EveryOctober, science steps out of the laboratories to meet the public. Launched in 1991, the Fête de la Science is celebrating its 35th edition nationwide with its original mission intact: to make knowledge accessible to all and spark curiosity through thousands of free events. This year, the theme“Saveurs savantes” ( ScholarlyFlavors ) explores the future of our food from scientific and sociological perspectives. At the heart of this movement, Marseille stands out as a key hub by hosting the Festival des Sciences at Place Villeneuve-Bargemon on October 10 and 11. Discover the history of this popular event and the captivating program planned for Marseille.
Bringing Science Closer to the Public: 35 Years of Sharing and Curiosity
It all began in 1991 at the initiativeof Hubert Curien, who decided to open the gardens of the Ministry of Research and Space to the general public to celebrate science. In response to the enthusiasm it generated, the national event “La Science en fête ” was officially launched the following year. Thirty-five years later, the Fête de la Science has become a major public event. Based on the fundamental values of free admission, accessibility, and sharing, the event brings together more than one million visitors each year for thousands of activities held throughout France and internationally.
For this 35th edition, taking place in October 2026, the event adopts the national theme “Saveurs savantes.” A captivating central theme that invites us to explore our food from every angle. By transforming public spaces and science villages into veritable open-air laboratories, the Fête de la Science reaffirms its primary mission: to make knowledge accessible and to foster a lively and festive dialogue between the scientific community and society.
The 2026 Festival of Science in Marseille: the big scientific event of the fall
On October 10 and 11, 2026, the Science Festival will take over Place Villeneuve-Bargemon for a weekend that’s 100% free and open to everyone. Organized by Les Petits Débrouillards and the City of Marseille, the event brings together more than 60 organizations around the theme “Savory Science.” The site will be transformed into a massive science and culinary village featuring a gourmet open-air café, unique insect tastings, and discussions on sustainable cooking.
Beyond food, visitors will explore a wide range of activities: “Quel chantier!” architecture workshops, the Agroecology Mural, the Nutrinautes game, and meet-and-greets with physicists from the CPT. Visitors will learn how viruses andMRI machines work, attend the Fortuna show *Les Déesses de la Moula*, and delve intothe history of women in astronomy under the planetarium’s dome. Nearly 8,000 people are expected to celebrate science in the heart of Marseille.
