Festival Prise de Paroles

Citizen Speech at the Heart of Jarnac

The Festival Prise de Paroles is held each year in early July in the gardens and salons of the Birthplace of François Mitterrand, at 22, rue Abel Guy in Jarnac, in Charente. Created in 2021 by the Institut François Mitterrand, this festival pays tribute to the President's attachment to the French language and his oratorical talent by offering a weekend entirely dedicated to speech in all its forms.

A Rich and Eclectic Program

The festival's program combines citizen debates, conferences, public readings, theater performances, concerts, oral expression workshops, and literary encounters. Each edition invites personalities from the political, literary, and artistic worlds to share their reflections on democracy, eloquence, and civic engagement. In 2024, the festival notably hosted François Hollande and Bertrand Périer for a "Grande Disputatio" on youth and democracy, as well as a concert by Contrebrassens revisiting the texts of Georges Brassens.

An Exceptional Heritage Setting

The Birthplace of François Mitterrand, a listed historic monument, offers an intimate and historically rich setting for performances and encounters. The gardens on the banks of the Charente host open-air performances, while the house's salons serve as a backdrop for readings and conferences. The bookstore Le Texte Libre, a partner of the festival since its creation, offers a space for book signings and meetings with invited authors.

A Committed and Accessible Festival

True to the spirit of its founder, the Festival Prise de Paroles aims to be a space for dialogue open to all. The oral expression workshops allow participants to work on their eloquence and public speaking skills. On-site catering and the friendly atmosphere on the banks of the Charente make it an unmissable summer event for lovers of literature, theater, and citizen debate in Charente.