Lectures sous l'Arbre

34th Edition - A New Beginning in Mazet-Saint-Voy

The 2025 edition of Lectures sous l'Arbre marked a historic turning point for the festival, with its move to Mazet-Saint-Voy, around the Calibert hall. Directed by Dominique Rouchouze d'Araules, president of the association Calibert-en-Scène, and supported by a new team of volunteers, this 34th edition managed to preserve the festival's founding spirit while opening up new perspectives.

Camus Days (August 18-19)

The first two days were dedicated to Albert Camus, who lived for several months in Panelier, near the festival venue, from August 1942 to November 1943, a period during which he revised The Plague. Under the artistic direction of historian Jean Lebrun (Radio France), these days featured conferences, readings, walks, and screenings, with contributions from Patrick Cabanel, Jacques Ferrandez, and Anne Prouteau. The opening reading was given by Laurent Soffiati, and Visconti's film The Stranger was screened.

Free Rein to Marie-Hélène Lafon (August 20-23)

The following days were themed around the formula "Free Rein to...", dedicated to the writer Marie-Hélène Lafon, Prix Renaudot 2020 for her novel Histoire du fils. Directed by Dominique Viart (Paris-Nanterre University), this section also highlighted three contemporary authors: Véronique Bérot, Jacques Meizoz, and Emmanuel Venet. The show Les Sources with André Le Hir closed the festival.

Poetry and Encounters

The "Foreign Poetry" series offered readings every morning at 9 am in the Saint-Voy church. The Swiss publishing house Zoé was the featured publisher. The pop-up bookstore, managed by three independent booksellers, offered over 1,500 titles in 125 m². Literary walks, readings led by Nathalie Heinich, Marc Roger, and Ito Naga, completed a rich and accessible program.

Program of the 34th Edition

Camus Days - August 18 and 19

• Opening reading by Laurent Soffiati
• Conference by Patrick Cabanel on Camus in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon
• Contributions from Jacques Ferrandez and Anne Prouteau
• Artistic direction: Jean Lebrun
• Screening of Visconti's film The Stranger
• Walks and readings in the footsteps of Camus

Free Rein to Marie-Hélène Lafon - August 20 to 23

• Encounters and readings with Marie-Hélène Lafon
• Discoveries of Véronique Bérot, Jacques Meizoz, and Emmanuel Venet
• Direction: Dominique Viart (Paris-Nanterre University)
• Closing show: Les Sources with André Le Hir

Daily Programming

• Foreign poetry every morning at 9 am (Saint-Voy church)
• Literary walks in nature
• Writing and public reading workshops
• Film screenings
• Young audience activities
• Pop-up bookstore (Zoé publishing house featured)
• Shared meals with authors

Highlights of the 2025 Edition

• New Beginning: First edition in Mazet-Saint-Voy, around the Calibert hall
• Tribute to Albert Camus: Two Camus days directed by Jean Lebrun, retracing the steps of the writer who lived in Panelier in 1942-1943
• Marie-Hélène Lafon Honored: "Free Rein to..." dedicated to the Prix Renaudot 2020 winner
• Zoé Publishing House: Swiss publisher highlighted
• Over 50% of the program is free
• About sixty events: readings, encounters, walks, cinema, shows, young audiences