Festival International du Roman Noir (FIRN)
Polar literature in Frontignan, Hérault
About Festival International du
Festival International du Roman Noir (FIRN) in Frontignan
Festival International du Roman Noir (FIRN) is a must-attend event in the cultural life of Frontignan and the Hérault department, in Occitanie. Since its creation in 2012, this event has established itself as a benchmark for crime fiction literature, attracting a loyal and curious audience each year.
Presentation
Noir novel festival with round tables, readings, author meetings, and literary walks in May-June.
An event rooted in its territory
Located in the heart of Frontignan, Festival International du Roman Noir (FIRN) takes advantage of the exceptional setting of the commune and its heritage. The event fully participates in the tourist attractiveness of the Hérault department and enhances the cultural, natural, and human riches of the Occitanie region. The Hérault department, bathed by the Mediterranean and crossed by varied landscapes from the coast to the Larzac, offers an ideal setting for hosting quality cultural events.
Program and activities
Each edition of Festival International du Roman Noir (FIRN) offers a varied program combining crime fiction literature and conviviality. Visitors can enjoy multiple activities, discoveries, and moments of sharing that make this event rich. The complete program is communicated each year on the official channels of the event.
A friendly meeting
Festival International du Roman Noir (FIRN) is above all a moment of sharing and conviviality. Whether you are an informed amateur or simply curious, everyone will find something to satisfy their curiosity and have a pleasant time in Frontignan. The warm welcome from the organizers and volunteers makes each edition a memorable experience.
Festival International du — edition 2026
The 29th edition of the International Black Novel Festival (FIRN) in Frontignan la Peyrade will be held on May 29 and 30, 2026, on the theme « He who laughs last, laughs best », dedicated to black humor, irony, and social criticism in black literature. The format is concentrated over two days, at Place du Contr'Un and the Montaigne media library. Free admission.
International Black Novel Festival (FIRN) — 2026 Edition
The 29th edition of FIRN will take place on May 29 and 30, 2026 in Frontignan la Peyrade (Hérault), at Place du Contr'Un and the Montaigne media library. For this edition, the festival has chosen black humor as its guiding theme, under the motto « He who laughs last, laughs best », blending sarcasm, irony, and social criticism through novels, comic books, and youth literature.
Fifteen authors from six countries are expected. FIRN is a festival that is free and open to all, offering round tables, literary meetings, performed readings, literary walks, exhibitions, and festive 'black nights'.
Programme Festival International du 2026
2026 Theme: « He who laughs last, laughs best »
Black humor at the heart of the 29th edition: sarcasm, irony, and social criticism in black literature (novels, comic books, youth literature).
Invited Authors (15 authors, 6 countries)
- Iain Levison (United States)
- Nadine Monfils (Belgium)
- Melvina Mestre (France)
- Michèle Pedinielli (France)
- Mabrouck Rachedi (France)
- David Torres (Spain)
- Gianni Biondillo (Italy)
- Zainab Fasiki, cartoonist (Morocco)
Program Highlights
- Round tables, literary meetings, and performances in the auditorium and during brunches
- Friday, May 29: professional day on humor in Arab crime fiction and the new Moroccan scene (conferences and illustrated readings)
- Literary walks to meet authors and discover local sites
- Saturday, May 30: traditional « black dictation »
- Youth workshops (« Grimaces » by Zainab Fasiki for 6-10 year olds, horror manga workshop, satirical engraving), interactive games and investigations, escape game for teenagers
- Award ceremonies: media library prize and Prix Jacques-Sadoul
Exhibition
« Night and Day, autopsy of a sensationalist press group in the post-war period » at the Jean-Claude-Izzo hall, from May 28 to June 6, 2026: 1950s magazines, fun workshops, and interactive investigations.
Highlights Festival International du 2026
- 15th edition
- In Frontignan, Hérault
Prices Festival International du 2026
Practical information — Festival International du
Practical Information
Location
Frontignan (34110), Hérault.
Access
Travel to Frontignan by road. Parking available near the event site. Consult official information for access details.
Prices
Price: from €9 to €21.
Contact
For more information, consult the official website of the event or contact the Frontignan town hall.
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Where does it take place — Festival International du
Place du Contr'Un et médiathèque Montaigne
Frontignan, 34110 Frontignan