18-26) and the Zinc Grenadine children's literature festival in Épinal (April 11-12). The Island Literature Festival on Ouessant occurs from April 24 to 28, focusing on Polynesian landscapes.