Festival Aux Quatre Coins du Mot
The word celebrated in all its forms in La Charité-sur-Loire
About Aux Quatre Coins du Mot
Since 2005, the Festival Aux Quatre Coins du Mot has celebrated the word in all its forms every spring in La Charité-sur-Loire, a UNESCO World Heritage city of books. Organized by the Cité du Mot on Ascension weekend, it offers shows, concerts, literary encounters, exhibitions, and activities in the heritage sites of this town on the banks of the Loire.
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Aux Quatre Coins du Mot: Twenty Years of Word Celebration in La Charité-sur-Loire
Every year on Ascension weekend, the small town of La Charité-sur-Loire, famous for its Cluniac priory and its antique bookshops, transforms into the capital of the word. Since 2005, the Festival Aux Quatre Coins du Mot has celebrated the richness and diversity of language through a generous program mixing shows, concerts, encounters with authors, exhibitions, writing workshops, and street entertainment.
A City of Words and Books
La Charité-sur-Loire has long been associated with books and writing. A city of books since the 2000s, it is home to numerous bookshops specializing in old and second-hand books. It is in this fertile cultural ground that the festival took root, driven by the Cité du Mot, a Centre Culturel de Rencontre located in the former Cluniac priory, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A Multifaceted Festival
The festival explores the word in all its diversity: literature, poetry, song, theater, visual arts, performances. Each edition is structured around a theme that guides the programming and invites the public to take a fresh look at words and language. Events unfold in the city's heritage sites: the priory cloister, Notre-Dame church, historic halls, gardens, and public squares.
A Popular and Friendly Event
Conceived as a local festival, Aux Quatre Coins du Mot emphasizes conviviality and accessibility. Many activities are free, allowing everyone to participate in this collective celebration of words. Encounters with authors, participatory workshops, and street performances create a warm and festive atmosphere that makes this Ascension weekend a special moment of cultural sharing.
Growing Influence
Over its twenty editions, the festival has built a loyal audience while attracting new visitors, thus contributing to the cultural and tourist influence of La Charité-sur-Loire and the Nièvre region. It is part of a dynamic network of literary festivals in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and helps to keep literary and artistic creation alive in rural areas.
Aux Quatre Coins du Mot — edition 2026
The 21st edition of the Festival Aux Quatre Coins du Mot will be held on Ascension weekend 2026 in La Charité-sur-Loire. The festival will continue to celebrate the word in all its forms in the heritage sites of this UNESCO World Heritage city of books.
21st Edition - Ascension Weekend 2026
The Festival Aux Quatre Coins du Mot returns for its 21st edition on Ascension weekend 2026. La Charité-sur-Loire will once again host shows, concerts, encounters, and activities centered around words and language.
The full program will be announced in the spring of 2026 on the Cité du Mot website.
Highlights Aux Quatre Coins du Mot 2026
To Remember for 2026
- 21st edition of the festival
- Ascension weekend 2026
- Program to be announced in spring 2026
Prices Aux Quatre Coins du Mot 2026
Practical information — Aux Quatre Coins du Mot
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By car: La Charité-sur-Loire is accessible via the A77 motorway (exit 28), about 2.5 hours from Paris and 1 hour from Bourges. Free parking is available in town, notably the Bords de Loire parking and the Prieuré parking. Note that some streets in the historic center are pedestrianized during the festival.
By train: La Charité-sur-Loire station is served by TER trains from Nevers (20 min), Bourges, and connections to Paris-Bercy. The station is a short walk from the historic center and festival venues.
Festival Venues
The festival takes place in the heritage sites of La Charité-sur-Loire:
- Prieuré de La Charité-sur-Loire: UNESCO World Heritage site, cloister and historic halls
- Église Notre-Dame: concerts and shows in an exceptional Romanesque setting
- Exhibition halls and priory gardens: exhibitions, workshops, and activities
- Squares and streets of the historic center: street performances and parades
- Antique bookshops: encounters and book signings
Ticketing
Many activities are free to access. Paid shows are available by reservation online or on-site. Check the Cité du Mot website for prices and booking procedures. Reduced rates are available for groups and families.
Accommodation
La Charité-sur-Loire offers hotels, bed and breakfasts, gîtes, and a campsite. It is strongly advised to book well in advance for Ascension weekend, a very busy period. The Tourist Office can assist you with your search: 03 86 70 15 06.
Food and Drink
Restaurants, brasseries, and cafes in the town center welcome festival-goers. Food stalls are set up during the festival offering local products. The region is known for its goat cheeses, Pouilly-sur-Loire wines, and Loire specialties.
Contact
La Charité-sur-Loire Tourist Office: 5 Place Sainte-Croix, 58400 La Charité-sur-Loire. Tel: 03 86 70 15 06. Cité du Mot: citedumot.fr
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Aux Quatre Coins du Mot at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Aux Quatre Coins du Mot
Prieuré de La Charité-sur-Loire et centre historique
5 Place Sainte-Croix, 58400 La Charité-sur-Loire