Les Correspondances de Manosque
Literature is a living art!
Manosque — Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04)
•
Since 1999
Literature
Poetry
Participatory
Edition
2026
2026
Les Correspondances
About Les Correspondances
Since 1999, Les Correspondances de Manosque have been inventing new ways to encounter texts to promote living literature. Every year, during the last week of September, over 16,000 festival-goers roam Manosque for five days to celebrate writing and the literary season's return. The festival supports young writers, honors today's great literary figures, and prioritizes readings, artistic crossovers, and a vast network of one hundred public writing desks.
Dates
23 Sep
— 27 Sep 2026
Location
Manosque (04)
Prices
Free
Status
Confirmed
Edition 2026
Tickets →
Les Correspondances — edition 2026
The 28th edition of the Correspondances de Manosque takes place from Wednesday, September 23 to Sunday, September 27, 2026, in the pedestrianized historic center. Forty-seven writers from the literary season are expected for meetings in the Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, Place Marcel-Pagnol, and Place d’Herbès. Each evening, the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu hosts a reading or literary concert: Yannick Haenel, Anne Alvaro and Constance Dollé, Emmanuel Noblet, Arthur H and Alfred, Nicolas Bouchaud, Vincent Delerm, and finally Fanny Ardant with Deleyaman and Jean-Jacques Burnel (The Stranglers) on Sunday.
2026 Edition — the 28th
The Correspondances de Manosque take place from Wednesday, September 23 to Sunday, September 27, 2026. The official program, printed in August 2026, announces 47 writers for meetings, readings, and performances, alongside an OFF program supported since 2015 by local associations, businesses, and cultural venues, and a youth program prepared by the Éclat de lire association.
Outdoor Meetings
Meetings are held in three city center squares: Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, Place Marcel-Pagnol, and Place d’Herbès, where a literary aperitif opens every morning at 11:00 AM from Friday to Sunday. The small hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu and the Observantins auditorium host the reading-encounters. These events are free, with open access subject to availability, with tickets distributed 30 minutes before in the hall.
Evenings at the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu
Five ticketed evening events in the main hall: “La solitude des professeurs est infinie” by and with Yannick Haenel, Pierre Baux, and Mahut on Wednesday; the correspondence of Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf by Anne Alvaro and Constance Dollé on Thursday; “Lettres à Sigurd” by Romain Gary by Emmanuel Noblet followed by the illustrated concert by Arthur H and Alfred on Friday; the letters of Nicolas de Staël by Nicolas Bouchaud followed by “Vincent Delerm, en toutes lettres” on Saturday; “Éluard, une poésie ininterrompue” by Deleyaman, Fanny Ardant, and Jean-Jacques Burnel on Sunday at 5:30 PM. From Thursday to Sunday at 2:30 PM, the small hall hosts a literary siesta by Bastien Lallemant, with a different guest author each day.
Writing Desks
Around a hundred writing installations form a trail through Manosque and its region, with paper, pens, and envelopes provided; postage is covered by the festival, with the Fondation d’entreprise La Poste. Several writing desks designed by artists punctuate this trail in 2026, including the Écritoire perché by Cie Les Têtes Bêches, at Espace Soubeyran, where you can write from a branch, a hammock, or a swing.
Saturday, September 26: “Tout le monde lit à Manosque”
For the 80th anniversary of the National Book Center, the festival is partnering with the Silence, On Lit! association: presentation at 2:30 PM at Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville by its president Olivier Delahaye, followed by 15 minutes of silent reading at 2:45 PM throughout the city and in partner venues, which will display the “Silence, On Lit!” signage.
