International Geography Festival (FIG)
The world meeting of geography in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges
About FIG
The FIG: A Unique Scientific and Cultural Institution
Created in 1990 by Christian Pierret, then mayor of Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, the International Geography Festival has become the largest gathering dedicated to geography in the world. This choice is not insignificant: it was in this Vosges town that in 1507, the word "America" was first inscribed on a geographical map by cartographer Martin Waldseemüller, making Saint-Dié-des-Vosges the "godmother of America".
An Exceptionally Rich Program
Each year, for three days in early October, the FIG offers over 250 free events. Nearly 300 speakers—geographers, novelists, essayists, sociologists, historians, philosophers, and political figures—take turns in conferences, debates, round tables, and geography cafés. The Amerigo Vespucci Book Fair hosts publishers, travelogue authors, and human sciences researchers, while the Gastronomy Fair brings together about thirty local and international producers and artisans.
A Theme and a Guest Country Each Year
The FIG stands out for its original format: each edition explores a theme and highlights a guest country. From "Feeding Humans" to "Emergencies," from "Lands" to "Power," the themes address major contemporary geographical issues. The Geo-Digital Space presents the latest advances in geographical research tools, and FIG Junior raises awareness of the discipline among younger audiences.
International Scientific Reach
Chaired by eminent scientific personalities—such as Valérie Masson-Delmotte, climatologist and research director at the CNRS for the 2025 edition—the FIG awards the prestigious thesis prize and several literary awards each year. The festival benefits from the support of the Ministry of National Education and is a highlight of continuing professional development for geography teachers. In over thirty years of existence, it has established Saint-Dié-des-Vosges as the world capital of geography.
FIG — edition 2026
The 37th edition of the International Geography Festival (FIG) will take place on October 2, 3 and 4, 2026, in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges. The chosen theme is « Landscape » and it honors two countries: Bulgaria and Romania. As every year, all conferences, round tables, exhibitions, the book fair, and activities will be completely free.
2026 Edition: « Landscape », Bulgaria and Romania in the spotlight
For its 37th edition, from October 2 to 4, 2026, the International Geography Festival explores the theme « Landscape ». Beyond its aesthetic dimension, landscape is approached here as a living and dynamic space, shaped by choices, tensions, and arbitrations, and carrying major political and environmental stakes.
The honored countries for 2026 are Bulgaria and Romania. The festival looks back at two decades of European integration for these two nations, whose interface situation on the Black Sea places them in an in-between position between Eastern and Western Europe, in an unprecedented geopolitical context.
The scientific direction of the edition is provided by Léa Sallenave, a doctor in geography specializing in alpine territories and landscape didactics, while the programming for the invited countries is directed by Emmanuelle Boulineau, professor of geography at ENS de Lyon, specializing in the political geography of Central and Eastern Europe.
The FIG will once again offer its usual highlights: conference-debates, round tables and geographical cafés, the Amerigo Vespucci Book Fair, the Gastronomy Fair, exhibitions, the Geo-Digital Space, and FIG Junior. The detailed program (speakers, schedules, locations) is developed from proposals received during the call for papers, which closed in January 2026, and is published by the organizer closer to the festival.
Highlights FIG 2026
- 37th edition, October 2 to 4, 2026
- Theme: « Landscape »
- Honored countries: Bulgaria and Romania
- Scientific direction: Léa Sallenave
- Completely free entry
Prices FIG 2026
Practical information — FIG
Practical Information
Access
By train: Saint-Dié-des-Vosges is accessible by TGV from Paris-Est in 2h20. Regional trains connect the town from Nancy, Strasbourg, and Épinal.
By car: Saint-Dié-des-Vosges is located 80 km from Nancy, 80 km from Strasbourg, and 50 km from Épinal.
Prices
All FIG events are completely free and open to everyone.
Contact
ADFIG — 26 rue d'Amérique, 88100 Saint-Dié-des-Vosges. Tel: 03 29 42 16 72.
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Where does it take place — FIG
Centre-ville de Saint-Dié-des-Vosges
26 rue d'Amérique, 88100 Saint-Dié-des-Vosges