“Everyone can find a board game that suits them”: which festival allows you to discover all aspects of this universe ?

L’Alésien Mael Cousinier est l’un des porteurs de ce projet. MIDI LIBRE – CHARLES LEDUC

Le grand public est convié à une première organisée à Alès, dans le Gard, les 25 et 26 mai. L’entrée est gratuite.

Those who are not familiar with it or know nothing about board games have every interest in going there. This weekend, in the Alès district of Rochebelle, the first edition of the Alès en Cévennes Game Festival (*) will be held, supported by various Gard associations all placed under the leadership of the Comédie Harmondienne. Mael Cousinier, one of the project leaders, is categorical: "This festival is the idea of ​​a gateway to ;rsquo;entrance." The’objective is to "to introduce the diversity of the world of board games& quot;. A "world" which, moreover, has been in full development for two decades.

"A small team" has been at work since December

The surrounding area has not seen such events for a long time. Mael Cousinier remembers having organized them in Cendras on two occasions, as well as evenings in a brasserie in the capital of the Cévennes, a dozen years ago, before he opened his boutique La Casa’Jeux, in the heart of Alès, when he was president of Asso-Jeux. An association which, twice, subsequently brought such an event to the Cazot space. But since then, nothing. While "in all towns, even villages, there are some. And, in Alès, there is not even an association", he emphasizes. Consequently, being "at the center of the network" with its store, "a small team" s’has been together since December to set up this new festival.

Several spaces will be offered to visitors

So, for two days, there is no risk of getting bored where it will be held, that is to say at the cultural and scientific center of Rochebelle. A family audience is expected. One of the main rooms will be occupied by board, family strategy and party games, such as "Time’s Up", "Jungle Speed&quot ;, "Dixit" or "The Rail Adventurers". Without forgetting a few others offered in preview. On the upper floor, the "Protozone" will be located. "There, authors will come and present their games", explains Mael Cousinier. "Sometimes in preview. Or even before they go out, to have them tested…" While giant wooden games will be installed outside, other rooms in the cultural center will allow visitors to familiarize themselves with role-playing games, which the’ we call the "Blood Bowl" and collectible card games.

Giant parts of "Loups-Garous de Thiercelieux"

In terms of activities, two, for which you will have to register directly on site, should appeal to both connoisseurs and newbies. On Saturday, four giant games of "Loups-Garous de Thiercelieux", with a maximum of 27 participants, will take place in the amphitheater. And a room on the site will be dedicated, during these two days, to an "Escape Game".

"An invitation to discovery"

Mael Cousinier hammers it home: this weekend is an invitation to discovery. "Everyone can find a board game that suits them", he says. " You just need to have an open mind. Maybe you have to try two or three before finding yours…"

Will there be other editions of this festival?

The Alès Game Festival in Cévennes is on the launch pad and it is, for the moment, premature to say whether or not it will be sustained. "We'll see, it will depend on the dynamic", smiles the manager of La Casa’Jeux. However, he does not hide the fact that, "already, everyone is starting to talk about the second time".

(*) : FREE ENTRANCE. Saturday May 25, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday May 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Raffle with 48 games to win: ticket price, 2 euros. Catering area on site. I subscribe to read more