Highlights Les Correspondances 2026
- Wednesday, September 23, 9:00 PM — “La solitude des professeurs est infinie”, by and with Yannick Haenel, Pierre Baux, and Mahut · main hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu
- Thursday, September 24, 9:00 PM — “Baisers du singe”, the correspondence of Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf, by Anne Alvaro and Constance Dollé
- Friday, September 25, 10:30 PM — illustrated concert “La Solidité du rêve” by Arthur H and Alfred
- Saturday, September 26, 10:30 PM — literary concert “Vincent Delerm, en toutes lettres”
- Sunday, September 27, 5:30 PM — “Éluard, une poésie ininterrompue” by Deleyaman, Fanny Ardant, and Jean-Jacques Burnel (The Stranglers)
- Literary siestas by Bastien Lallemant, every day at 2:30 PM in the small hall, with Angélique Villeneuve, Sylvain Prudhomme, Lucie Bérard, and Emma Marsantes
- Saturday the 26th at 2:30 PM — “Tout le monde lit à Manosque”, 15 minutes of silent reading throughout the city for the 80th anniversary of the National Book Center
Programme Les Correspondances 2026
The complete program for the 28th edition, as published by the organizers. Meetings in the squares, reading-encounters in the small hall and the Observantins auditorium are free; shows in the main hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu and the literary siestas are ticketed.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 — Youth Preview
- 6:30 PM — Launch of illustrator Sophie Vissière’s youth residency · Centre culturel et littéraire Jean Giono, 3 bd Élémir-Bourges
- Writing contest, ages 8 and up · Festival Info Point, 15 place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville · awards ceremony Saturday the 26th at 4:30 PM
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Festival IN
- 3:30 PM — “Oscar et Carrosse. La soupe de pâtes” with Ludovic Lecomte · musical reading · Place Marcel-Pagnol · ages 5 and up, duration 45 min
- 5:00 PM — Festival inauguration · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- 6:00 PM — “Qui se ressemble” by Agnès Desarthe, hosted by Maya Michalon · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- 9:00 PM — Reading “La solitude des professeurs est infinie”, by and with Yannick Haenel, Pierre Baux, and Mahut · Main hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu · €20 and €15 (reduced rate) + booking fees
The OFF
- 9:30-10:30 AM and 3:00-4:00 PM — Guided tours of Jean Giono’s Le Paraïs · montée des Vraies-Richesses · €10 full, €5 reduced, free for under 16s, from age 12
- 9:30-11:00 AM, 2:00-3:30 PM, 4:00-5:30 PM and 6:00-7:30 PM — “L’encre et l’argile” with Tes Mots & Tes Mains · 4 rue des Marchands · €20
- 2:00-6:00 PM — “Ex Libris” with Thierry Fleuret · creative workshop · 75 rue Chacundier · €10, 5 people max
- 2:00-6:00 PM — Introduction to engraving with Empreinte 04 · Empreinte 04 workshop, 6 rue des Marchands
- 3:00 PM — “Ma Correspondance” with the Manosque media library · creative workshop for ages 5 and up · Médiathèque d’Herbès, rue du Mont-d’Or
Youth
- 9:00 AM-12:00 PM — Introduction to engraving with Empreinte 04, school groups by registration · Empreinte 04 workshop, 6 rue des Marchands
- 2:00-5:00 PM — “Révolte!” with Popy Matigot · continuous illustration workshop, ages 6 and up · Youth Space, esplanade François-Mitterrand
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Festival IN
- 10:00-11:20 AM — “Jefferson” by Jean-Claude Mourlevat & Antoine Ronzon · illustrated reading, school groups from 3rd to 7th grade · Main hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu
- 11:00 AM — The Publishing Lab with Benoît Verhille, hosted by Nathanaële Corriol · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- 2:30 PM — Literary siesta by Bastien Lallemant, Maëva Le Berre, JP Nataf, Mathieu Boogaerts & Angélique Villeneuve · Small hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu · €8 + booking fees, duration 1 hr
