Every year, the first weekend in June, Bièvres becomes the capital of photography. The Fair is organized by the Paris Val-de-Bièvre Photoclub with the support of the Municipality. It welcomes numerous visitors from all corners of the globe. They all have one thing in common: a love of photography. For two days, the heart of Bièvres beats to the rhythm of exhibitions, lectures, various markets (for second-hand and antique photography, new equipment and services, an artists’ market), and other events. Over the years, the Fair has constantly reinvented itself to keep up with recent developments in photography and by offering a rich programme of events.
Each year a renowned photographer is invited by the Municipality and his work is highlighted during the Fair. This year it is Jean- Christophe Béchet, who has lived and worked in Paris since 1990. Using black and white and colour. photography, film and digital, 35mm and medium format, Polaroid and “photographic accidents,” he seeks the “right tool” for each project — that which will allow him to create a meaningful dialogue between an interpretation of reality and the photographic medium. He will present two exhibitions: Savage materiality and Macadam Color.
Savage materiality
“I have always loved fragile, random photographs—those that blend technique and improvisation, the precision of framing and the freedom of light. Not obeying the rules but knowing them in order to bend them, to subject them to one’s imagination.” explains the photographer.
Macadam Color, this series of photos brings together a selection of his colour work in an urban landscape over a period spanning thirty years. With a common thread of equal interest in architecture and human behavior, in the urban environment and the beings that inhabit it, this work of street photography captures the spirit of an era and the identity of a place.
An exhibition will also be devoted to cameras that have made history with the collection of 99 museum cameras usually presented in the premises of the Harcourt studios in Paris.
The second-hand and antique photography market is a temple to photography in all its forms. This market offers a great diversity of photographic equipment at attractive prices, and expert advice from exhibitors with vintage photographic items, advertising materials, travel or family photos, cinema equipment and more.
The new equipment and services market brings together major camera brands showing their latest technological innovations and product reviews. It offers services and equipment including printers and a wide variety of film.
The artists’ market offers a chance to discover new talent and new ways to explore the art of photography. On Sunday morning, each booth will receive the visit of a jury of photographers, chaired this year by Bruno Dubreuil, art critic, exhibition curator, professor of photography and art history, and a photographer/author himself. After the jury’s deliberations, awards will be presented to the artists on Sunday afternoon.
During the week-end, the Bièvres encounters is also an opportunity to engage with experts in different aspects of photography. These conferences are an opportunity for exchanges on techniques, aesthetics, photographic publishing, etc.
Activities for all ages will be organized throughout the weekend: the “Your photos at the Fair” competition, a photowalk, development and printing workshops, Polaroid portraits, an Afghan box, a raffle with photo prints as prizes and, in addition, on Sunday: a pop-up studio and portfolio readings.
The Bièvres international photo Fair is one of the biggest events in Europe devoted to all aspects of photography.
More information
Hours: Sat 6 June: 1pm–7pm – Sun 7 June: 8am–6pm
Artists’ market: Sat from 1pm – Sun: 9am–6pm
New goods and services market: Sat 1pm– 6pm – Sun 9am–6pm.
Admisssion free – Location : Place de la Mairie, Bièvres (Essonne – France)
Access: 20 km from central Paris, 17 km from Porte d’Orléans, via the A6/A10 or the D-906 Free parking on Saturday afternoon and Sunday (Burospace in Bièvres)
Free shuttle buses from the Burospace car park to the Fair: Sat: 1pm–7pm – Sun: 7.45am–7pm.
RER C : Bièvres
Information
62e Foire Internationale de la Photo à Bièvres
Place de la Mairie, 91570 Bièvres, France
June 06, 2026 to June 07, 2026
