Festival de la Correspondance de Grignan
The art of letter writing in majesty at the Château de Grignan
About Correspondance de Grignan
The cradle of French epistolary art
The Festival de la Correspondance de Grignan was born in 1996, the year of the tricentenary of Madame de Sévigné's death, on the initiative of Bruno Durieux, then mayor of Grignan. This unique cultural adventure opened up a literary field hitherto little explored by festivals: that of correspondence, a literary genre in its own right which has since seen growing enthusiasm among readers, authors, publishers, and actors.
An exceptional historical setting
The festival unfolds in the majestic setting of the Château de Grignan, one of the largest Renaissance castles in southeastern France. It was within these walls that Madame de Sévigné stayed with her daughter, the Countess of Grignan, and it was from there that she sent many of her letters that have become classics of French literature. The castle courtyard, the Saint-Vincent chapel, the Cours Sévigné, and the village squares become open-air stages for readings, shows, and encounters.
A rich and eclectic program
Each edition of the festival revolves around a theme that renews the perspective on epistolary art. Readings-performances by renowned actors bring correspondence from writers, artists, historical figures, or anonymous individuals to life. Literary encounters bring together authors, essayists, and historians to explore the multiple facets of the letter, from postcards to emails, including diaries and mood pieces.
The Writing Rooms, workshops led by writers, invite the public to take up their pens and experiment with epistolary writing. A book market brings together specialized booksellers and publishers, while exhibitions, screenings, and concerts complete this multidisciplinary program.
A recognized and supported festival
The association Festival de la Correspondance de Grignan, recognized as being of general interest, carries this event with the support of numerous public and private partners, including the Fondation La Poste, a historical patron of the festival. In nearly thirty years, the festival has established itself as an essential event in French literary life, attracting thousands of visitors passionate about literature and epistolary art each year to this jewel of Drôme provençale.
The 2026 edition: the 400th anniversary of Madame de Sévigné
The 30th edition of the festival, scheduled from July 6 to 11, 2026, will celebrate the 400th anniversary of Madame de Sévigné's birth around the theme "Correspondence, portrait of an era". An exceptional event that promises to create a dialogue between centuries and pay tribute to the most illustrious letter writer in the French language.
Correspondance de Grignan — edition 2026
30th anniversary edition of the Festival de la Correspondance de Grignan, from July 6 to 11, 2026, celebrating the 400th anniversary of the birth of Madame de Sévigné around the theme « La Correspondance, portrait d'une époque » (Correspondence, portrait of an era). The program includes: an opening opera, staged readings performed by renowned actors, literary encounters with Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt and Nathan Devers, writing workshops, exhibitions, and the traditional book market, all within the exceptional setting of the Château de Grignan.
30th edition: 400 years of Madame de Sévigné
The 30th edition of the Festival de la Correspondance will take place from July 6 to 11, 2026 in Grignan. This anniversary edition will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the birth of Madame de Sévigné (1626-1696) around the theme « La Correspondance, portrait d'une époque » (Correspondence, portrait of an era). An exceptional event that will foster dialogue between centuries and pay tribute to the most illustrious epistolary writer in the French language, within the very castle where she stayed with her daughter, the Countess of Grignan.
As every year, the festival offers a multidisciplinary program: an opening opera, staged readings performed by renowned actors, literary encounters, writing workshops for adults and children (the « Chambres d'écriture » - Writing Rooms), exhibitions, and the antique book market. The complete detailed program is published annually in June.
Programme Correspondance de Grignan 2026
Monday, July 6, 2026 — Opening Night
- 7:15 PM — Opera Ninon chez Madame de Sévigné, music by Henri Berton, libretto by Emmanuel Dupaty · Château de Grignan · Orchestre de Chambre du Département de la Drôme, conducted by James S. Kahane, contemporary interludes by Youssra Khechaï · with Anaïs de Faria, Camille Brault, Fabrice Foison, Romain Bazola, Pierre Barret-Mémy and Christian Hohn
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
- 7:15 PM — Aimer son époque, ou pas ? (To love one's era, or not?) · unpublished correspondence read by its two authors, Nathan Devers and Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt
- 9:30 PM — Puisse l'âge de la Haine finir (May the Age of Hatred End) · correspondence between Stefan Zweig and Romain Rolland, adaptation by Raphaël Lucchini
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
- 9:30 AM — Literary encounter with Nathan Devers and Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt at the Château
- Starting Wednesday: Book Market, daily from 10 AM to 7 PM
Thursday, July 9, 2026
- 7:15 PM — Simón Bolívar, El Libertador · letters from Simón Bolívar, adaptation by Virginie Berling (subject to change)
- 9:30 PM — Ma chère mère (My Dear Mother) · correspondence between Madame de Sévigné and her daughter Madame de Grignan, with Marie-Christine Barrault and Christelle Reboul, directed by Didier Long
Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11, 2026
- Evening staged readings, literary encounters, writing workshops, exhibitions, and book market. Detailed program published in June 2026 on the official website.
In total, the 2026 edition notably offers 1 opera, 11 staged readings, 5 readings, 19 literary encounters, 8 workshops, 4 exhibitions, one conference, one screening, and a literary cabaret.
Highlights Correspondance de Grignan 2026
- 30th anniversary edition of the festival
- Celebration of the 400th anniversary of the birth of Madame de Sévigné
- Theme: « La Correspondance, portrait d'une époque » (Correspondence, portrait of an era)
- Opening opera Ninon chez Madame de Sévigné at the Château de Grignan
- Encounters and unpublished reading with Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt and Nathan Devers
- Ma chère mère with Marie-Christine Barrault and Christelle Reboul
- Staged readings, writing workshops, exhibitions, and book market
Prices Correspondance de Grignan 2026
Practical information — Correspondance de Grignan
Practical Information
Access
Grignan is located in Drôme provençale, about 25 km east of Montélimar and 90 km south of Valence.
- By car: From the A7 motorway (Montélimar-Sud exit), follow the D133 then the D541 towards Grignan (about 25 minutes).
- By train: Nearest stations in Montélimar (TGV) or Pierrelatte. Plan for a vehicle or taxi to reach Grignan.
Venues
Shows and events take place in various locations in the village: Château de Grignan courtyard, Saint-Vincent chapel, Cours Sévigné, village squares and gardens.
Prices
Some events are free, others require booking with paid ticketing. Prices vary depending on the show.
Contact
- Website: www.grignan-festivalcorrespondance.com
- Association Festival de la Correspondance de Grignan
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Where does it take place — Correspondance de Grignan
Château de Grignan et village
Château de Grignan, 26230 Grignan