- 3:00 PM — “L’Inconnue du quai de Javel” by Philippe Jaenada, hosted by Sophie Joubert · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- 4:30 PM — Thélyson Orélien & Dorcy Rugamba, hosted by Maya Michalon · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- 4:30 PM — Pierre Adrian & Marius Loris Rodionoff, hosted by Élodie Karaki · Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 6:00 PM — “Les Noms de Feliza” by Juan Gabriel Vásquez, hosted by Camille Thomine · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- 6:00 PM — Eva Bottega & Esther Teillard, hosted by Salomé Kiner · Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 9:00 PM — Reading “Baisers du singe – Correspondance 1904-1941” by Vanessa Bell & Virginia Woolf by Anne Alvaro & Constance Dollé · Main hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu · €20 and €15 (reduced rate) + booking fees
The OFF
- 9:30-10:30 AM and 3:00-4:00 PM — Guided tours of Le Paraïs · €10 / €5, free for under 16s
- 9:30-11:00 AM, 2:00-3:30 PM, 4:00-5:30 PM and 6:00-7:30 PM — “L’encre et l’argile” with Tes Mots & Tes Mains · 4 rue des Marchands · €20
- 10:00-11:00 AM — “Libérer le trait: café et fusain” with Claire Farcot · ages 12 and up · 22 place Marcel-Pagnol · €10
- 10:00 AM-12:00 PM — “Le territoire du vide” with Jacques Cartier · writing workshop · Ampra, 42 bis bd des Tilleuls
- 10:30-11:30 AM — “Comment Milos C. est entré dans ma boîte à lettres” by Denise Cabelli with the Bibliothèque sonore 04 · Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 10:30-11:45 AM — “Sur la longue route” by Brigitte Kolly-Weiss & Donata Lelleri · musical reading for ages 8 and up · 26 rue des Tanneurs · pay-what-you-wish
- 10:30 AM-12:00 PM and 2:30-4:00 PM — “Au plaisir de vous écrire” by Filigrane magazine · writing workshops · Librairie Le Petit Pois, 3 place du Terreau
- 11:00 AM-12:00 PM — “Écriture-s?” by Christine Dabadie-Fabreguettes, with the Art en partage art library · Écomusée l’Olivier, old Forcalquier road, Volx
- 1:00-2:00 PM — “Les romans du Festival” by the Donneurs de voix · public reading · Place du Terreau, under the shade structure
- 2:00-3:30 PM — “Atelier d’écriture mouvementé” with Gilles Viandier (Canop’écritoire) · esplanade François-Mitterrand fountain · from €5 (pay-what-you-wish)
- 2:00-6:00 PM — Introduction to engraving with Empreinte 04 · 6 rue des Marchands
- 2:15-4:00 PM — “À la rencontre de Mario Rigoni Stern” with the Manosque-Voghera twinning committee · literary tea · Ampra, 42 bis bd des Tilleuls
- 2:30-4:30 PM — “Femme Livre” by and with Lucie Botiveau · roaming theatrical reading · Librairie-café La Somme de nos folies, 10 rue du Soubeyran · pay-what-you-wish
- 3:00-4:00 PM — “Petit FabLab d’écriture” with the Manosque media library · ages 10 and up · Médiathèque d’Herbès
- 3:00-4:00 PM — “Caractères imaginaires: aquarelle sur livres anciens” with Claire Farcot · 22 place Marcel-Pagnol · €10, 6 people max
- 3:30-4:15 PM — “Sadako Sasaki et les mille grues pour la paix” with the Peace Movement · reading and origami workshop · Café du Coin, 20 rue du Soubeyran
- 5:00-6:30 PM — “Homards quiz” by and with Christelle Thouvenin · intergenerational game, 12 people max · La Somme de nos folies, 10 rue du Soubeyran
- 6:00-7:15 PM — “Dis, Barbara, viens voir l’Italie!” by Brigitte Kolly-Weiss & Donata Lelleri · musical show · Maison du Rotary, Le Jeanne-d’Arc building, rue Sans-Nom · pay-what-you-wish
Youth (mostly school groups)
- 9:00 AM-12:00 PM — Introduction to engraving with Empreinte 04, school groups by registration
- 9:30-11:00 AM — “Pim Pommes Pam” with Popy Matigot · kindergarten to 1st grade · Youth Space, esplanade François-Mitterrand
- 9:30-11:00 AM — “Livre-maison accordéon” with Morgane Bel (Mobile association) · kindergarten to 2nd grade · Centre culturel et littéraire Jean Giono courtyard
- 9:30-11:00 AM — “Mon petit livre souple” with Sophie Vissière · kindergarten to 1st grade · Centre culturel et littéraire Jean Giono courtyard
- 2:00-3:30 PM — “Révolte!” with Popy Matigot · 1st to 4th grade · Youth Space
- 2:00-3:30 PM — “Une carte-maison postale” with Morgane Bel · 3rd to 6th grade · Centre culturel et littéraire Jean Giono courtyard
- 2:00-3:30 PM — “Postérisation” with Sophie Vissière · 3rd to 7th grade · Centre culturel et littéraire Jean Giono courtyard
Friday, September 25, 2026
Festival IN
