Festival du Polar

The Festival du Polar: When Mortagne-sur-Sèvre Leads the Investigation

Since 2016, the peaceful town of Mortagne-sur-Sèvre, nestled in the Vendée countryside, has transformed each year for a weekend into a true investigation ground. The Festival du Polar, supported by the association 36 Quai de Sèvre, has become a must-attend event for fans of crime novels, thrillers, and mysteries of all kinds.

An Immersive and Eclectic Program

The festival stands out for the richness and originality of its program. The Grande Enquête (Grand Investigation), a true life-size investigation game led by professional actors, invites participants to solve a criminal case in teams through the streets of the town. The themed escape games test players' perceptiveness in ever-renewed scenarios.

The Salon 36 Quai des Livres (36 Quai des Livres Book Fair) brings together about fifteen crime fiction authors for signings, offering an opportunity to discover new voices in the genre and interact with established writers. Writing workshops allow enthusiasts to try their hand at writing crime stories under the guidance of professionals.

Cinema, Theater, and Live Performance

The festival places a significant emphasis on crime cinema with interactive screenings where the audience actively participates in the evening's unfolding events. Improvisation theater based on the world of crime fiction offers moments of comedy and suspense, while family shows allow younger audiences to discover the genre in a fun and accessible atmosphere.

A Festival Rooted in its Territory

Supported by the municipality of Mortagne-sur-Sèvre, the community of communes of the Pays de Mortagne, and the department of Vendée, the Festival du Polar is a fantastic driver of cultural life in a rural area. Driven by a team of passionate volunteers, it takes over several emblematic locations in the town: Salle Traineau, Le Piment, Espace Jeunes, and Salle de la Cave, creating a truly immersive experience throughout the town.