International Journalism Festival
The annual meeting of journalism and media on the banks of the Garonne
About Couthures Journalism Festival
Created in 2017, the Couthures-sur-Garonne International Journalism Festival is organized by the editorial teams of Groupe Le Monde and Nouvel Obs. Every year in July, for three days, this small village in Lot-et-Garonne hosts over 200 events to explore current events, understand the media landscape, and question major contemporary issues. Debates, practical workshops, screenings, press photo and cartoon exhibitions, shows, book signings, and swimming on the banks of the Garonne punctuate this participatory and friendly festival.
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The International Journalism Festival: a unique rural event
Since 2017, the International Journalism Festival has established itself as an unmissable event for anyone interested in information, media, and major societal issues. Located in Couthures-sur-Garonne, a village of a few hundred inhabitants on the banks of the Garonne in Lot-et-Garonne, the festival was born from the meeting between Laurence Corona, journalist Philippe Chaffanjon, and the mayor of the commune, Jean-Michel Moreau. The founding idea: to create a space for dialogue between journalists, experts, and citizens, far from the major cities.
A festival supported by Le Monde and Nouvel Obs
Organized by the editorial teams of Groupe Le Monde and Nouvel Obs, the festival benefits from exceptional journalistic backing. Around 150 guests—journalists, researchers, academics, elected officials, historians, writers, lawyers, whistleblowers, press cartoonists, and media personalities—gather each year to engage with an audience passionate about current events and the media.
Seven main themes
The program is structured around seven main themes, five of which are chosen by the editorial team based on current events and fundamental questions facing our society and the media. The last two are selected by festival-goers themselves through a pre-event vote. This participatory approach makes the festival a co-created event with its audience.
Over 200 events in three days
The festival offers a rich and varied program of over 200 events in multiple formats:
- Moderated debates on major societal issues and media challenges
- Inspiring encounters with personalities from journalism and public life
- Practical workshops to learn journalistic techniques
- Screenings and documentaries in partnership with France Télévisions
- Exhibitions of press photos and press cartoons
- Shows and artistic performances
- Speed dating with journalists and experts
- Book signings by invited authors
A festival for all ages
The Festival Junior offers a dedicated program for young people, with media and information literacy workshops adapted for all ages. Children under 12 get free admission. Between sessions, festival-goers can enjoy swimming on the banks of the Garonne, games, and friendly tastings of local products, in a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
International reach
True to its international vocation, the festival hosts journalists and representatives from major foreign media such as El PaÃs (Spain), Corriere della Sera (Italy), The Guardian (United Kingdom), and many others. It thus contributes to dialogue between journalistic cultures and reflection on press freedom worldwide.
Couthures Journalism Festival — edition 2026
The International Journalism Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary from July 10 to 12, 2026, in Couthures-sur-Garonne. This anniversary edition will feature over 200 encounters to explore current events, understand the media landscape, and question major contemporary issues.
10th Edition - The Festival's 10th Anniversary - July 10-12, 2026
In 2026, the International Journalism Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary. This anniversary edition will take place from July 10 to 12, 2026, in Couthures-sur-Garonne, with an exceptional program to mark this decade of encounters between journalists, experts, and citizens.
As every year, the festival will offer over 200 events to explore current events, understand the media landscape, and question major contemporary issues: moderated debates, inspiring encounters, practical workshops, screenings and documentaries, shows, press photo and cartoon exhibitions, book signings, speed dating, a junior festival for young people, games, swimming on the banks of the Garonne, and friendly tastings.
The program will be structured around seven main themes, five selected by the editorial team and two chosen by festival-goers through a vote. Around 150 guests—journalists, researchers, academics, elected officials, historians, writers, whistleblowers, cartoonists, and media personalities—will gather for this special edition.
Highlights Couthures Journalism Festival 2026
To look forward to in 2026
- Dates: Friday, July 10 to Sunday, July 12, 2026
- Anniversary Edition: The festival celebrates its 10th anniversary
- Over 200 encounters expected
- 150 guests from the world of journalism and public life
- Detailed program to be announced on the official website
Prices Couthures Journalism Festival 2026
Practical information — Couthures Journalism Festival
Practical Information
Access and transport
By car: Couthures-sur-Garonne is located about 15 km from Marmande, accessible via the D933. From Bordeaux, it takes about 1 hour 15 minutes via the A62 motorway (Marmande exit). From Agen, it takes about 45 minutes via the A62 or D813.
By train: The nearest station is Marmande, served by TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Intercités trains on the Bordeaux-Toulouse line. From Marmande station, a shuttle service is organized during the festival to reach Couthures-sur-Garonne.
Prices and ticketing
Tickets are available online on Weezevent. Indicative prices (2025 edition):
- 3-day pass: 52 euros (full price) / 41 euros (reduced price) / 49 euros (Lot-et-Garonnais price)
- 2-day pass: 36 euros (full price) / 31 euros (reduced price) / 33 euros (Lot-et-Garonnais price)
- 1-day pass: 20 euros (full price) / 18 euros (reduced price) / 17 euros (Lot-et-Garonnais price)
- Free for children under 12 accompanied by an adult
Residents of Lot-et-Garonne benefit from a 3 euro discount on all prices by purchasing their tickets at the Tourist Office of Marmande or Tonneins (upon presentation of proof of residence).
Accommodation
As Couthures-sur-Garonne is a small village, accommodation is mainly found in Marmande and surrounding towns. Hotels, B&Bs, gîtes, and campsites are available in the Val de Garonne area. It is strongly recommended to book as early as possible, as accommodation fills up quickly during the festival.
Food and drink
Food stalls and refreshment stands are set up on the festival site, offering local specialties from the Southwest and products from the Lot-et-Garonne region. Friendly tastings are organized throughout the weekend.
Practical tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for moving around the outdoor site.
- Remember sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle: the festival takes place in mid-summer, and temperatures in Lot-et-Garonne can be high.
- Bring a swimsuit to enjoy swimming in the Garonne.
- Consult the detailed program on the official festival website to plan your days.
- The festival is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Contact the organization for any specific needs.
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Couthures Journalism Festival
Village de Couthures-sur-Garonne