Italissimo 2026: The Italian Literature and Culture Festival in Paris — Dates and Featured Events

Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis, Laurent de Sortiraparis · Photos by My de Sortiraparis · Published on January 23, 2026 at 12:01 p.m.
Italissimo, the festival celebrating Italian literature and culture, returns to Paris for a vibrant new edition from April 7 to 12, 2026. A perfect opportunity to explore the latest works in contemporary Italian writing and immerse yourself in this vibrant cultural scene.

Founded in 2016, this cultural festival takes you on a sunny journey through Italy — right from the heart of Paris! From April 7 to 12, 2026, Italissimo, the Italian literature and culture festival, returns to the French capital for yet another exciting edition. This vibrant event spotlights Italian artists through a variety of happenings staged across Paris.

Italissimo is a true cultural bridge between France and Italy. While literature takes center stage at this festival, the diversity of cultural expressions extends far beyond that. Every year, the event showcases literary discoveries, along with film screenings, performances, concerts, and musical gatherings. It also features opportunities for交流 and discussions, and even tastings. For nearly a week in spring, French and Italian events animate the capital city, creating a vibrant cross-cultural experience.

This festival indeed takes place across several venues: although the program varies each year, many of the same participants often return. For instance, Italissimo regularly sets up at the Richelieu Branch of the National Library, the Italian Cultural Institute, the House of Poetry, the Italian Cultural Institute, Sciences Po, Sorbonne University, the Odéon Theatre, and the Panthéon Cinema. In total, around twenty venues welcome us for this festival in Paris.

The schedule for the 2026 edition has yet to be announced, but a few names are already making the rounds. Among the participating artists at this festival in Paris, you’ll find: Francesca Melandri, Alessandro Piperno, Paolo Rumiz, Giuseppe Catozzella, Claudia Durastanti, Francesca Giannone, Antonio Franchini, Antonio Moresco, Federica Manzon, Ginevra Lamberti, Dario Voltolini, Francesco Vidotto, Nicoletta Verna, Emanuela Anechoum, Elvio Carrieri, and Nicoletta Vallorani.

Stay tuned to Sortiraparis.com for all the updates on the 2026 edition of the Italissimo Festival. Don’t miss out on this special cultural event, happening this spring in Paris!

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From April 7, 2026 to April 12, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    157 Rue Saint-Martin
    75003 Paris 3

    Route planner

    Accessibility info

    Recommended age
    For all

    Official website
    www.italissimofestival.com

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