PORTRAIT(S)2026

PORTRAIT(S)2026
Jun 19, 2026 – Oct 4, 2026

Vichy, France

From June 19 to October 4, 2026, the 14th edition of Portrait(s), Rendez-vous photographique de Vichy invites visitors to explore the many facets of contemporary portrait photography through exhibitions, educational initiatives, artistic residencies, and encounters with leading photographers. Across the city, the event brings together established names and emerging voices, offering a rich perspective on the evolving language of photographic portraiture.

At the Grand Établissement Thermal, the festival presents a major solo exhibition devoted to David LaChapelle, whose vibrant, theatrical, and often provocative images have made him one of the most recognizable figures in contemporary photography. His distinctive approach to portraiture combines popular culture, art history, fashion, and surrealism.

On the Esplanade du lac d’Allier, A Post-Portrait, from Niépce to Today offers a journey through the Musée Nicéphore Niépce’s extensive collection. Curated through the perspective of its director of collections, Sylvain Besson, the exhibition explores the diversity of photographic portraiture, from its historical origins to contemporary practices.

Transmission and education remain central to the festival. In La Voix du Regard, Brigitte Patient presents the work of Yohanne Lamoulère, while Des Mots pour Voir, supported by Neuflize OBC, brings together Paul Graham and participants in a project exploring photography through words and images. Portrait(s) s’invite à l’école further extends the festival into the classroom, introducing younger audiences to photographic creation.

The residency commissions continue the festival’s commitment to artistic exchange. Following Namsa Leuba in 2025, CAVILAM–Alliance Française welcomes Julia Gat for its Francophone photography residency. Meanwhile, Patrick Tournebœuf continues his photographic exploration of Europe’s UNESCO-listed spa towns, following Baden-Baden and Karlovy Vary, with spectacular new images of Bath, England.

Visitors can also step into the Cabine Studio Harcourt, where the celebrated portrait studio recreates its distinctive atmosphere in Vichy, offering festivalgoers an opportunity to experience the world of Studio Harcourt firsthand.


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