Le Printemps du Livre de Montaigu

Le Printemps du Livre: over 35 years of literary passion

Founded in 1989 on the initiative of the community of communes Terres de Montaigu, Le Printemps du Livre de Montaigu has established itself over the decades as the leading literary event in the Pays de la Loire and one of the most popular book fairs in France. Each year, nearly 40,000 visitors converge on Montaigu-Vendée to meet over 200 invited authors, in a spirit of sharing, discovery, and conviviality that defines this festival.

A national-scale generalist fair

Le Printemps du Livre stands out for its generalist ambition: from general literature to comics, from crime fiction to youth novels, from poetry to essays, all facets of literary creation are represented. Each year, the program reflects publishing news and the readings favored by the French public. Literary meetings, round tables, youth shows, an open stage, musical readings, theatrical strolls, and exhibitions punctuate the three days of the festival, offering the public total immersion in the world of books.

A prestigious honorary president each year

Each edition is placed under the presidency of a renowned author, who embodies the spirit of the year and sponsors the events. Over the years, the festival has hosted major figures in French literature, including Marc Levy (2019), Michel Bussi (2018), Françoise Bourdin (2017), Clara Dupont-Monod (2022), and Étienne de Montety (2023). In 2025, it was Bernard Minier, master of French thrillers, who presided over the 35th edition.

The Prix Ouest: rewarding literature from the West

Le Printemps du Livre de Montaigu awards the Prix Ouest each year, a literary prize that recognizes a novel set in the Grand Ouest region of France or written by an author from this region. This prize contributes to the influence of regional literature and highlights the festival's deep territorial roots.

A festival rooted in its territory

Since 2022, the festival has taken over several emblematic locations in the town center of Montaigu-Vendée: the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, the Théâtre de Thalie, the Médiathèque Calliopé, the Parc Henri Joyau, the Maison des Associations, and the Salle des Fêtes. This multi-site format transforms the entire town into a vast book village, where visitors wander freely from one space to another. Admission is entirely free, in line with the organizers' commitment to making literature accessible to all.

An exemplary youth program

The festival gives a prime place to the young public. Two days are dedicated to schoolchildren, with reading, writing, and drawing workshops, meetings with youth authors, and adapted shows. On weekends, families enjoy specific activities, readings for toddlers, and creative workshops. This focus on transmitting a passion for books to the youngest is a founding value of Le Printemps du Livre.