Festival of Sports Journalism
The behind-the-scenes of sports told by those who live them
About Sports Journalism Festival
The Festival of Sports Journalism is a unique event in France, created in 2024 in Laval by Jean-Christophe Boyer and Vincent Duluc, senior reporter at L'Équipe and president of UJSF. For three days each February, the festival brings together the general public and figures from sports journalism for masterclasses, round tables, debate screenings, and exhibitions. Free and open to all, it now attracts nearly 6,000 participants per edition.
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A unique festival in France
Born in 2024 from the meeting between Jean-Christophe Boyer, former mayor of Laval and sports enthusiast, and Vincent Duluc, senior reporter at L'Équipe and president of the Union of Sports Journalists in France, the Festival of Sports Journalism is the first event of its kind in France. It offers the general public the opportunity to discover the world of sports journalism through privileged encounters with those who cover sports daily: journalists, commentators, coaches, and sports executives.
A rich and varied program
Each edition takes place over three days, with a dense program combining masterclasses, thematic round tables, documentary screenings with debates, photographic exhibitions, and social gatherings. The round tables address major current issues in sports and media: the evolution of the sports journalism profession, the place of women's sports in the media, digital challenges, great sporting epics, and testimonials from iconic personalities. The masterclasses offer exceptional moments with prestigious guests who share their careers and their vision of sport.
Prestigious guests
Since its creation, the festival has hosted prominent figures from the world of sports and media. The first edition in 2024 notably featured Michel Denisot and Jean-Michel Aulas for memorable masterclasses. The 2025 edition brought together over sixty guests, including Jean-Michel Larqué, Raymond Domenech, and Gérard Holtz. In 2026, Didier Deschamps, coach of the French national football team, opened the festival with an exceptional masterclass titled "A Coach Shouldn't Say That," hosted by Vincent Duluc.
Iconic venues in Laval
The festival takes over several cultural venues in the city of Laval, including the Théâtre de Laval with its Barbara Hendricks hall (580 seats), the Cinéville cinema, and the Avant-Scène hall on Quai Gambetta. This diversity of venues allows for various formats, from large conferences to intimate screenings, including photographic exhibitions.
A popular and free event
All festival events are offered free of charge, upon prior reservation via the official website. This free access demonstrates the organizers' commitment to making the festival accessible to everyone and fostering interaction between the public and sports journalism professionals. The festival enjoys growing success, increasing from 3,000 participants in its first edition in 2024 to approximately 6,000 visitors for the third edition in 2026.
Practical information — Sports Journalism Festival
Access
The Festival of Sports Journalism takes place in several locations in the city center of Laval: the Théâtre de Laval (34 rue de la Paix, 53000 Laval), the Cinéville cinema, and the Avant-Scène hall (quai Gambetta). All venues are within walking distance of Laval SNCF train station (about a 10-minute walk). Laval is served by TGV from Paris-Montparnasse (1h20), Rennes (40 min), and Le Mans (35 min). By car, Laval is accessible via the A81 highway (Laval centre exit). Free and paid parking is available near the festival venues, including the Ferry-Crossardière parking and the Paix parking next to the Theater.
Prices
Admission to all festival events is completely free. Reservation is mandatory and can be made on the official festival website: www.festivaljs.fr. As seats are limited, it is recommended to book as soon as ticketing opens, usually in mid-December.
Dates and times
The festival is held annually in early February, over three days (Tuesday to Thursday). Events take place in the evening on the first day, and during the day and evening on the following two days. Consult the detailed program on the official website for precise timings of each event.
Accessibility
The Théâtre de Laval and the Cinéville cinema are accessible to people with reduced mobility. For any specific accessibility requests, it is advisable to contact the organizers directly via the festival website.
Additional information
The festival is organized by the association Festival du Journalisme Sportif, chaired by Jean-Christophe Boyer, in partnership with the Union of Sports Journalists in France (UJSF). For any questions, consult the official website www.festivaljs.fr or follow the festival's news on social media. The festival is supported by the City of Laval, the Department of Mayenne, and the Pays de la Loire Region.
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Sports Journalism Festival
Le Théâtre de Laval
34 rue de la Paix, 53000 Laval