- 10:30 AM — Launch of the departmental adolescent literary prize · seats reserved for middle and high school students · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville and Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 11:00 AM — Literary aperitif with Pierric Bailly and Marius Loris Rodionoff, hosted by Nathanaële Corriol · Place d’Herbès
- 2:00 PM — Literary karaoke · open to all, duration 1 hr · Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 2:30 PM — Literary siesta by Bastien Lallemant, Maëva Le Berre, JP Nataf, Mathieu Boogaerts & Sylvain Prudhomme · Small hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu · €8 + booking fees, duration 1 hr
- 3:00 PM — “Des idées d’incendie” by Angélique Villeneuve, hosted by Élodie Karaki · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- 3:00 PM — Diaty Diallo & Polina Panassenko, hosted by Salomé Kiner · Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 4:30 PM — Louise Chennevière & Daria Marx, hosted by Camille Thomine · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- 4:30 PM — “JE” by Lilia Hassaine, hosted by Élodie Karaki · Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 4:30 PM — “Septentrionale” by Karim Kattan, hosted by Nicolas Herbeaux · Place d’Herbès
- 6:00 PM — Pierric Bailly & Sylvain Prudhomme, hosted by Maya Michalon · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- 6:00 PM — Sibylle Grimbert & Thomas Gunzig, hosted by Sophie Joubert · Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 6:30 PM — Musical reading “Vivre sans bonheur et n’en point dépérir” by Véronique Ovaldé, with Maëva Le Berre on cello · Small hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu
- 9:00 PM — Reading “Lettres à Sigurd” by Romain Gary by Emmanuel Noblet · Main hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu · €20 and €15 (reduced rate) + booking fees
- 10:30 PM — Illustrated concert “La Solidité du rêve” by Arthur H & Alfred · Main hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu · €20 and €15 (reduced rate) + booking fees
The OFF
- 9:00 AM-6:00 PM — Human rights defense with Amnesty International · petition signing stand · opposite Saint-Sauveur church
- 9:30-10:30 AM and 3:00-4:00 PM — Guided tours of Le Paraïs · €10 / €5, free for under 16s
- 9:30-11:00 AM, 2:00-3:30 PM, 4:00-5:30 PM and 6:00-7:30 PM — “L’encre et l’argile” with Tes Mots & Tes Mains · 4 rue des Marchands · €20
- 10:00-11:00 AM — “Déco-rrespondances” with Claire Farcot · ages 10 and up · 22 place Marcel-Pagnol · €10
- 10:00 AM-12:00 PM — “La symbolique des chakras” with Jacques Cartier · writing workshop · Ampra, 42 bis bd des Tilleuls
- 10:30-11:30 AM — “Comment Milos C. est entré dans ma boîte à lettres” by Denise Cabelli with the Bibliothèque sonore 04 · Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 10:30-11:45 AM — “Sur la longue route” by Brigitte Kolly-Weiss & Donata Lelleri · 26 rue des Tanneurs · pay-what-you-wish
- 10:30 AM-12:30 PM — “Femme Livre” by and with Lucie Botiveau · Librairie Le Petit Pois, 3 place du Terreau · pay-what-you-wish
- 1:00-2:00 PM — “Les romans du Festival” by the Donneurs de voix · Place du Terreau, under the shade structure
- 1:00-4:00 PM — Book signing with Pierre Taranzano, in partnership with the Eïkôndôlon association · Librairie La Somme de nos folies, 10 rue du Soubeyran
- 2:00-3:30 PM — “Atelier d’écriture mouvementé” with Gilles Viandier · esplanade François-Mitterrand fountain · from €5 (pay-what-you-wish)
- 2:00-6:00 PM — Introduction to engraving with Empreinte 04 · 6 rue des Marchands
- 2:00-6:00 PM — “Ex Libris” with Thierry Fleuret · 75 rue Chacundier · €10
- 2:15-4:00 PM — “Chansons en paroles” with Marc Donato · reading · Ampra, 42 bis bd des Tilleuls
- 3:00-4:00 PM — “Petit FabLab d’écriture” with the Manosque media library · ages 10 and up · Médiathèque d’Herbès
- 3:00-4:00 PM — “Illustration de poésie moderne” with Claire Farcot · 22 place Marcel-Pagnol · €10
- 5:30-7:00 PM — Book signing with illustrator Michel Montheillet and the Eïkôndôlon association · Librairie Le Petit Pois, 3 place du Terreau
- 5:30-7:00 PM — “Ça, c’est du propre!” by Claude Rouge · readings · Centre Carzou, 7-9 bd Élémir-Bourges
