Contrebande Dessinée Comic Book Festival

Contrebande Dessinée: comics come to the Château de Voltaire

Since 2015, the Contrebande Dessinée Festival has taken over the sumptuous grounds of the Château de Voltaire in Ferney-Voltaire every spring, just steps from the Swiss border. Organised by the BD Pays de Gex association, this event has become the must-attend gathering for fans of comics, graphic novels and illustrated literature in Pays de Gex and Greater Geneva.

An exceptional setting for the ninth art

The choice of the Château de Voltaire as the festival's venue is far from arbitrary. This historic monument, the former home of the Enlightenment philosopher, offers a unique and inspiring setting for artistic creation. The château grounds, with their shaded pathways and lawns, host signing stands, open-air exhibitions and meeting spaces between authors and readers. The partnership with the Centre des monuments nationaux, which manages the château, lends the event a remarkable heritage dimension.

Encounters, signings and discoveries

Each edition of the festival brings together around twenty comic book authors and illustrators from across France and neighbouring Switzerland. A guest of honour is showcased at each edition, offering the chance to discover their universe through a dedicated exhibition and exclusive encounters. Signing sessions allow readers to interact directly with creators in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

The Les Arts Frontières bookshop, a longstanding festival partner, handles on-site book sales, offering a wide selection of comics, albums and graphic novels. Creative workshops for children and adults round out the programme, inviting the public to learn drawing and graphic storytelling techniques.

A festival rooted in its territory

The very name "Contrebande Dessinée" (Drawn Smuggling) is a playful nod to the festival's geographical location, on the border between France and Switzerland, in a region historically defined by cross-border exchanges. The BD Pays de Gex association works throughout the year to promote comics to the general public through several events: the Les Bulles s'éclatent festival in Saint-Genis-Pouilly and the Bulles de BD Val Thoiry festival, forming a genuine network of ninth-art events across Pays de Gex.

A convivial and accessible gathering

The Contrebande Dessinée Festival stands out for its family-friendly atmosphere and accessibility. Entry to the château grounds is free, encounters with authors are open to all, and workshops allow the youngest visitors to discover the world of comics. The proximity to Geneva also attracts a Swiss audience, making this a truly cross-border cultural event.