Since 1970, the Nights of Poetry have been the premier event in Quebec literature, drawing audiences to hear the province's greatest poets recite their works. The Canadian Students’ House at the International University Campus launched the event in Paris to bring poetry to a wider audience. This year marks its fifth edition, featuring poets from the Francophone world, running from March 16 to 22, 2026.
For one week, the campus transforms into a vibrant hub of creative expression, where words come alive through performances, writing contests, poetry and slam workshops. The event culminates in a grand poetic parade featuring artists, residents, and literary enthusiasts, with classic and emerging poets from Canada, Portugal, Tunisia, and other Francophone countries.
While entry to the events is free, most require pre-registration. Don’t forget to sign up in advance to secure your spot!
The fifth edition of the Nights of Poetry will kick off with a special performance by Rodney Saint-Éloi, a passionate poet, writer, and publisher, alongside Marc Alexandre Oho Bambe (also known as Captain Alexandre), a prominent figure in slam poetry and spoken word performances.
Poets and pianists Lise Gauvin and Laure Cambau present "French-Speaking Women Engage in a Dialogue for Peace": a poetic, multi-voiced literary recital.
An evening of playful and creative exploration dedicated to translating poetry from French into Spanish. Through poems that delve into themes like Francophonie, bilingualism, and migration, you'll experiment with words, sounds, and images to collectively reflect on how language evolves and shapes identities. No special expertise in poetry or translation is required—just a curiosity to experiment, share ideas, and create together.
In celebration of the Nights of Poetry, the monthly Canadian Student House Book Club is hosting a special session dedicated to the poetry of Joséphine Bacon, focusing in particular on her collection Bâtons à message : Tshissinuatshitakana.
Get ready for the big event on March 21 (or simply come along for the enjoyment!). Discover the poetic and passionate world of Ernis, a Cameroonian novelist, playwright, and slam artist, during a poetry and slam workshop as part of the Nights of Poetry. Her writing, which weaves together heritage, memory, and activism, will inspire you to find your own voice and embrace free expression.
For the 5th edition of Nights of Poetry, come experience a grand celebration centered around the theme of "Voices of the Francophonie." The evening will feature poetic readings and musical performances by talented guest artists.
Poetry as a Weapon of Resistance: How Does Literature Challenge Oppressive Regimes and Ideologies? Romanian playwright and writer Matei Visniec, who has been living in France since 1987, reflects on his journey and his perspective on poetry as a form of subversion, bridging the divide between the East and the West.
A highlight of this fifth edition of the Nuits de la poésie is the launch of a poetry and slam contest. Your creativity, listening skills, zest for life, and even your favorite musical instrument are welcome. Give it a shot! Each performance should not exceed 5 minutes. Three winners will be chosen in the following categories: original creation, performance, and the audience’s favorite. The evening will then continue with open-mic performances where everyone is invited to take the stage.
The Dutch College is the only building within the Cité Internationale to feature an indoor pool. Currently empty while awaiting restoration, it creates a unique setting for this unexpected open-mic poetry evening, part of the Nights of Poetry festival. To welcome spring, gather around this empty pool for an afternoon filled with poetry. Residents have already prepared a performance that blends poetry, music, and video. Everyone is encouraged to join in—by sharing a poem or simply by being there to enjoy the atmosphere.
Immerse yourself in the timeless world of Vitsentzos Kornaros (1553 - 1613), the Renaissance poet from Crete, through a bilingual reading (Greek/French) of his works, complemented by live music. Songs inspired by his poetry, drawn from various musical adaptations, will be performed to celebrate the beauty and enduring relevance of his literary art.
Immerse yourself in the poetic and sculptural world of Prendre position, a multi-voiced exploration centered around chairs — poetic pieces by Michel Goulet displayed at the edge of the large lawn in the Paris International University Campus park. Each chair, crafted by the sculptor, bears a quote from an author or alumnus connected to the house it represents. For this event, a different voice — representing each country or community — will animate these quotes. Together, they will form a choir of words, with each reading echoing as a tribute to the rich cultural and intellectual diversity of the campus.
Dates and Opening Time
From March 16, 2026 to March 22, 2026
Location
Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris
17 Boulevard Jourdan
75014 Paris 14
Prices
Free
Official website
www.citescope.fr