- 6:00-7:15 PM — “Contes et musiques” by De Bouche à Oreilles · musical reading for ages 14 and up · 6 rue de la Brasserie · pay-what-you-wish
- 6:00-7:30 PM — Poetry slam in a bookstore, with “La Plume” by Encre et Voix · La Somme de nos folies, 10 rue du Soubeyran
- 7:15-8:00 PM — “Une lumière dans la nuit”, based on the diary of Etty Hillesum, by Cie l’Oiseau Tempête · one-woman show for ages 15 and up · Maison du Rotary, rue Sans-Nom · pay-what-you-wish
- 7:30-8:30 PM — “Juste avant que les mots sonnent” by James Fontaine Trio · Café Rose Banane, 9 rue des Marchands
- 8:00-9:00 PM — Open mic with Proven’Slam · La Somme de nos folies, 10 rue du Soubeyran
Youth (mostly school groups)
- 9:00 AM-12:00 PM — Introduction to engraving with Empreinte 04, school groups by registration
- 9:30-11:00 AM — “Pim Pommes Pam” with Popy Matigot · Youth Space, esplanade François-Mitterrand
- 9:30-11:00 AM — “Livre-maison accordéon” with Morgane Bel · Centre culturel et littéraire Jean Giono courtyard
- 9:30-11:00 AM — “Mon petit livre souple” with Sophie Vissière · Centre culturel et littéraire Jean Giono courtyard
- 2:00-3:30 PM — “Révolte!” with Popy Matigot · Youth Space
- 2:00-3:30 PM — “Une carte-maison postale” with Morgane Bel · Centre culturel et littéraire Jean Giono courtyard
- 2:00-3:30 PM — “Postérisation” with Sophie Vissière · Centre culturel et littéraire Jean Giono courtyard
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Festival IN
- 10:30 AM — Meeting-workshop with the ACLF (French Language Proofreaders Association) with Sylvain Prudhomme · registration from August 25 · Médiathèque d’Herbès, rue du Mont-d’Or
- 11:00 AM — “La Punition” by Arthur Dreyfus, hosted by Nicolas Herbeaux · Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 11:00 AM — Literary aperitif with Angélique Villeneuve and Sibylle Grimbert, hosted by Nathanaële Corriol · Place d’Herbès
- 2:30 PM — Literary siesta by Bastien Lallemant, Maëva Le Berre, JP Nataf, Mathieu Boogaerts & Lucie Bérard · Small hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu · €8 + booking fees, duration 1 hr
- 2:30 PM — “Tout le monde lit à Manosque!”, for the 80th anniversary of the National Book Center with the Silence, On Lit! association · presentation by Olivier Delahaye, followed by 15 minutes of silent reading at 2:45 PM · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville and throughout the city
- 3:00 PM — “Chronique d’un royaume perdu” by Ananda Devi, hosted by Élodie Karaki · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- 3:00 PM — Boris Bergmann & Emma Marsantes, hosted by Camille Thomine · Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 3:00 PM — “Notre-Dame-des-Anges” by Célia Houdart · reading-encounter hosted by Sophie Joubert · Observantins Auditorium
- 4:30 PM — “Nos vies sauvages” by Hemley Boum, hosted by Sophie Joubert · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- 4:30 PM — “Cipango” by Jean-Marie Blas de Roblès, hosted by Chloë Cambreling · Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 4:30 PM — Séverine Chevalier & Anaïs Llobet, hosted by Maya Michalon · Place d’Herbès
- 6:00 PM — “La Méthode” by David Djaïz, hosted by Chloë Cambreling · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- 6:00 PM — “Demi-Lune au soleil” by David Lopez, hosted by Salomé Kiner · Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 6:00 PM — “Cinemondo” by Robert Alexis, hosted by Nicolas Herbeaux · Place d’Herbès
- 6:00 PM — “Rien à voir” by Gaëlle Obiégly · reading-encounter hosted by Camille Thomine · Small hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu
- 9:00 PM — Reading “Lettres 1926-1955” by Nicolas de Staël by Nicolas Bouchaud · Main hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu · €20 and €15 (reduced rate) + booking fees
- 10:30 PM — Literary concert “Vincent Delerm, en toutes lettres” · Main hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu · €20 and €15 (reduced rate) + booking fees
The OFF
- 9:00 AM-6:00 PM — Human rights defense with Amnesty Manosque · opposite Saint-Sauveur church
- 9:30-10:30 AM and 3:00-4:00 PM — Guided tours of Le Paraïs · €10 / €5, free for under 16s
- 9:30-11:00 AM, 2:00-3:30 PM, 4:00-5:30 PM and 6:00-7:30 PM — “L’encre et l’argile” with Tes Mots & Tes Mains · 4 rue des Marchands · €20
