VISA POUR L’IMAGE

Perpignan is once again proud to host Visa pour l’Image, the world’s leading international festival of photojournalism, from Saturday 29 August to Sunday 13 September 2026. Now in its 38th edition, the festival remains true to its founding mission: bearing witness to the world’s most important events through the power of photography while continuing to champion the work of both established and emerging photojournalists.

Each year, exhibitions by some of the world’s finest documentary photographers are displayed throughout Perpignan’s historic centre. Alongside the official programme, the popular OFF festival showcases the work of talented photographers in cafés, galleries, shops and other venues across the city, creating a vibrant photographic trail that is free for everyone to enjoy.

The exhibitions offer a compelling window onto the year’s defining events from around the globe. Every photographer tells a deeply personal story through their images, documenting conflict, humanitarian crises, climate change, social issues and moments of resilience. Amid the tragedies are also stories of courage, hope and the wonderfully unexpected moments that remind us of our shared humanity, tales of hope and a glimpse of the quirky side of life.

EXPLORING PERPIGNAN

And what a great way to explore and enjoy Perpignan, as you wander from venue to venue in this historic centre.

Hôtel Pams

Hôtel Pams, in Rue Emile Zola, remains the meeting place for photographers, journalists and festival professionals. Originally purchased by industrialist Pierre Bardou, whose fortune came from JOB cigarette papers, the mansion was transformed into one of Perpignan’s finest Belle Époque residences.

Throughout the year, the Tourist Office offers guided visits of this magnificent hôtel particulier. During Visa, visitors can often admire parts of the building while soaking up the unique festival atmosphere.

Couvent des Minimes

Perpignan was once home to numerous monasteries, many of which have found new life as cultural venues. The Couvent des Minimes, dating back to the 15th century, has become one of Visa’s most iconic exhibition spaces.

Its former dormitories, vast corridors, cloisters, kitchens and peaceful courtyard provide a remarkable setting for some of the festival’s most powerful exhibitions. Between galleries, visitors can pause beneath the parasols in the courtyard before continuing their journey through the stories captured by the world’s leading photojournalists.

Chapelle des Dominicains

A short walk away is the magnificent Chapelle des Dominicains, where large-format photographs hang dramatically beneath the soaring Gothic architecture.

Part of the adjoining Dominican convent was sold to the military during the 18th century and later became a base for the French Foreign Legion. Today, the restored buildings host exhibitions, art fairs and cultural events throughout the year.

Nearby, the Chapelle du Tiers-Ordre is another atmospheric Visa venue. Richly decorated with 19th-century artwork, it also has a fascinating history: the infamous Trabucayres, Catalan highwaymen who terrorised the Albères during the mid-19th century, were tried here before being sentenced to death or hard labour.

A Welcome Pause

Take time to relax beneath the shade of the plane trees in the Place de la Révolution Française, beside its distinctive lizard fountain, before continuing your exploration.

The Tourist Office in Perpignan offers tours of these beautiful old “hotels particuliers” or, during VISA you could pop your head around the door, for a glimpse of the wealth of Perpignan a century ago.

The city walls built by Vauban are no more, but the XIV century Castillet remains. Originally built as a fortress, it now houses a museum of Roussillon Folk Art it is no longer used as a VISA venue, but after enjoying the photographs in other venues, pop up to the crenulated terrace, added to support cannons, and survey the plain of Roussillon, with the spectacular views it affords over the city, the plain and Canigou.

Practical Information

Admission to all official exhibitions is free, making Visa pour l’Image one of Europe’s most accessible major cultural festivals. Most exhibition venues are open daily throughout the festival, while the evening projection screenings at Campo Santo remain one of the highlights of the event.

Pick up a festival programme and exhibition map from the Perpignan Tourist Office or visit the official Visa pour l’Image website for the latest programme, exhibition venues and visitor information.

For more details visit www.visapourlimage.com