Must-see literary events in May 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Updated on April 27, 2026 at 10:20 a.m.
Dear readers, big and small, Paris and its region always have something to offer you! The French capital, which has welcomed numerous poets and writers for centuries, will host in May 2026 several literary events you won’t want to miss.

Paris is a must-visit hub of literature, fueling countless works that draw on its society and its scenery. As always, a wide range of cultural events take place in the capital and in Île-de-France. In this month of May 2026, a number of literary events for every taste have wandered into the streets of Paris and the Île-de-France region, for fans of fine reading.

Festivals and trade shows

Des Bulles dans la Ville : le festival BD d'Antony explore les mondes imaginairesDes Bulles dans la Ville : le festival BD d'Antony explore les mondes imaginairesDes Bulles dans la Ville : le festival BD d'Antony explore les mondes imaginairesDes Bulles dans la Ville : le festival BD d'Antony explore les mondes imaginaires Bubbles in the City: Antony’s free comic-book festival exploring the imagination (92)
On May 30, 2026, the town of Antony will host its comic festival, inviting attendees to dive into the fantasy theme through the ninth art. The event’s program features a variety of free activities, from signings and live-drawing performances to workshops! [Read more]

Exhibitions

Signings

And also

Une odyssée poétique et universelle sur l'exil au Funambule MontmartreUne odyssée poétique et universelle sur l'exil au Funambule MontmartreUne odyssée poétique et universelle sur l'exil au Funambule MontmartreUne odyssée poétique et universelle sur l'exil au Funambule Montmartre Louisa & the Four Daughters March: A Musical Theater Production at Funambule Montmartre
From March 7 to May 10, 2026, the Funambule Montmartre Theatre will unveil the little-known story of Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women. Through an original production blending theater, song, and live piano, this musical journey explores the life of a fiercely independent woman as captivating as the heroines she created. [Read more]

Les adaptations littéraires à voir au théâtre à Paris et en Île-de-FranceLes adaptations littéraires à voir au théâtre à Paris et en Île-de-FranceLes adaptations littéraires à voir au théâtre à Paris et en Île-de-FranceLes adaptations littéraires à voir au théâtre à Paris et en Île-de-France Literary adaptations to see at the theater in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
What if your favorite book was adapted for the stage? Here's our guide to adapting literature for the stage. [Read more]

La Maison des Histoires - IMG 3014La Maison des Histoires - IMG 3014La Maison des Histoires - IMG 3014La Maison des Histoires - IMG 3014 La Maison des Histoires, an immersive museum for children aged 0 to 7, hidden in a bookshop
Behind the Chantelivre bookshop lies a fun-filled children's museum for the very young! La Maison des Histoires immerses the whole family in the literary worlds of l'École des Loisirs, between Cornebidouille and the Maximonstres! [Read more]

Used Book Café, les photos Used Book Café, les photos Used Book Café, les photos Used Book Café, les photos Literary cafés and coffee shops in Paris: our top picks for reading and eating
Are you a lover of literature and food? Head to Paris's literary cafés, coffee shops, and tea rooms, where you can enjoy enriching reading material and high-quality treats. [Read more]

Marché du livre ancien et d'occasion - IMG 20230812 121637Marché du livre ancien et d'occasion - IMG 20230812 121637Marché du livre ancien et d'occasion - IMG 20230812 121637Marché du livre ancien et d'occasion - IMG 20230812 121637 Bookshops: where to buy second-hand novels and essays in Paris?
Attention literature fans! Paris is bursting with second-hand bookshops, full of bargains. If you want to fill bags with novels or essays for a handful of euros, these are the stores for you. [Read more]

L'eau et les rêves, la péniche-librairie botanique sur le Canal de l’Ourcq - IMG 0859L'eau et les rêves, la péniche-librairie botanique sur le Canal de l’Ourcq - IMG 0859L'eau et les rêves, la péniche-librairie botanique sur le Canal de l’Ourcq - IMG 0859L'eau et les rêves, la péniche-librairie botanique sur le Canal de l’Ourcq - IMG 0859 Literature: our list of the most unusual bookshops in Paris
Paris is brimming with unique bookshops. Discover our selection of the capital's most unusual stores. [Read more]

Le Grand Mazarin, l'hôtel inspiré des salons littéraires d'antanLe Grand Mazarin, l'hôtel inspiré des salons littéraires d'antanLe Grand Mazarin, l'hôtel inspiré des salons littéraires d'antanLe Grand Mazarin, l'hôtel inspiré des salons littéraires d'antan Literary hotels in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, our top addresses
Lovers of literature around here? Discover our selection of literary hotels in Paris and Ile-de-France. [Read more]

Are you a fan of French writers? Discover these literary excursions that you can enjoy year-round!

Paris littéraire : sur les traces de Victor HugoParis littéraire : sur les traces de Victor HugoParis littéraire : sur les traces de Victor HugoParis littéraire : sur les traces de Victor Hugo Discover Paris in the footsteps of Victor Hugo
Take a stroll around Paris in the footsteps of the great French writer Victor Hugo, and discover the many places that marked his life. [Read more]

Balade découverte à Paris sur les traces de MolièreBalade découverte à Paris sur les traces de MolièreBalade découverte à Paris sur les traces de MolièreBalade découverte à Paris sur les traces de Molière Discovery walk in Paris on the tracks of Molière
To mark Molière's 400th birthday, take a stroll around Paris in the footsteps of the great French playwright, and discover the many places that marked his life. [Read more]

Les jardins des Archives, un écrin de verdure au cœur de ParisLes jardins des Archives, un écrin de verdure au cœur de ParisLes jardins des Archives, un écrin de verdure au cœur de ParisLes jardins des Archives, un écrin de verdure au cœur de Paris Where to read in Paris? Parks and gardens to enjoy some tranquility during sunny days
Good weather, a good book and a quiet spot - that's the magic recipe for a pleasant afternoon. Here's how to find the perfect park where you can read while enjoying a green setting! [Read more]

Photos : Rose Bakery à la maison de BalzacPhotos : Rose Bakery à la maison de BalzacPhotos : Rose Bakery à la maison de BalzacPhotos : Rose Bakery à la maison de Balzac The most beautiful artists' houses to discover in Paris and the Ile-de-France region
Victor Hugo, Balzac, Gainsbourg, Rodin, Delacroix... All these artists made Paris or its suburbs their home for part of their lives. The homes of these great names welcome you with open arms to discover their worlds. Just follow the guide! [Read more]

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From May 1, 2026 to May 31, 2026

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