- 10:00-11:00 AM — “Libérer le trait: café et fusain” with Claire Farcot · ages 12 and up · 22 place Marcel-Pagnol · €10
- 10:00 AM-12:30 PM and 2:00-5:00 PM — “Écritoire perché” by Cie Les Têtes Bêches · suspended writing workshop, 8 people max · Espace Soubeyran, in front of the CGR cinema · from €5 (pay-what-you-wish)
- 10:00 AM-1:00 PM — Book signing with illustrator Michel Montheillet and the Eïkôndôlon association · Librairie Le Petit Pois, 3 place du Terreau
- 11:00 AM-12:00 PM — “Vivre sans bonheur et n’en point dépérir” by Véronique Ovaldé · meeting-signing · Librairie Le Bleuet, place Saint-Just, Banon
- 11:00 AM-12:15 PM — “Nuits de noces” by Marie Deshons-Manent & Benoît Paredes, with Jean Barbaroux · musical reading · Les Tourelles accommodation center, 204 rue des Tourelles · pay-what-you-wish
- 1:00-2:00 PM — “Les romans du Festival” by the Donneurs de voix · Place du Terreau, under the shade structure
- 2:00-3:30 PM — “Atelier d’écriture mouvementé” with Gilles Viandier · esplanade François-Mitterrand fountain · from €5 (pay-what-you-wish)
- 2:00-6:00 PM — Introduction to engraving with Empreinte 04 · 6 rue des Marchands
- 2:00-6:00 PM — “Ex Libris” with Thierry Fleuret · 75 rue Chacundier · €10
- 3:00-4:00 PM — “Petit FabLab d’écriture” with the Manosque media library · Médiathèque d’Herbès
- 3:00-4:00 PM — “Me souvenir de” by Myriam Linguanotto and the Siempreviva duo · musical reading · Médiathèque d’Herbès
- 3:30-4:15 PM — “Sadako Sasaki et les mille grues pour la paix” with the Peace Movement · Café du Coin, 20 rue du Soubeyran
- 4:00-5:00 PM — “Caractères imaginaires: aquarelle sur livres anciens” with Claire Farcot · 22 place Marcel-Pagnol · €10
- 5:00-6:00 PM — Literary cruise “Rouges-Truites” with Pierric Bailly · The port, Esparron-de-Verdon · €10 full, €5 reduced, family pass €25
- 7:30-8:30 PM — “Juste avant que les mots sonnent” by James Fontaine Trio · Café Rose Banane, 9 rue des Marchands
- 8:00-9:00 PM — Jean Giono, “Lettres à mon éditeur” by Les amis de Jean Giono · musical reading · Le Paraïs, montée des Vraies-Richesses
Youth
- 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and 2:00-5:00 PM — “Livre souple” with Sophie Vissière · continuous illustration workshop, ages 6 and up · Youth Space, esplanade François-Mitterrand
- 10:00 AM-12:00 PM and 2:00-5:00 PM — “Cartes postales dessinées-découpées” with Morgane Bel · continuous illustration workshop, ages 6 and up · Youth Space
- 4:30 PM — Writing contest awards ceremony · Youth Space, esplanade François-Mitterrand
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Festival IN
- 11:00 AM — Literary aperitif with Boris Bergmann and Célia Houdart, hosted by Nathanaële Corriol · Place d’Herbès
- 11:00 AM — Pierre Ducrozet & Bénédicte Dupré la Tour, hosted by Nicolas Herbeaux · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- 11:00 AM — “Paradisi Gloria” by Élise Lespade, hosted by Sophie Joubert · Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 2:00-6:00 PM — “Les Chants du monde”, stroll in the Jean Giono gardens · duration 45 min, departures every 45 min · Le Paraïs, montée des Vraies-Richesses
- 2:30 PM — Literary siesta by Bastien Lallemant, Maëva Le Berre, JP Nataf, Mathieu Boogaerts & Emma Marsantes · Small hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu · €8 + booking fees, duration 1 hr
- 2:30 PM — Lucie Bérard & Lucie Rico, hosted by Camille Thomine · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- 2:30 PM — Iman Ahmed & Alexandrine Descotes, hosted by Maya Michalon · Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 4:00 PM — Antoine Volodine, hosted by Élodie Karaki · Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
- 4:00 PM — “Rappelle-moi, ma belle” by Anna Ostasenko Bogdanoff, hosted by Salomé Kiner · Place Marcel-Pagnol
- 4:00 PM — “La Vie brute” by Joy Sorman · reading-encounter hosted by Sophie Joubert · Small hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu
- 5:30 PM — Musical reading “Éluard, une poésie ininterrompue” by Deleyaman, Fanny Ardant & Jean-Jacques Burnel (The Stranglers) · Main hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu · €25 and €20 (reduced rate) + booking fees
