Saint-Malo, France is preparing to welcome a diverse group of authors and thinkers this spring as the Étonnants Voyageurs literary festival unveils its lineup for the 36th edition, running May 23-25, 2026. The festival, a major event on the French literary calendar attracting around 50,000 visitors annually, will feature over 100 international guests, sparking conversations around literature, film, and the world at large. This year’s program highlights both established literary figures and emerging voices, promising a rich experience for attendees.
Among the most anticipated guests is Pierre Lemaitre, the 2013 Prix Goncourt winner for his novel Au revoir là-haut. Lemaitre will be a “Grand Invité” at the festival, discussing his latest perform, Les Belles Promesses (Calmann-Lévy, 2026), the final installment in a sweeping saga exploring 20th-century France. The novel continues his exploration of French history, following the construction of a Parisian highway and rural land consolidation, and is described as a thrilling and humorous family saga. His presence is expected to be a major draw for the festival.
A Broad Spectrum of Literary Talent
The Étonnants Voyageurs festival isn’t solely focused on established names. The lineup similarly includes Magali Le Huche, an author and illustrator known for her graphic novels, including Punk à sein and Jean-Michel a disparu. The festival will also showcase Yanick Lahens, winner of the 2014 Prix Femina for Bain de lune and the 2025 Grand Prix du roman de l’Académie française for Passagères de nuit. Franck Thilliez, a prolific author of thrillers including Labyrinthes and Sharko, will also be in attendance, offering insights into his suspenseful storytelling.
Beyond fiction, the festival will feature prominent figures from other fields. Journalist Jamy Gourmaud and former Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak are slated to participate in discussions. The international contingent includes Franco-Algerian author Atiq Rahimi, Icelandic novelist and poet Jón Kalman Stefánsson, Belgian slam poet Lisette Lombé, and Ukrainian essayist Sofia Androukhovytch, broadening the festival’s scope and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
Literary Prizes and Emerging Voices
The festival also serves as a platform for recognizing emerging literary talent. Ten novels are currently in contention for the Prix Ouest-France Étonnants Voyageurs, with the first selection announced by the festival. Étonnants Voyageurs also highlights the Prix Gens de Mer – Littoral – Ici Bretagne, showcasing ten selected books.
This year’s event will also feature Damien Roudeau, author of Sur les sept mers du monde (Ouest France Éditions, 2026), Léna Merhej, author of Le génie de Beyrouth Tome 2 : La fille tombée du ciel, Clément Lefèvre, author of Edgar et la malédiction du corbeau, and Manal Salamé, author of Habibi Beyrouth. These authors represent a diverse range of styles and perspectives, adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
A Festival for the Whole Family
Étonnants Voyageurs emphasizes its appeal to all ages, designating Magali Le Huche as the “grande invitée jeunesse” (young adult guest) for 2026. The festival takes place across 12 venues in Saint-Malo, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for visitors. The event aims to be more than just a literary gathering; it’s a celebration of curiosity and a space for engaging with ideas and stories from around the globe.
As the festival approaches, organizers are also drawing attention to the broader challenges facing the literary world. Concerns have been raised regarding a 25% decrease in funding for the arts in the 2026 French budget, prompting calls for increased support for books and reading. This backdrop adds a layer of urgency to the festival’s mission of promoting literature and fostering a love of reading.
The Étonnants Voyageurs festival is set to run from May 23rd to 25th, 2026, in Saint-Malo. Further details about the program, including specific event times and locations, will be released in the coming weeks. Attendees can find more information and purchase tickets on the festival’s official website.
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