Festival des Courants BD

Comics cross the Loire to settle on the Île d'Or

Previously held in the village of Saint-Ouen-les-Vignes, north of Amboise, until 2025, the Les Courants Comic Book Festival is setting up its tables on the Île d'Or, in the middle of the Loire in Amboise, for its 19th edition on July 4th and 5th, 2026. The Prise d'Assos association, which has been running the festival since 2008, is keeping the formula that made its reputation: about thirty accessible authors, barrier-free signings, workshops for children, and concerts in the evening. The event is funded by the Centre-Val de Loire Region as part of the Territorial Artistic and Cultural Project (P.A.C.T.).

Around thirty authors, covering all comic book genres

The guest list for this 19th edition mixes established names with rising talents: Juanjo Guarnido, artist of Blacksad, Régis Loisel, Philippe Luguy, Étienne Le Roux, Philippe Larbier, Bruno Bertin, Christian Durieux, Titwane, Elric Dufau, Henri Dufranne, Frédéric Marniquet, Marc Armspach (Marko), Michael Baril, Loïc Chevallier, Maella Cosson, Jaap De Boer, Carole Ewan, Filak, Arnaud Gueury, Eric Ivars, Fred Langout, Just Loui, Jean-Christophe Nègre, Julie Orione, Radi, Jérôme Savoyen, Juliette Vaast, and Windy, plus the authors from the Full Ink Alchimist collective. Juanjo Guarnido's signings are subject to a special rule: they are reserved for visitors who purchase an album at the Bédélire bookstore stand.

Workshops, games, and concerts

The two days are centered around signing sessions, open from 10 am to 6 pm. Charles, from the Amboise MJC, will host a drawing workshop on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 pm, and gaming activities will be offered all weekend with the Amboise MJC and the collective Le cercle d'Ambacques – C'est (pas) du jeu. On the stage, three concerts will punctuate the festival: Los Mescaleros (pop variety) on Saturday at 4:30 pm, Mind Asylum (alternative rock) on Saturday at 8 pm, and Hits so Good (variety) on Sunday at 2:30 pm. On Saturday at 6 pm, the festival will present its awards, featuring trophies created by Hélène Deshayes, as well as the Vick et Vicky prize. A live radio broadcast will be hosted on Saturday by the Radio Active team, accompanied by La Ribambulle.

Stands, bookstores, and comic-related merchandise

Press and specialized publisher stands will include Bédélire, Les Éditions P'tit Louis, and Full Ink Alchimist. G-Trouvetou and the Kolkobook bookstore will round out the selection with second-hand comics and comic-related items, and a legendary 2CV car will be on display at the site.

Before the festival: exhibition and meeting at the Amboise media library

The Amboise media library will extend the festival beforehand: an exhibition will be presented there from June 9th to 20th, 2026, and a comic book meeting workshop with Bruno Bertin will be held on Friday, June 19th at 5 pm.

Free admission and on-site catering

Access to the festival is free on both days. On-site catering will offer mussels and fries, grilled meats, and tagines, complemented by a refreshment bar.