Festival du Livre d'Oloron

Festival du Livre d'Oloron: The Voices of Literature at the Foot of the Pyrenees

The Festival du Livre d'Oloron, supported by the association Livres sans frontières, is an annual literary event that enlivens the town of Oloron-Sainte-Marie every November. Under the evocative title « Voies voix », this book fair offers three days of encounters between authors, publishers, and readers in a warm and accessible atmosphere.

A Program Combining Literature and Live Performance

The Festival du Livre d'Oloron is not limited to a traditional book signing fair. Each edition features several complementary formats: meetings with invited authors in the schools of Oloron — middle schools, high schools, Calandreta schools —, round tables and conferences on literary and societal themes, and an inaugural literary concert titled « Voix fugitives », organized in partnership with the association POUR.

Quality Authors and Publishers

Each edition brings together about ten invited authors — novelists, poets, essayists, children's literature authors — and fifteen exhibitors, including emblematic regional publishing houses such as Airvey Éditions, Éditions Gascogne, Citadelles et Mazenod, and As de pique. The invited authors also participate in classes, fostering interaction between literature and young audiences.

La Chapelle, an Exceptional Venue

The festival is mainly held at La Chapelle, a restored cultural space in the heart of Oloron-Sainte-Marie. This venue, with its stone vaults and remarkable acoustics, offers an intimate and inspiring setting for literary encounters and concerts. Other locations — the media library, schools, Maison du Patrimoine — host the festival's various events.

A Commitment to Reading

The association Livres sans frontières, organizer of the festival, works year-round to promote reading and books in the Oloron area. The festival is the culmination of this foundational work, offering a moment of visibility and celebration for living literature. Entry is by free participation, in line with the association's commitment to accessibility.

Rooted in the Pyrenean Territory

The Festival du Livre d'Oloron particularly highlights literature related to the Pyrenean region, Béarnese and Occitan culture, and mountain issues. Regional publishing houses play a prominent role, helping to promote authors and publishers from the Pyrenean foothills.