Spring of Poets 2026: Celebrate Poetry with Free Events Across Île-de-France

The Printemps des Poètes is returning this year for its 28th edition, with the theme "Freedom". This follows previous themes such as Volcanic, Grace, Borders, Courage, Passion, and Beauty. The event features a wide range of artistic and cultural performances open to the public, taking place from March 9 to 31, 2026, across various libraries, media centers, and bookshops throughout the Île-de-France region.

This is a perfect opportunity for poetry enthusiasts and curious visitors alike to explore the rich diversity of contemporary poetry. It also offers a chance to examine this vibrant, fully expres­sive force of freedom—narrated through a storytelling approach that defies conventional ideas and stands against the elements that stifle or hinder movement, whether in society or within oneself. The patron of this edition is Isabelle Adjani.

On the agenda: reading, of course, but also writing workshops, poetic walks, film screenings, live music, and creative activities in all their forms. All these performances are free of charge and available in their entirety on the event website! So, are you ready to add a little poetry to your life?

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A glimpse of the program

• Propulsion Launch Event - March 9 - Conciergerie

Voices and diverse styles of contemporary French poetry will stand out, bursting with the energy of rock rhythms.

• Francophonie in Poetry – March 10 – Alliance Française in Paris

A gathering of four poets from Lebanon, Morocco, Cameroon, and Quebec (Rim Battal, Sofia Karampali Farhat, Marc-Alexandre Oho Bambe, Rodney Saint-Eloi) exploring the French language as a space for creativity and cultural exchange.

• Polyphonic Recital for Peace - March 17 - International University City

Featuring poet and pianist Laure Cambau, along with writer Lise Gauvin, who will be sharing her own work as well as poetry by Joséphine Bacon, Linda Maria Baros, Nicole Brossard, Ananda Devi, Louise Dupré, and Ouanessa Younsi.

• International Poetic Walk - March 19 - Panthéon

An immersive binaural reading showcasing contemporary international poetry, featuring poets from Argentina, India, Hungary, Germany, and Poland. The French narration is performed by writer and actor Gabriel Dufay.

• Must Keep in Mind - March 24 - Memorial of the Deportation Martyrs

Readings of texts by Primo Levi, Marianne Cohn, Benjamin Fondane, Arthur Poitevin, and Robert Desnos, bringing to life the voices of deportees through the very stones of the site. Directed by Éric Cénat.

Must-atthao literary events to mark on your calendar in February 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France
Big and small readers alike, Paris and its surrounding region always have something special in store for you! The French capital, which has welcomed countless poets and writers over the centuries, is gearing up to host standout literary events in February 2026 that you won't want to miss. [Read more]