International artists, monumental murals, creative workshops and guided tours bring two weeks of urban creativity to Antibes Juan-les-Pins from 17 to 31 October 2026.
Forget traditional gallery walls. This October, some of the most compelling contemporary art in Antibes Juan-les-Pins will be found on building facades, in public spaces and even aboard a city bus.
The seventh edition of the Festival International d’Art Urbain Coul’Heures d’Automne returns for two weeks of urban creativity, bringing together artists from France and abroad to transform familiar corners of the town into unexpected visual experiences.
Since its launch in 2020, the festival has established itself as a distinctive feature of the Côte d’Azur’s cultural calendar. Its appeal lies in taking art beyond conventional exhibition spaces and placing it directly into the daily lives of residents and visitors.
The 2026 programme features large-scale murals, exhibitions, artistic encounters, workshops and special events celebrating the diversity of contemporary urban culture. Whether you are an established street-art enthusiast or simply looking for something different to do on the French Riviera this autumn, Coul’Heures d’Automne offers an opportunity to discover Antibes from a fresh perspective.
An international line-up of artists
One of the festival’s main attractions is its collection of large-scale murals, created at locations around Antibes by artists with distinctive backgrounds, techniques and artistic perspectives.
One of the festival’s main attractions is its collection of large-scale murals, created at locations around Antibes by artists with distinctive backgrounds, techniques and artistic perspectives.
Dutch muralist GOMAD, whose work combines realism, colour and emotional storytelling, is scheduled to work at Square Garbero on Boulevard du Val Claret from 17 October to 1 November.
From Marseille, DIFUZ brings decades of experience rooted in graffiti and street culture to Voie Lyan, where his work is planned between 17 and 27 October.
Chilean artist PIERO MATURANA, known professionally as PIERO, will create a mural at 29 Avenue Philippe Rochat from 17 October to 1 November. His work explores the relationship between art, local identity, history and the surrounding environment.
French artist KOGAONE brings a distinctive approach combining photorealistic detail with more spontaneous, expressive elements. His work is scheduled for 2 Rue Vauban from 28 October to 1 November.
At 1 Rue de l’Église, visitors can discover the imaginative world of ADOR, whose curious human and animal characters blend humour, fantasy and social commentary. His contribution is planned for 29 October to 2 November.
Meanwhile, Toulouse-born DEBZA brings an unconventional visual language shaped by graffiti, manga, Japanese culture and horror cinema to 74 Rue Henri Laugier from 18 to 22 October.
Completing this selection is JORDAN HARANG, whose work moves between abstraction and figurative painting, drawing inspiration from subjects ranging from microscopic structures to the wider universe. His mural at Hôtel Le Collier, 19 Boulevard Général Vautrin, is scheduled for 20 to 27 October.
Together, these artists demonstrate the many directions contemporary mural art can take, from playful and surreal imagery to intricate compositions and expressive, large-scale painting.
The dates above refer to the artists’ scheduled working periods, which may differ from the dates on which individual murals are completed or can be viewed in full.
A new chapter for Le M.U.R. Antibes
Urban art also takes centre stage through Le M.U.R. Antibes, a dedicated public exhibition space that gives artists the opportunity to create works in a prominent, accessible setting.
Urban art also takes centre stage through Le M.U.R. Antibes, a dedicated public exhibition space that gives artists the opportunity to create works in a prominent, accessible setting.
The wider Le M.U.R. initiative — short for Modulable, Urbain, Réactif — supports urban art through changing public displays. The Antibes project began in November 2024, with a new artist invited to transform the space approximately every six months.
For its fifth installation, the programme welcomes Nadège Dauvergne, an artist recognised for her meticulous technique, in which fine lines and carefully layered colours combine to produce detailed images.
Her compositions bring together elements of nature, art history and contemporary culture. Viewed up close, the intricate marks become part of the experience; from a distance, they merge into a more complete and striking image.
Occupying the 18.2-square-metre Le M.U.R. space, her new work continues the festival’s broader conversation between contemporary creativity and the Côte d’Azur’s long-standing artistic heritage.
