Le Marathon des Mots
Literature in Toulouse, Haute-Garonne
2026
About Le Marathon des Mots
Le Marathon des Mots — edition 2026
Le Marathon des Mots is the major international literature festival of Toulouse Metropole and the most important literary event in Occitanie. Far from being a sporting event, it is Europe's largest spoken-word reading event: for five days, actors and artists lend their voices to the most beautiful pages of world literature.
The 22nd edition takes place from Wednesday, April 8 to Sunday, April 12, 2026, around the theme "The Earth is Thirsty": a cycle that invites authors, artists, scientists, and geopolitics specialists to explore the major challenges facing our planet. More than a hundred events (readings, meetings, concerts, performances, writing workshops, and shows) are offered in Toulouse and in about thirty municipalities in the agglomeration and the Occitanie region.
Le Marathon des Mots 2026 in Toulouse
Created in 2000, Le Marathon des Mots has become the international literature festival of Toulouse Metropole and the largest spoken-word reading event in Europe. For its 22nd edition, it will take place from April 8 to 12, 2026 on theatre stages, in bookstores, libraries, and numerous cultural venues in Toulouse and the agglomeration.
The 2026 theme: "The Earth is Thirsty"
The 2026 edition places water and major ecological issues at the heart of its program. Authors, artists, scientists, and geopolitics specialists gather to explore the notion of common good and perspectives for 2050. Thematic round tables (notably on April 10 in Toulouse focusing on water issues) punctuate these five days, alongside cycles dedicated to the freedom to write and think, to neighboring Spain, and to philosophy as seen by women.
A hundred events
More than a hundred events are offered over the five days: author meetings, readings, concerts, performances, writing workshops, and shows. A hundred writers and artists from around the world gather to exchange, read, and share their common passion.
Practical information
Online ticketing via Festik (billetterie.festik.net/lemarathondesmots). Many events are free; paid sessions have a full price generally between 5 and 13 euros, with reduced rates. Information: +33 5 61 99 64 01 - [email protected] - www.lemarathondesmots.com.
Highlights Le Marathon des Mots 2026
- 22nd edition of Occitanie's largest literary festival, from April 8 to 12, 2026.
- 2026 Theme: "The Earth is Thirsty".
- Europe's largest spoken-word reading event: over 100 events over 5 days.
- Expected guests: Amelie Nothomb, Carlos Bardem, Andrei Kourkov, Arthur Sarradin.
- Events in Toulouse and in about thirty municipalities in the agglomeration and Occitanie.
Programme Le Marathon des Mots 2026
Highlights of the 2026 edition (April 8-12)
- Wednesday, April 8 - Theatre de la Cite: afternoon with Amelie Nothomb, reading by Natacha Regnier followed by a meeting.
- Friday, April 10 - Toulouse: round tables on water issues and the theme "The Earth is Thirsty", with authors and experts; meetings at the Universite de Toulouse.
- Readings, meetings, and performances with key guests including Amelie Nothomb, Carlos Bardem, Andrei Kourkov, and Arthur Sarradin.
- Thematic cycles: the freedom to write and think, the challenges of the planet, neighboring Spain, philosophy as seen by women.
- Programming in libraries and in about thirty municipalities of the metropolis and the Occitanie region.
Prices Le Marathon des Mots 2026
Le Marathon des Mots — 2027 edition
The 2026 edition was held from 8 April to 12 April 2026. The dates for the 2027 edition have not been announced yet. This page will be updated as soon as the official programme is published.
Practical information — Le Marathon des Mots
Practical Information
Location
Toulouse (31941), Haute-Garonne.
Access
Travel to Toulouse by road. Parking is available near the event site. Consult the official information for access details.
Prices
Price: from €5 to €13.
Contact
For more information, consult the official website of the event or contact the Toulouse town hall.
Le Marathon des Mots in Toulouse
Le Marathon des Mots is a must-attend event in the cultural life of Toulouse and the Haute-Garonne department, in Occitanie. Since its creation in 2000, this event has established itself as a benchmark for literature, attracting a loyal and curious audience each year.
An event rooted in its territory
Located in the heart of Toulouse, Le Marathon des Mots takes advantage of the exceptional setting of the municipality and its heritage. The event fully participates in the tourist attractiveness of the Haute-Garonne department and highlights the cultural, natural, and human riches of the Occitanie region.
Program and activities
Each edition of Le Marathon des Mots offers a varied program combining literature and conviviality. Visitors can enjoy numerous activities, discoveries, and moments of sharing that make this event so rich. The complete program is announced each year on the official channels of the event.
A friendly gathering
Le Marathon des Mots is above all a moment of sharing and conviviality. Whether you are an informed amateur or simply curious, everyone will find something to satisfy their curiosity and have a pleasant time in Toulouse. The warm welcome from the organizers and volunteers makes each edition a memorable experience.
Where does it take place — Le Marathon des Mots
Le Marathon des Mots in brief
History of Le Marathon des Mots
Edition 2025 Aug 2025Other festivals near Toulouse
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