Lectures sous l'Arbre

Poetry at 1,000 meters altitude

Lectures sous l'Arbre was born in 1992 from the initiative of Cheyne éditeur, a contemporary poetry publishing house founded in 1980 by Jean-François Manier and Martine Mellinette. The festival takes place on the Vivarais-Lignon plateau, between Ardèche and Haute-Loire, at 1,000 meters altitude. For a week in August, it offers a unique space for encounters between contemporary poetry, literature, and nature, far from the urban hustle and bustle.

Readings, meetings, and poetic sharing

The program of Lectures sous l'Arbre includes public readings by the authors themselves, meetings between writers and the public, writing workshops, literary walks, and informal moments of poetic sharing. Readings take place outdoors, under the trees on the plateau, in an atmosphere of simplicity and intimacy. The festival hosts French and foreign poets, novelists, essayists, and artists.

A festival rooted in the landscape

The uniqueness of Lectures sous l'Arbre lies in its connection to the landscape. The Vivarais-Lignon plateau, with its meadows, fir forests, and vast horizons, is the true setting for the festival. Outdoor readings, poetic walks along the trails, and moments of contemplation are an integral part of the experience. The festival invites an attentive listening to poetic words, in harmony with the silence and beauty of the landscape.

Cheyne éditeur, a poetry house

Cheyne éditeur, founded in 1980, is one of the most respected poetry publishing houses in France. Originally located in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon and then in Devesset, it publishes high-quality contemporary poetry. Lectures sous l'Arbre is intimately linked to the identity of this publishing house. In 2025, Cheyne éditeur announced the end of its involvement in the organization of the festival, marking the end of an era. The festival, however, continues its adventure in a new form.

Over thirty years of living poetry

After more than thirty editions, Lectures sous l'Arbre has established itself as a must-attend event for contemporary poetry in France. Over the years, the festival has hosted the greatest names in French-language and international poetry. Each edition explores a different theme or geographical area, inviting the public on a journey through words. The 33rd edition (2024) was held from August 18 to 24, and the 34th edition is expected in August 2025.