The inauguration is scheduled to bring together Dauvergne, Antibes Juan-les-Pins mayor Jean Leonetti, festival director Sébastien Hamard and Cyril Gouyette, an art historian associated with the Louvre Museum and the artistic direction of Le M.U.R. Oberkampf and Le M.U.R. Bastille.
When the art comes to you
Not all the festival’s creations remain in one place. For the past four years, the Envibus Bus-Tram Line A has offered artists another canvas, bringing contemporary artwork onto the transport network used by people travelling around the area.
Not all the festival’s creations remain in one place. For the past four years, the Envibus Bus-Tram Line A has offered artists another canvas, bringing contemporary artwork onto the transport network used by people travelling around the area.
For the 2026 edition, MA2THIEU LONG, an artist in residence at the Centre d’Art Urbain et Musical La sChOOL, will create a new work inside an 18-metre articulated bus-tram.
The project will incorporate painting, drawing, graphic shapes, colour and text throughout the vehicle’s interior. Once completed, the artwork is intended to remain in circulation along the Envibus Ligne A route throughout the year.
It is a simple but effective idea: rather than asking people to seek out an exhibition, bring the exhibition to them. Commuters, students and other passengers will encounter the artwork as part of their ordinary journeys, making creativity a more visible part of the urban environment.
This mobile project reflects one of Coul’Heures d’Automne’s defining ambitions — to make contemporary art accessible beyond museums and galleries.
Two evenings celebrating urban culture
The festival’s programme extends beyond the murals, with opening and closing celebrations planned at La sChOOL Antibes.
The festival’s programme extends beyond the murals, with opening and closing celebrations planned at La sChOOL Antibes.
The opening evening takes place on Saturday, 17 October, from 19:00 to 23:30, with the closing evening scheduled for Saturday, 31 October, also from 19:00 to 23:30.
Both events offer an opportunity to enjoy the festival atmosphere, meet fellow art enthusiasts and experience the wider urban-culture scene. Food and drinks are expected to be available on site.
Admission is free, subject to capacity, but annual membership of La sChOOL is required. Membership costs €5.
Exhibitions, workshops and additional activities also form part of the wider programme. Visitors should consult the official festival website for individual event details and any changes to the schedule.
Practical visitor guide: making the most of the festival
With murals spread across different parts of Antibes, a little planning can help you make the most of your visit.
With murals spread across different parts of Antibes, a little planning can help you make the most of your visit.
Discover the murals on foot
One of the easiest ways to experience Coul’Heures d’Automne is to explore Antibes on foot, discovering artworks as you move between neighbourhoods.
One of the easiest ways to experience Coul’Heures d’Automne is to explore Antibes on foot, discovering artworks as you move between neighbourhoods.
Several murals are planned along or near central streets and boulevards, including Square Garbero on Boulevard du Val Claret, Avenue Philippe Rochat, Voie Lyan, Rue Vauban and Hôtel Le Collier on Boulevard Général Vautrin.
You can combine your street-art discoveries with a stroll through the historic old town, browse local boutiques, stop for coffee or lunch, and enjoy the Mediterranean waterfront.
Allow time for walking between locations, and remember that some murals may still be in progress during your visit.
Join a guided street-art tour
If you would like to learn more about the artists, their techniques and the stories behind their creations, a guided tour is a worthwhile option.
If you would like to learn more about the artists, their techniques and the stories behind their creations, a guided tour is a worthwhile option.
The published programme lists guided street-art tours on 22, 27 and 29 October at 14:30, with the meeting point at the Parvis du Théâtre Anthéa. Each walk lasts approximately 90 minutes.
The published prices are:
Adults: €9 per person.
Reduced rate: €4.50 for children aged 8–16, students, people with disabilities and jobseekers.
Children under eight: free.
Advance booking is required through the Antibes Juan-les-Pins Tourist Office. Check availability before travelling.
Telephone: +33 (0)4 22 10 60 01
Email: accueil@antibesjuanlespins.com
Get creative at a workshop
The festival is not just for people who enjoy looking at art. Visitors can also get involved themselves.
The festival is not just for people who enjoy looking at art. Visitors can also get involved themselves.
