Literary festivals in France embrace live performances and immersive programming

Literary festivals in France are evolving to offer more immersive experiences, moving beyond traditional reading to include live performances and public readings.

The Cultissime festival in Angers recently held its third edition from September 25 to 27, attracting approximately 5,000 visitors. The event features a diverse program focusing on “cult” works, ranging from classical literature to comics and youth literature, with 36 selected guests participating in debates and workshops.

In Manosque, the “Les correspondances” festival has spent 25 years specializing in staging literature. Authors such as Philippe Jaenada and Véronique Ovaldé participate in public readings, sometimes accompanied by musicians, to engage new audiences. This trend reflects a shift where writers are increasingly expected to present their work performatively, moving from private writing to public engagement through theatrical readings and community interactions.