Dracopolis
Literary festival of the imaginary — Science fiction, fantasy and imaginary worlds
About Dracopolis
Dracopolis: The Festival of Imaginary Worlds
Dracopolis is a literary festival entirely dedicated to the imaginary in all its forms: science fiction, fantasy, horror, and the marvelous. Designed to bring together authors, illustrators, publishers, artisans, and readers around a common passion — reading and the imaginary — this festival aims to become a major annual event for genre literature in Drôme.
Meetings and Signings
The festival features meetings and signing sessions with established authors and new talents in the genre. Visitors can interact directly with writers, discover their worlds, and leave with signed books. Independent publishers and specialty booksellers are also present to showcase their catalogs and introduce new literary gems.
Round Tables and Debates
Round tables bring together authors, publishers, and specialists to discuss major themes of the imaginary: trends in contemporary science fiction, the rise of French fantasy, and the bridges between literature and other media (cinema, video games, comics). These enriching exchange sessions are open to all participants.
Contests and Creativity
Dracopolis organizes short story contests, illustration contests, and cosplay contests, allowing emerging talents to gain recognition and enthusiasts to showcase their creativity. Artistic and interactive workshops complement the program, offering visitors the chance to try their hand at genre writing, fantasy drawing, or costume creation.
Youth Area
A youth area welcomes younger visitors with readings and workshops tailored to their age, introducing them to imaginary worlds and fostering their love of reading. This dedicated space makes Dracopolis a truly family-friendly event, accessible to all generations of readers.
Exhibitions and Crafts
Exhibitions of dragons, figurines, and works of art inspired by fantasy universes immerse visitors in extraordinary worlds. A space is also reserved for local creators and artisans offering unique imaginary-themed items: jewelry, sculptures, cosplay accessories, maps, and board games.
Dracopolis — edition 2026
The second edition of Dracopolis, a literary festival of the imaginary, will be held on October 17 and 18, 2026, in Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence (Drôme), on the theme "Transmuting the World — Science and Magic in the Imaginary". The program includes: author meetings and signings, round tables, an expanded creators' market, and activities around science fiction, fantasy, and the fantastic.
Dracopolis 2026 — Second Edition
After a successful first edition in 2025 in Valence, the Dracopolis literary festival of the imaginary returns on October 17 and 18, 2026, in Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence, in the Drôme. The organizing association Dragons Curieux announces a program that is "denser, bolder, and more committed."
The 2026 Theme: "Transmuting the World"
This second edition explores the links between science and magic in the imaginary, from alchemy to modern technology. The festival will bring together published and self-published authors, illustrators, publishers, and readers around science fiction, fantasy, and the fantastic.
On the Program
Meetings and signing sessions with genre authors, round tables and debates, short story competitions, activities, and creative workshops. The creators' market is expanded this year (ceramics, bookbinding, illustration), with a strong desire to promote local actors. The detailed program and guest list will be the subject of an official announcement from the association to come.
Highlights Dracopolis 2026
- Second edition, October 17 and 18, 2026
- Theme: "Transmuting the World — Science and Magic in the Imaginary"
- Meetings and signings with authors of the imaginary
- Expanded creators' market (ceramics, bookbinding, illustration)
- Free admission
Prices Dracopolis 2026
Practical information — Dracopolis
Access
Dracopolis takes place in Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence, in the Drôme (2026 edition at Médiathèque L'Oiseau Lire, 45 rue de l'Étrau). The first 2025 edition was held at the MPT du Petit Charran in Valence. Consult the official website of the Dragons Curieux association for the precise location and times of each edition.
- By car: A7 motorway, Valence Nord exit; Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence is located north of the Valence urban area.
- By train: Valence-Ville station or Valence Rhône-Alpes TGV station, then connection to Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence.
Prices
Free admission.
Contact
Event organised by the Dragons Curieux association — [email protected] — 04 27 24 06 08 — dragonscurieux.com.
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Where does it take place — Dracopolis
Médiathèque L'Oiseau Lire
45 rue de l'Étrau, 26320 Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence, 26320 Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence