Festival of Illustration and Comics of the Pays d'Ancenis
Edition 2026 Visual Arts Literature Comics

Festival of Illustration and Comics of the Pays d'Ancenis

The annual meeting for comics and illustration in the Pays d'Ancenis

Ancenis-Saint-Géréon — Loire-Atlantique (44) Since 2012
Dates 28 Mar — 29 Mar 2026
Location Ancenis-Saint-Géréon (44)
Prices 0.00€ — 5.00€
Status Confirmed

About Ancenis BD

Created in 2012 by the association Illustr'Loire within the St Thomas d'Aquin high school, the Festival of Illustration and Comics of the Pays d'Ancenis was reborn in 2019 under the impetus of the association Ancenis BD, founded by Yann Le Brun. Every last weekend of March, the Espace Édouard Landrain in Ancenis-Saint-Géréon hosts about forty authors, thirty exhibitors, activities, a cosplay contest, exhibitions, the BD Prize of the Pays d'Ancenis, and a drawing contest. A family-friendly and convivial event dedicated to the 9th art.

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A festival rooted in the Pays d'Ancenis since 2012

The adventure began in 2011 within the St Thomas d'Aquin Private Vocational High School in Ancenis, when the association Illustr'Loire was founded with the ambition of bringing together the talents of students and adults around an innovative educational project. In October 2012, Illustr'Loire organized the very first Festival of Illustration and Comics in Ancenis, with the illustrator Brucero as guest of honor. Two more editions followed, in October 2014 and October 2016, before the association was dissolved following the departure of the teaching team behind the project.

The rebirth with Ancenis BD

Convinced that the event could continue in another form, Yann Le Brun, founder and former teacher at the high school, created a new association in April 2018 called Ancenis BD. The festival was reborn under the name "Festival de l'Illustration et de la BD du Pays d'Ancenis" on the last weekend of March 2019, with Patrick Prugne as guest of honor. Since then, the event has taken place every year at the same time, establishing itself as a must-attend event for the 9th art in the Loire-Atlantique department.

A rich and diverse program

Each year, the festival brings together about forty authors, illustrators, and cartoonists as well as about thirty exhibitors (publishers, booksellers, artisans). The program includes:

  • Signing sessions with the authors present throughout the weekend
  • Exhibitions showcasing the worlds of the guests of honor and the works from the amateur drawing contest "Rêves de planètes"
  • Workshops and demonstrations of drawing for all audiences
  • A cosplay contest that livens up both days of the festival
  • The BD Prize of the Pays d'Ancenis, awarded in partnership with the Biblio'fil library network
  • A drawing contest open to all with a theme renewed each year
  • A charity auction for the benefit of local associations such as Les P'tits Doudous of the Ancenis hospital

Progressive diversification

Initially focused on comics and illustration, the festival diversified starting in 2022 with the addition of a manga section, then in 2023 with the addition of a comics section, welcoming over 50 authors. This opening allows it to reach an ever-wider audience, from fans of Franco-Belgian comics to enthusiasts of manga and comics.

Year-round activities

Beyond the festival weekend, the Ancenis BD association and the Biblio'fil library network organize activities throughout the year in the libraries of the Pays d'Ancenis: author meetings, "Let's Talk Comics" reading clubs, traveling exhibitions, and drawing workshops. The BD Prize of the Pays d'Ancenis is prepared in advance during these regular events.

Ancenis BD — edition 2026

11th edition of the Festival of Illustration and Comics of the Pays d'Ancenis, on March 28 and 29, 2026, at the Espace Édouard Landrain in Ancenis-Saint-Géréon. The guest of honor is Mathou, an author and illustrator from Angers. The 2026 drawing contest theme is "The Power of Flowers". An unmissable event for the 9th art in Loire-Atlantique with signings, exhibitions, activities, a cosplay contest, and the awarding of the BD Prize of the Pays d'Ancenis.

11th Edition — March 28 and 29, 2026

The festival returns for its 11th edition on March 28 and 29, 2026 at the Espace Édouard Landrain in Ancenis-Saint-Géréon.

Guest of Honor: Mathou

The guest of honor for this edition is Mathou (@mathou_cdh), an author and illustrator from Angers. Known for her sensitive and humorous drawings about everyday life, Mathou is the author of several successful books. Her presence promises warm encounters with the Ancenis audience.

Drawing Contest: The Power of Flowers

The 2026 drawing contest, organized prior to the festival, has the theme "The Power of Flowers". The deadline for participation was March 15, 2026. The selected works will be exhibited during the festival weekend, and the winners will be awarded on stage.

On the Program

As every year, the festival will offer:

  • Signings with about forty authors, illustrators, and cartoonists
  • Thematic exhibitions and works from the drawing contest
  • A cosplay contest
  • Drawing workshops and demonstrations
  • The awarding of the BD Prize of the Pays d'Ancenis
  • Exhibitor stands: publishers, booksellers, artisans, and creators

Highlights Ancenis BD 2026

  • Mathou, author and illustrator from Angers, guest of honor
  • Drawing contest on the theme "The Power of Flowers"
  • About forty authors expected for signings
  • Cosplay contest, exhibitions, workshops, and demonstrations
  • Awarding of the BD Prize of the Pays d'Ancenis
  • Stands from publishers, booksellers, and artisan creators

Prices Ancenis BD 2026

Indicative prices based on the previous edition: 5 euros, free for under 16s.

Practical information — Ancenis BD

Practical Information

Festival Venue

Espace Édouard Landrain, Boulevard de Kirkham, 44150 Ancenis-Saint-Géréon (Loire-Atlantique). The festival takes place in the Sablière and Charbonnière rooms of this multi-purpose venue.

Access

  • By car: Ancenis-Saint-Géréon is located about 45 minutes from Nantes via the A11 motorway (Ancenis exit). Free parking near the Espace Édouard Landrain.
  • By train: Ancenis SNCF station, about a 15-minute walk from the Espace Édouard Landrain. TER connections from Nantes (approx. 30 min) and Angers (approx. 45 min).

Opening Hours

  • Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Prices (2025 edition)

  • Admission: 5 euros
  • Under 16s: free

Catering

Refreshments and light snacks available on-site throughout the festival.

Contact

Association Ancenis BD
Les Abattoirs, 72 rue Saint-Fiacre, 44150 Ancenis-Saint-Géréon
President: Yann Le Brun
Tel: 06 32 29 67 12
Email: [email protected]

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Where does it take place — Ancenis BD

Espace Édouard Landrain

Boulevard de Kirkham, 44150 Ancenis-Saint-Géréon

Contact Ancenis BD

Tel
06 32 29 67 12

Ancenis BD in brief

Visual Arts Literature Comics Graphic Novel Children's Books Young Audience Family Participatory Loire-Atlantique

History of Ancenis BD