Literature

Ukraine in Paris: Highlights from the Ukraine Season in France

In Paris, "Journey to Ukraine" launches a cultural season celebrating French-Ukrainian collaboration, led by the French Institute and the Ukrainian Institute. The lineup features exhibitions, concerts, screenings, artist talks, and panel discussions dedicated to contemporary Ukrainian art, running from December 2025 through March 2026.

The RATP's 2026 Poetry Grand Prix: Send in your poems for a chance to be displayed in the metro

The RATP Poetry Grand Prix returns in 2026! Open to everyone, this competition launched by the RATP is accepting your poems from March 10 to April 13. The winning piece will be displayed in the Paris metro during the two summer months.

Fifteen Minutes of Reading 2026: The Free Literary Movement’s Program in Paris

The "Quarter-Hour Reading" event is coming to your homes on March 10, 2026. Spend 15 minutes with a good book and enjoy a moment of escape. It's a friendly initiative designed to encourage everyone to read, even just a little, on a regular basis—every day!

Cabaret Extra 2026! The must-attend literary event at the Centre Pompidou, coming to the Grand Palais

The Centre Pompidou is hosting a very special edition of its literary event, Extra!. From April 17 to 19, 2026, the festival transforms into a cabaret experience at the Grand Palais.

The 2026 Antique & Modern Cookbook Fair in Paris

The Vintage & Modern Cookbook Fair 2026 is set to take place at Georges Brassens Park on June 13 and 14. Calling all culinary enthusiasts!

The Institute of France celebrates comics: a free literary event dedicated to graphic novels in Paris

On Saturday, March 14, 2026, the Institut de France will host a special tribute to comic strips in celebration of René Goscinny's centenary. This free, open-to-the-public literary day will feature a series of talks, meet-and-greets, and autograph sessions, all set in the institution's stunning historic setting.

Bookstore Celebration 2026: An Exclusive New Release Available Only at Independent Bookshops in Île-de-France

On the occasion of Bookstore Day on April 25, 2026, participating independent booksellers are offering a special, exclusive edition created just for the event. Limited to only 27,000 copies, it will be available across the Île-de-France region!

Livre comme l'air 2026: the free festival dedicated to children's literature and illustration

The "Livre comme l'air" festival is making its comeback in the Roissy Pays de France metropolitan area, running from March 11 to April 4, 2026. The event celebrates children's literature and illustration across various libraries.

Paris Book Fair 2026: The must-attend literary event at the Grand Palais

Since 2022, the Paris Book Fair has evolved into a full-fledged festival. This highly anticipated event is making its return to the Grand Palais for a new edition, welcoming book lovers from April 17 to 19, 2026.

Hors Limites 2026: The Free Contemporary Literature Festival Spanning the Entire Seine-Saint-Denis

From March 27 to April 11, 2026, the Contemporary Literature Festival Hors Limites will take over libraries, media centers, and cultural venues across Seine-Saint-Denis. The lineup includes musical readings, youth activities, and performances—all completely free to attend!

Read to your heart's content: the free literary festival celebrating Hachette’s bicentennial at Palais Brongniart

From March 13 to 15, 2026, the Palais Brongniart will host the "Grandes Rencontres Hachette - Lire à la folie" festival, a free event celebrating two centuries of publishing. With signings, talks, and workshops, this festival encourages visitors of all ages to explore the fascinating world behind the pages of a book.

Harry Potter's Book Night 2026: The Magical, Free Program in Paris and Île-de-France

Fans of the Harry Potter saga? Don’t miss the upcoming edition of the Night of Books dedicated to the famous bespectacled wizard, organized by the French publisher Gallimard Jeunesse from February 5 to 8, 2026! Explore the bookstores across Paris and the Île-de-France region where a variety of activities will be held for both young and old spellcasters.

Effractions 2026: The Free Contemporary Literature Festival at La Gaîté Lyrique

From February 18 to 22, 2026, the contemporary literature festival Effractions will return to La Gaité Lyrique, exploring the boundaries between reality and fiction through a series of discussions and workshops.

Nights of Reading 2026: Open Mic and Family Writing Workshop at Palais Galliera

Books come alive as night falls over Paris. For its 10th edition, from January 21 to 25, 2026, the Nights of Reading invite everyone to celebrate the joy of reading through unique cultural experiences. At the Palais Galliera, literature, art, and fashion come together for an immersive event where words are performed and inspiring encounters take center stage, happening on Friday, January 23, and Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Nights of Reading 2026: Midnight Literary Sessions Amidst the Jewelry at the Hôtel de la Marine

For one dazzling evening, the Hôtel de la Marine turns words into shining stars. On January 23, 2026, as part of the Night of Reading, this historic site will offer an immersive experience blending regal jewels with literary masterpieces.

Nights of Reading 2026: Immerse Yourself in the Mystery of Murder on the Orient Express at the Museum of Decorative Arts

On the occasion of Night of Reading, take a journey aboard the Orient Express with Hercule Poirot, exploring the collections featured in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs’ exhibit. Dive into a literary adventure through the works of Agatha Christie!

Nights of Reading 2026: Unique Guided Tours Coming to the Jacques-Doucet Library

As evening falls, the pages take over. From January 21 to 25, 2026, the Night of Reading celebrates the joy of books through thousands of events, with the Jacques-Doucet Literary Library opening its doors for special guided tours until January 23. Located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, just a short walk from the Pantheon, this is the perfect time to immerse yourself in its unique literary collections under the magic of night.

The Delta: a bookstore café in the 6th arrondissement offering writing, drawing, and philosophy workshops

In a neighborhood renowned for its literary heritage, the bookstore Le Delta welcomes readers of all ages with its cozy café, creative writing and drawing workshops, and thought-provoking talks on philosophy and art history.

La Caverne aux Livres: an unusual bookstore nestled inside a vintage 1930s train carriage in Auvers-sur-Oise (95)

In Auvers-sur-Oise, SNCF train cars aren’t just for travel… they house La Caverne aux Livres. This quirky bookstore offers a truly unique journey through shelves overflowing with stories. Just a short walk from the station, every page turn feels like a surprising stop along the way, right in the heart of Val-d'Oise (95).

Did you know? The Jacques Prévert house, located behind the Moulin Rouge, is open to visitors.

Jacques Prévert’s former apartment in Montmartre remains open to visitors until 2026. This intimate, authentic space—threatened by the expansion of the Moulin Rouge—offers an exclusive glimpse into the poet’s world through specially curated guided tours.