Le Marathon des Mots
2026
Edition 2026 — Finished
Edition 2026 — Le Marathon des Mots
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.
Programme
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.
Highlights
- 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.
Prices
5.00€ — 13.00€
Published by Valentin Contard, festival listings writer. Reviewed, corrected and approved by Christophe Contard, editor-in-chief. .