Bonabulles - BD Festival

Bonabulles: Comics at the Heart of a Medieval Castle

Since 2018, the Bonabulles festival has offered an original meeting between the 9th art and historical heritage, taking over the majestic Château de Bonaguil, a medieval fortress classified as a historic monument, located in the commune of Saint-Front-sur-Lémance in Lot-et-Garonne. Organized by the municipality of Fumel, this comics festival was born from the meeting between author-illustrator Christian Paty (creator of "Les Blondes") and the castle team, with the support of Josiane Starck, deputy mayor for tourism and heritage.

A Thriving Festival

From a modest first edition gathering fifteen artists in June 2018, Bonabulles has grown and retained an ever-larger audience. Now scheduled annually in September, the festival hosts about twenty comic strip authors, illustrators, and scriptwriters who come to sign their albums in the castle's halls and courtyards. Visitors can discover or rediscover various works while enjoying a unique heritage setting.

Signings in the Heart of the Castle

Signing sessions are at the heart of the festival. Authors are set up in the different areas of the castle and welcome readers for personalized exchanges and album signings, on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

A Rich and Diverse Program

Beyond signings, Bonabulles offers a varied program that blends artistic creation and cultural discovery:

• Creative Workshops: BD drawing, coloring, medieval illumination, and artistic creation workshops, led by professional authors, open to both children and adults.
• Round Tables and Meetings: Thematic discussions bringing together authors, scriptwriters, and enthusiasts around topics related to comics and creation.
• Film Screenings: In partnership with the Liberty cinema in Fumel, film or animation screenings related to comics are organized before the festival.
• Exhibitions: Exhibitions of original plates and illustrations are presented in the castle's spaces, particularly in the keep.
• Previews: The festival regularly offers exclusive previews of highly anticipated albums.

An Exceptional Heritage Setting

The Château de Bonaguil is one of the most beautiful medieval fortresses in southwestern France. Built between the 13th and 16th centuries, this historic monument provides a spectacular backdrop for a comics festival: towers, curtain walls, keep, and vaulted halls welcome authors and visitors in a unique atmosphere where medieval heritage dialogues with contemporary creation.

Among the Invited Authors Over the Editions

Bonabulles has hosted many talents from French-language comics, including: Christian Paty, Franck Margerin, Crisse, Hardoc, Céline Bailleux, Thomas Mosdi, Thierry Robin, Philippe Luguy, Éric Lambert, Lise Garçon, Patrick Goulesque, Amélie Sarn, Valérie Vernay, Sébastien Vastra, and many others.