Gaillac Youth and Teen Book Festival

The Gaillac Youth and Teen Book Festival, thirty years of literary passion

Since 1996, Gaillac has hosted one of Tarn's unmissable literary events each autumn: the Youth and Teen Book Festival. Over thirty editions, this entirely free event has forged a unique identity in the heart of the Gaillac vineyards, combining editorial rigor, accessibility for all audiences, and artistic effervescence.

A rich program centered around the pleasure of reading

Each edition welcomes around twenty leading authors and illustrators, who come to sign their works, meet their audience, and share their creative universe. The festival makes it a point of honor to offer a diverse program: illustrated albums for the youngest, graphic novels, teen literature, comic strips, non-fiction books... all forms of youth publishing are represented.

Signings and author encounters are at the heart of the festival. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, children and teenagers can interact directly with their favorite authors, ask questions about their creative process, and leave with a personalized book.

Shows, workshops, and activities

Beyond literary encounters, the festival offers a rich program of shows and participatory workshops. Musical readings combine text, music, and scenography to transport young audiences into poetic and sensitive universes. Family concerts, spoken word performances, and creative workshops—drawing dinosaurs, creating animal masks, space modules—punctuate the two days.

The 2025 edition featured a musical reading with the voice of author Marie Pavlenko accompanied by the cello of Maëva Le Berre, and a poetic-musical concert by David Sire.

Exhibitions throughout the autumn

In the lead-up to the festival weekend, the Gaillac Media Library hosts thematic exhibitions dedicated to youth literature. The 2025 edition presented original illustrations around the character of Cornebidouille, an iconic figure in children's literature, as well as works on the theme of dance.

The 30th edition: 30 years already!

In October 2025, the festival celebrated its 30th anniversary with an exceptional and colorful edition, themed around dreams and the funfair. Illustrator Anne-Lise Boutin, whose work blends felt pens, inks, cut paper, and digital collages, created the poster for this anniversary edition. Twenty-two renowned authors and illustrators were present for this celebratory weekend of reading.

An event rooted in the territory

Organized by the Cultural Service of the City of Gaillac, the festival benefits from the support of the Gaillac-Graulhet agglomeration, the Tarn department, and the Occitanie region. It is part of a broader cultural dynamic that makes Gaillac a city committed to reading and cultural mediation for young audiences.

Admission to all activities is completely free, making this festival a truly popular event accessible to all families in the region and beyond.