Free public workshops with urban artist Trace Matt are scheduled at the historic Fort Carré on Wednesday, 21 October, and Wednesday, 28 October, from 14:00 to 16:00.
These sessions offer an opportunity to explore urban-art techniques in a distinctive historic setting and could be an appealing activity for visitors who want to do more than simply photograph the murals.
Check the official programme for booking requirements, age restrictions and remaining availability before attending.
Visit Le M.U.R. Antibes
Another worthwhile stop is Le M.U.R. Antibes at 10 Rue Miquelis-Raybaud, in front of Guynemer primary school.
Another worthwhile stop is Le M.U.R. Antibes at 10 Rue Miquelis-Raybaud, in front of Guynemer primary school.
The featured artist for this edition is Nadège Dauvergne, whose work combines detailed drawing, fine lines and carefully layered colours.
Her scheduled creative period runs from 21 to 25 October. The location makes a useful addition to a self-guided mural walk, although visitors should check the current state of the installation and any associated event times.
Getting to Antibes
By train: Antibes railway station is a convenient arrival point for visitors travelling along the Côte d’Azur. Regional services connect Antibes with Nice, Cannes and other destinations along the coast. From the station, central Antibes can be explored on foot, although some mural locations will require additional walking.
By train: Antibes railway station is a convenient arrival point for visitors travelling along the Côte d’Azur. Regional services connect Antibes with Nice, Cannes and other destinations along the coast. From the station, central Antibes can be explored on foot, although some mural locations will require additional walking.
By bus: Local and regional bus services provide alternatives for reaching Antibes and moving around the surrounding area. Check routes and timetables before setting out, particularly if you are planning to visit several murals in one afternoon.
By car: Antibes is accessible via the A8 motorway. If you are driving, allow extra time to find parking, particularly during busy periods and around the town centre.
For regional public transport information, visit: https://www.zou.maregionsud.fr
Make a day of it
There is no need to limit your visit to the festival alone. Antibes has plenty to offer if you want to turn your street-art outing into a full day on the French Riviera.
There is no need to limit your visit to the festival alone. Antibes has plenty to offer if you want to turn your street-art outing into a full day on the French Riviera.
Wander through the atmospheric streets of Old Antibes, explore the Marché Provençal if it is operating during your visit, or take a walk along the historic ramparts overlooking the Mediterranean.
The town’s cafés, restaurants and independent shops provide plenty of opportunities to pause between mural discoveries. You can also head to nearby Juan-les-Pins, known for its sandy beaches, seafront cafés and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and a camera or smartphone will come in handy for capturing the festival’s colourful creations.
Before travelling, check the official programme for any changes to artist schedules, workshop arrangements, tour availability or event times.
A different way to experience Antibes
Coul’Heures d’Automne offers more than an opportunity to admire impressive murals. It encourages people to rediscover places they might otherwise pass without a second glance.
Coul’Heures d’Automne offers more than an opportunity to admire impressive murals. It encourages people to rediscover places they might otherwise pass without a second glance.
A building facade becomes a canvas. An ordinary street gains a new focal point. A journey on public transport becomes an unexpected encounter with contemporary art.
That transformation is part of what makes urban art so compelling. It occupies shared spaces, invites different interpretations and brings creative expression into the everyday environment, without requiring a museum ticket or a formal introduction to art.
For Antibes Juan-les-Pins, the festival also provides a platform for international artistic exchange, allowing residents and visitors to encounter different styles, influences and ideas in their own surroundings.
Running from 17 to 31 October 2026, the seventh edition of Coul’Heures d’Automne promises a colourful addition to the French Riviera’s autumn cultural calendar.
Whether you join a guided walk, take part in a workshop or simply wander through town in search of the latest murals, the festival offers a refreshing way to experience Antibes beyond its beaches and historic streets.
Sometimes, the most interesting cultural discoveries are not found behind gallery doors. They are waiting just around the corner.
Plan your visit
For the full programme, mural locations, tour bookings and event updates, visit the official festival website: https://www.coulheures.fr

No comments:
Post a Comment