The OFF
- 10:00-11:00 AM — “Déco-rrespondances” with Claire Farcot · ages 10 and up · 22 place Marcel-Pagnol · €10
- 10:00 AM-12:30 PM and 2:00-5:00 PM — “Écritoire perché” by Cie Les Têtes Bêches · Espace Soubeyran, in front of the CGR cinema · from €5 (pay-what-you-wish)
- 11:00 AM-12:30 PM — “Homards quiz” by and with Christelle Thouvenin · La Somme de nos folies, 10 rue du Soubeyran
- 1:00-2:00 PM — “Les romans du Festival” by the Donneurs de voix · Place du Terreau, under the shade structure
- 2:00-3:00 PM — “Illustration de poésie moderne” with Claire Farcot · 22 place Marcel-Pagnol · €10
- 2:00-6:00 PM — Introduction to engraving with Empreinte 04 · 6 rue des Marchands
- 2:00-6:00 PM — “Ex Libris” with Thierry Fleuret · 75 rue Chacundier · €10
- 3:00-4:10 PM — “La Terre, L’Arbre et L’Oiseau” by the L’Oiseau-Lyre company · poetic and musical show with Nathalie Vauthier and Charlotte Hutter on harp · Ferme La Soleillerie, 880 chemin de Sainte-Roustagne
Continuous from September 23 to 27
Writing Desks
- Around a hundred writing installations throughout Manosque and its region, with paper, pens, and envelopes provided; postage is covered by the festival
- L’écritoire à Vertiges, by Lise Couzinier and Olivier Lubeck · Place des Observantins
- L’écritoire Lettres parfumées, with Terre d’Oc · garden of the Centre culturel et littéraire Jean Giono, 3 bd Élémir-Bourges · Wednesday to Saturday 10 AM-6 PM, Sunday 10 AM-5 PM
- L’écritoire Pierre à Pierre: variations sur le minéral, by Lise Couzinier and Olivier Lubeck · next to the war memorial, Place du Terreau
- The Canop’écritoire by Gilles Viandier (Cie Promenade d’artiste) · esplanade François-Mitterrand fountain · 2:00-3:30 PM
- L’Écritoire perché by Cie Les Têtes Bêches · Espace Soubeyran, in front of the CGR cinema
- Calligraphies in shop windows by Claude Rouge, with the Manosque Merchants and Artisans Office · city center shop windows
Exhibitions and Installations
- “Jean Giono, écrivain de la modernité” · Le Paraïs reception pavilion, montée des Vraies-Richesses · September 23 to 27, 10 AM-6 PM
- “Reprendre son souffle” by Marie Calmes and La Ressourcerie de Haute-Provence · Centre Carzou, 7-9 bd Élémir-Bourges · September 23 to 27, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM and 1:30-6 PM
- “Les essayages littéraires” by Le Petit Pois · headphone listening · Librairie Le Petit Pois, 3 place du Terreau · Wednesday to Saturday 9 AM-6 PM, Sunday 10 AM-6 PM
- “À la recherche des 7 ardoises perdues” by Mentals.fr · question trail in Manosque city center · September 23 to 27
- “Correspondances gravées” by Empreinte 04 and the Herbès media library · Empreinte 04 workshop, 6 rue des Marchands (Wed-Sun 10 AM-12 PM and 2-6 PM) and Herbès media library (Wed-Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun 10 AM-4 PM)
- “De liens en fils” by Virginie Besançon · embroidery on postcards and photos · Galerie Moustache, 1 rue des Marchands · September 23 to 27, 9 AM-7 PM
- “Écriture-s?” with the Art en partage art library · calligraphy and drawings · Écomusée l’Olivier, old Forcalquier road, Volx · September 24 to 26, 10 AM-6 PM
- Hokusaï, “Le vieux fou dessin” by La Voûte des Arts · Galerie la Voûte des Arts, rue Adolphe-Aillaud, Pierrevert · September 24 to 26, 10 AM-6:30 PM
- “La Provence dans la littérature” by La Bastido de Manosco · window display, 7 rue Guilhempierre · September 23 to 27
- “Un voyage dans le temps” at the second-hand bookstore · reading corner, photos, and projections · 2 rue Arthur-Robert · September 23 to 27, 9 AM-7 PM
- Cintr’art artists exhibit · painting, sculptures, and literary creations · Notre-Dame de Romigier church · September 23 to 27, 10 AM-6 PM
- “Peindre, bouger, imaginer…” by Sophie Vissière · Centre culturel et littéraire Jean Giono, 3 bd Élémir-Bourges · September 23 to 27, Wed-Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun 10 AM-5 PM
- “Devoir de mémoire” by the Résister Aujourd’hui association · testimonies · opposite Saint-Sauveur church · September 26 and 27, 9 AM-6 PM
Prices Les Correspondances 2026
All festival events are free, except for shows indicated with a price.
