The comic strip festival on the banks of the Lot
The Festival Clairac BD is a must-attend event for comic strips in Lot-et-Garonne, organized annually by the Asso des Arts in Clairac, on the banks of the Lot. Since 2010, this free and family-friendly festival has brought together about twenty comic strip, manga, and graphic novel authors for signings, exhibitions, manga workshops, shows, and drawn concerts. Prioritizing quality over quantity, it offers a friendly atmosphere for encounters between authors and the public, attracting comic strip enthusiasts from all over Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Since 2010, the Festival Clairac BD has established itself as one of the major cultural events in Lot-et-Garonne and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Created and supported by l'Asso des Arts de Clairac, this free and family-friendly festival invites comic strip enthusiasts every year to gather on the banks of the Lot, in the picturesque setting of the village of Clairac.
Festival Clairac BD makes the deliberate choice of quality over quantity. Each edition brings together about twenty carefully selected authors, offering the public the opportunity to meet recognized talents and emerging creators in an intimate and friendly atmosphere. Signing sessions take place at the Salle du Lot, allowing for privileged exchanges between authors and readers.
The originality of the festival also lies in the valorization of Clairac's heritage. Exhibitions are held in remarkable locations such as the Temple, its small chapel, and the Salle du Lot at the Espace d'Olt, creating a unique dialogue between the art of comic strips and the historical architecture of the village.
Over the years, the festival has developed a strong identity around drawn concerts, combining live music and live graphic creation. The 16th edition (2025) notably hosted Les Ogres de Barback for an exceptional drawn concert. Artistic performances, live shows, and drawn readings punctuate each edition, offering a rich and varied cultural experience.
The festival places great importance on the younger audience with manga workshops led by professional mangakas, available by registration. Fun and educational activities allow children and teenagers to learn the techniques of comic strip drawing, manga, and illustration.
Festival Clairac BD's influence extends far beyond the festival weekend. Each year, invited authors visit more than 40 schools in the department on the Friday preceding the event, bringing comic strips to young readers in Lot-et-Garonne. This cultural mediation in schools demonstrates the association's commitment to promoting reading and artistic creation.
True to its values of accessibility, Festival Clairac BD is entirely free. Free entry to the exhibition, exhibitions, and activities allows all audiences to fully enjoy this weekend dedicated to the 9th art. The friendliness and proximity between authors and visitors make each edition an unforgettable moment of sharing and discovery.
The 17th edition of Festival Clairac BD is expected in December 2026 in Clairac. The festival will once again offer a weekend dedicated to comic strips with author signings, exhibitions, manga workshops, drawn concerts, and shows in the village's heritage sites.
By car: Clairac is located on the D911, between Agen (30 km) and Marmande (20 km), in the Lot valley. From Bordeaux, allow about 1h30 via the A62 motorway (Marmande exit). From Toulouse, allow about 1h45 via the A62 (Agen exit). Free parking is available in the village near the festival venues.
By train: The nearest station is Tonneins (10 km), served by the TER Bordeaux-Agen line. Bus connections are possible from Tonneins and Marmande stations to Clairac.
The festival takes place in several emblematic locations in the village of Clairac, allowing visitors to discover the local heritage while enjoying the activities:
The exhibition is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Friday is dedicated to author visits in the department's schools. Shows and drawn concerts take place in the evening on Friday and Saturday, and in the afternoon on Sunday. Consult the detailed program on the official website for precise times of each activity.
Access to the entire festival is completely free: signing hall, exhibitions, and activities. Some evening shows, particularly drawn concerts, may require prior reservation on the festival website. No paid ticket is required to access signings and exhibitions.
Manga workshops are accessible to children and teenagers aged 10 and over, by prior registration. These workshops are led by professional mangakas and allow participants to learn manga drawing techniques. Information and registration on the festival website or directly on-site, subject to availability.
Food stalls and a refreshment stand are available on the festival site. The village of Clairac also has shops and restaurants for dining during the weekend.
Asso des Arts de Clairac
Address: La Glacière, 47320 Clairac
Email: [email protected]
Website: clairacbd.fr
Facebook: facebook.com/clairac.bd
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