Chambéry International Comics Festival

Chambéry International Comics Festival: nearly fifty years of passion

Founded in 1977 by the Chambéry BD association, the Chambéry International Comics Festival is one of the four largest comics festivals in France. The first edition, modest, was held outdoors on Place Saint-Léger, in the heart of the old town of Chambéry, and brought together about ten authors. Since then, the festival has continued to grow to become a major event in the ninth art.

From Place Saint-Léger to Savoiexpo

After its early years in the historic center of Chambéry, the festival moved in 1990 to the Savoiexpo site, the exhibition center of Chambéry, to accommodate an ever-growing audience. This spacious and modern setting allows for large exhibition spaces, dozens of signing booths, specialized bookstores, and conference areas, offering visitors a complete immersion in the world of comics.

More than sixty authors at each edition

The festival hosts more than 60 authors and illustrators from France and abroad each year. Scriptwriters, artists, colorists, and publishers meet in Chambéry for a weekend of privileged encounters with the public. The signing sessions, free and open to all, are at the heart of the event and allow readers to interact directly with their favorite artists.

Exhibitions and prestigious awards

Beyond signings, the festival offers numerous themed exhibitions dedicated to authors, series, or trends in comics. Conferences, round tables, and drawing workshops complete the program, making the festival a place for reflection and discovery around the ninth art. The festival also awards prizes recognizing the best works of the year.

The 50th edition in 2026: a historic anniversary

The year 2026 will mark an exceptional milestone in the festival's history with its 50th edition. This anniversary will be an opportunity to celebrate nearly half a century of passion for comics in Chambéry, with an exceptional program and tributes to the great figures who have shaped the history of the festival and the ninth art.

A festival rooted in the Savoyard cultural fabric

The Chambéry International Comics Festival is part of a long tradition of promoting comics in Savoie. Throughout the year, the Chambéry BD association carries out cultural mediation activities, organizes traveling exhibitions, and works in schools and media libraries in the department. The festival thus contributes to the cultural and tourist dynamism of Chambéry and Savoie.