As night falls, poetry begins to take center stage. Launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Culture to celebrate the joy of reading, the Nights of Reading invite the public each year to stay up late for a series of live and digital events. These literary all-nighters showcase a wide variety of genres and styles, feature author encounters, readings, performances, and workshops, and often take place in both iconic and unusual venues. For their 10th edition, scheduled from January 21 to 25, 2026, the theme "Cities and Countryside" encourages each cultural site to transform into a stage or a living library.
Within this exceptional context, the Hôtel de Béhague in the 7th arrondissement of Paris opens its doors on Thursday, January 22, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a literary marathon inspired by Dada, titled Dada - Reading: Poetic Chance Marathon. Free admission, but registration required.
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Designated a historic monument and home to the Romanian Embassy in France since 1939, the Hôtel de Béhague, also known as the Hôtel de Béarn, becomes a stage for a celebration of Romanian avant-garde literature. Each year, the Embassy and the Romanian Cultural Institute in Paris commemorate the Romanian National Culture Day with performances, lectures, and debates. This year, as part of the Nights of Reading, the event takes the form of a reading marathon: major texts from Romanian Dadaism and Surrealism are read aloud, from Tristan Tzara to Céline Arnauld, Urmuz, Ion Vinea, Ilarie Voronca, Benjamin Fondane, Geo Bogza, Gherasim Luca, and Sașa Pană.
The journey begins with guided tours of the Hôtel de Béhague before culminating in the sumptuous Golden Salon, where an innovative reading session takes place. Here, members of the audience themselves get involved by interpreting the texts aloud.
Ready for a new experience?
Dates and Opening Time
On January 22, 2026
Location
Béhague Hotel
123 Rue Saint-Dominique
75007 Paris 7
Route planner
Access
Line 9 Alma-Marceau
Prices
Free
Booking
institut.roumain@gmail.com
