Faites Lire !

Faites Lire ! : The Reading Festival in the Heart of Le Mans

Born in 2021 from the transformation of La 25e Heure du Livre, one of the oldest book fairs in France founded in 1978, the Faites Lire ! festival has reinvented tradition while preserving the spirit of conviviality and sharing that made its illustrious predecessor famous. Supported by the City of Le Mans and the association Of Course Le Mans, the festival transforms the historic city center into a huge open-air literary village every autumn.

An Open-Air Literary Trail

The festival is organized around the Rue du Livre, a pedestrian path connecting Place de la République to the Esplanade des Jacobins. On Place des Jacobins, general literature enthusiasts discover novels and essays, while Place de la République showcases youth literature, comics, American comics, and manga. In between, the Rue du Livre connects the spaces in a joyful and lively atmosphere.

Over 200 Authors and a Rich Program

Each edition hosts over 200 authors, including about fifty in children's literature and thirty in comics. The program combines readings aloud, writing workshops, shows, exhibitions, round tables, literary prize ceremonies, and a grand dictation. Bookstores, museums, and libraries in Le Mans also participate in the celebration with encounters and signings throughout the week.

A 100% Free Festival Open to All

Faites Lire! stands out for its total freeness: all activities, encounters, and events are free to access. This open policy makes the festival a truly popular event, attracting families, schoolchildren, bibliophiles, and the curious in a joyful celebration of reading in all its forms.