Festival Libre et Debout

A festival for freedom of expression

Inaugurated in October 2025, the Libre et Debout festival is a new kind of cultural event in Florange. Born from the desire to celebrate freedom of expression and critical thinking, it follows in the footsteps of educator Samuel Paty and upholds the values of free thought and democratic debate.

A multidisciplinary program

Over two days in October, the Libre et Debout festival offers a rich and varied program that brings different formats together:

• Conferences and debates: intellectuals, lawyers, and specialists address the major issues of freedom of expression, the right to satire, and the limits of public speech. Lawyer Richard Malka, a defender of Charlie Hebdo, was one of the distinguished guests at the first edition.
• Live performances: theatrical and humorous performances that question our relationship with freedom and civic engagement.
• Film screenings: a selection of documentary and fiction films on the themes of freedom of expression and intellectual resistance.
• Author signings: writers and essayists present to meet the public and sign their books.

Workshops and games

The festival also features participatory activities:

• Role-playing games: live-action and tabletop role-playing sessions, combining imagination and reflection.
• Board games: a game library area to discover or rediscover games with family or friends.
• Creative workshops: writing, drawing, and artistic expression workshops open to all.

Two emblematic venues in Florange

The festival takes place across two adjacent sites, only a few meters apart:

• La Passerelle (50 avenue de Lorraine): Florange's cultural center, hosting the main conferences, shows, and workshops.
• La Médiathèque (51 avenue de Lorraine): a space dedicated to signings, screenings, and recreational activities.

An engaged and popular festival

Libre et Debout defines itself as a "pop intellectual festival": intellectual due to the themes addressed, and pop because of its desire to be accessible to everyone and to combine reflection with entertainment. Humor plays a central role, as the organizers remind us, "culture and freedom of expression have their place, all with humor".

Institutional support

The festival benefits from the financial support of the Department of Moselle, demonstrating institutional recognition of this civic cultural project. This support allows for a high-quality program while maintaining affordable prices.