Nights of Reading 2026: The Schedule for the Literary Night Event in Paris & Île-de-France

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Photos by Caroline de Sortiraparis · Updated on January 12, 2026 at 10:15 p.m. · Published on December 20, 2023 at 09:44 a.m.
It’s one of the most anticipated events on the cultural calendar, delighting book lovers across the city! The Night of Reading returns to our Parisian libraries and bookstores from January 21 to 25, 2026. This year’s theme explores the contrasts between city and countryside—come meet authors, enjoy exclusive readings, and take part in special tours.

Initiated by the Ministry of Culture, the Nights of Reading aim to rekindle the love of reading among the French, regardless of age, by offering events that are often free and tailored to all types of readers. For its 10th edition, the theme of cities and countryside encourages everyone to come together and put books at the heart of our lives for a few days, from January 21 to 25, 2026.

Celebrated across France, the Nights of Reading bring a literary celebration to Paris and Île-de-France with five special evenings dedicated to books and authors. These events take place in bookstores, libraries, schools, museums, and cultural and artistic venues. Join this wide-reaching, popular celebration centered around the love of books through poetic readings, writing workshops, author encounters, and exclusive visits tailored for all ages. Don't miss out on these extraordinary late-night openings and special evening events!

A selection of the Nuits de la Lecture program in Paris and the Île-de-France region

Musée des Égouts - IMG 4790Musée des Égouts - IMG 4790Musée des Égouts - IMG 4790Musée des Égouts - IMG 4790 Nights of Reading 2026 in Paris: Nocturnal Tour and Reading Session at the Sewer Museum
Nighttime visits and unusual storytelling are part of the 2026 Night of Reading at the Sewer Museum in Paris, scheduled for January 23, 2026. [Read more]

Visuels musée et monument cité de l'architectureVisuels musée et monument cité de l'architectureVisuels musée et monument cité de l'architectureVisuels musée et monument cité de l'architecture Nights of Reading 2026: Fun Workshops and Unique Tours at the City of Architecture
The City of Architecture and Heritage is hosting a variety of family-friendly activities on January 24 and 25, 2026, to celebrate the latest edition of Readings Nights. [Read more]

Visuel Paris 8e - Grand PalaisVisuel Paris 8e - Grand PalaisVisuel Paris 8e - Grand PalaisVisuel Paris 8e - Grand Palais Nights of Reading 2026: Free Interactive Shows for the Whole Family at the Grand Palais
Immer yourself in new and exciting worlds: take part in the activities organized at the Grand Palais for the Nights of Reading, happening on January 24th and 25th, 2026. [Read more]

Marathon poétique au cœur d’un hôtel particulierMarathon poétique au cœur d’un hôtel particulierMarathon poétique au cœur d’un hôtel particulierMarathon poétique au cœur d’un hôtel particulier Nights of Reading 2026: A Literary Marathon in the Heart of a Parisian Private Mansion
For its 10th edition happening from January 21 to 25, 2026, the Nights of Reading will turn Paris into a vibrant stage for readings, performances, and encounters. On January 22, the Hôtel de Béhague will open its doors for a dadaist poetic marathon, inviting the audience to become readers and delve into the world of avant-garde Romanian literature. [Read more]

Journées du Patrimoine 2022 à la Résidence de l'Ambassadeur du Grand-Duché de LuxembourgJournées du Patrimoine 2022 à la Résidence de l'Ambassadeur du Grand-Duché de LuxembourgJournées du Patrimoine 2022 à la Résidence de l'Ambassadeur du Grand-Duché de LuxembourgJournées du Patrimoine 2022 à la Résidence de l'Ambassadeur du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg Exceptional opportunity: An ambassador’s residence will open its doors for the 2026 Nuits de la Lecture in Paris
On the occasion of the 2026 Nights of Reading in Paris, the Luxembourg Ambassador’s residence is opening its doors for a special evening dedicated to the musical reading of The Panther on Thursday, January 22, 2026. Hurry—space is very limited. [Read more]

Joyaux dynastiques : une exposition qui brille de mille feux à l'Hôtel de la Marine à Paris - fotor 1765279225347Joyaux dynastiques : une exposition qui brille de mille feux à l'Hôtel de la Marine à Paris - fotor 1765279225347Joyaux dynastiques : une exposition qui brille de mille feux à l'Hôtel de la Marine à Paris - fotor 1765279225347Joyaux dynastiques : une exposition qui brille de mille feux à l'Hôtel de la Marine à Paris - fotor 1765279225347 Nights of Reading 2026: Midnight Literary Sessions Amidst the Jewelry at the Hôtel de la Marine
For one dazzling evening, the Hôtel de la Marine turns words into shining stars. On January 23, 2026, as part of the Night of Reading, this historic site will offer an immersive experience blending regal jewels with literary masterpieces. [Read more]

Visuels musée et monument - Institut du monde arabe IMAVisuels musée et monument - Institut du monde arabe IMAVisuels musée et monument - Institut du monde arabe IMAVisuels musée et monument - Institut du monde arabe IMA Nights of Reading 2026: Musical Travel Tales at the Arab World Institute
For a brief stopover, the Arab World Institute invites you on a free poetic and musical journey. On January 25, 2026, during the Night of Reading, the IMA library will share tales of distant travels. [Read more]

Exposition '1925-2025. Cent ans d'Art déco' au Musée des Arts Décoratifs MAM Paris - photos - A7C09401Exposition '1925-2025. Cent ans d'Art déco' au Musée des Arts Décoratifs MAM Paris - photos - A7C09401Exposition '1925-2025. Cent ans d'Art déco' au Musée des Arts Décoratifs MAM Paris - photos - A7C09401Exposition '1925-2025. Cent ans d'Art déco' au Musée des Arts Décoratifs MAM Paris - photos - A7C09401 Nights of Reading 2026: Immerse Yourself in the Mystery of Murder on the Orient Express at the Museum of Decorative Arts
On the occasion of Night of Reading, take a journey aboard the Orient Express with Hercule Poirot, exploring the collections featured in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs’ exhibit. Dive into a literary adventure through the works of Agatha Christie! [Read more]

Exposition Chana Orloff Musée Zadkine - IMG 1911Exposition Chana Orloff Musée Zadkine - IMG 1911Exposition Chana Orloff Musée Zadkine - IMG 1911Exposition Chana Orloff Musée Zadkine - IMG 1911 Poetic performance and walk to celebrate the Nights of Reading 2026 at the Zadkine Museum in Paris
The Nights of Reading are back in Paris, taking over the Zadkine Museum this Thursday, January 22, 2026. For the 2026 edition of this major literary event, attendees can look forward to a poetic walk and an exploration of the Zadkine Art Deco exhibition. [Read more]

Le Panthéon à Paris - les photos intérieur -  A7C9541Le Panthéon à Paris - les photos intérieur -  A7C9541Le Panthéon à Paris - les photos intérieur -  A7C9541Le Panthéon à Paris - les photos intérieur -  A7C9541 Nights of Reading 2026: Unique Guided Tours Coming to the Jacques-Doucet Library
As evening falls, the pages take over. From January 21 to 25, 2026, the Night of Reading celebrates the joy of books through thousands of events, with the Jacques-Doucet Literary Library opening its doors for special guided tours until January 23. Located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, just a short walk from the Pantheon, this is the perfect time to immerse yourself in its unique literary collections under the magic of night. [Read more]

Many other activities are on offer, so don't hesitate to checkout thefull program on theNuits de la Lecturewebsite!

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From January 21, 2026 to January 25, 2026

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

    Official website
    www.nuitsdelalecture.fr

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