Main hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu: €20 (full) and €15 (reduced) + booking fees, except for the musical reading on Sunday, September 27 at 5:30 PM: €25 and €20.
Small hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu, literary siestas: €8 (flat rate) + booking fees.
Online purchase: + €1 per order.
Reduced rate upon presentation of proof: under 26s, students, people with disabilities, job seekers, social welfare beneficiaries.
Ticket office open since July 28, 2026; literary siestas go on sale and other shows go back on sale on August 25 at 10:00 AM.
Online at paysdemanosque.com and on-site at DLVAgglo tourist offices (Gréoux-les-Bains, Manosque, Oraison, Quinson, Riez, Valensole).
General admission, no numbered seating. Doors open and remaining tickets go on sale 30 minutes before each performance; tickets not picked up or scanned are put back on sale 5 minutes before the start of the session.
For the OFF, several events are ticketed: Le Paraïs tours €10 / €5 (free for under 16s), workshops from €10 to €20, literary cruise €10 / €5 (family pass €25), and several pay-what-you-wish events.
Main hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu: €20 (full) and €15 (reduced) + booking fees, except for the musical reading on Sunday, September 27 at 5:30 PM: €25 and €20.
Small hall of the Théâtre Jean-le-Bleu, literary siestas: €8 (flat rate) + booking fees.
Online purchase: + €1 per order.
Reduced rate upon presentation of proof: under 26s, students, people with disabilities, job seekers, social welfare beneficiaries.
Ticket office open since July 28, 2026; literary siestas go on sale and other shows go back on sale on August 25 at 10:00 AM.
Online at paysdemanosque.com and on-site at DLVAgglo tourist offices (Gréoux-les-Bains, Manosque, Oraison, Quinson, Riez, Valensole).
General admission, no numbered seating. Doors open and remaining tickets go on sale 30 minutes before each performance; tickets not picked up or scanned are put back on sale 5 minutes before the start of the session.
For the OFF, several events are ticketed: Le Paraïs tours €10 / €5 (free for under 16s), workshops from €10 to €20, literary cruise €10 / €5 (family pass €25), and several pay-what-you-wish events.
Practical information
Practical information — Les Correspondances
Access
The festival takes place in the pedestrianized historic center of Manosque (04100), in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region. Events are held at the Théâtre Jean Le Bleu, the Galerie de la Capsule MJC, and in the squares and streets of the town center.
- By car: From Aix-en-Provence (55 km), take the A51 exit for Manosque. From Marseille (95 km), take the A51 towards Sisteron. Free parking (first 3 hours): Centre-Ville (288 spaces), Villette (400 spaces), Drouille (100 spaces), Guilhempierre (130 spaces).
- By bus: Regional Zou lines serve Manosque from Forcalquier, Volx, and Villeneuve.
- Carpooling: BlaBlaCar recommended by the organization.
Prices
Free admission for most events. Some events are ticketed (evenings at the Théâtre Jean Le Bleu, literary concerts). Consult the program for detailed prices.
Le Bistrot des Correspondances
Located at the Galerie de la Capsule MJC, 1 allée de Provence: counter open from 2:30 PM from Thursday to Sunday (free infusions), food service from 7 PM to 1 AM from Wednesday to Saturday.
Partner Bookstores
- Le Petit Pois, 3 place du Terreau
- La Somme de nos folies, 10 rue du Soubeyran
Contact
- Phone: 04 92 75 67 83
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Website: correspondances-manosque.org
A unique literary festival in Provence
Created in 1999, Les Correspondances de Manosque was one of the first festivals to offer a model of literary encounters instead of a traditional book fair. Every year, during the last week of September, the Provençal town of Manosque transforms into a vast literary playground where over 16,000 festival-goers come to celebrate writing and the literary season's return for five days.
Three founding pillars
The festival is structured around three main directions:
- Giving a voice to invited authors through original formats: encounters, public readings, dialogues between writers and readers.
- Connecting literature with other art forms: literary concerts, musical readings, performances blending voice, music, and images.
- Designing a vast writing experience with around a hundred writing desks, small desks set up in the streets, squares, and gardens of Manosque where everyone is invited to write a letter to a loved one, a stranger, or themselves.
A rich and demanding program
The programming committee, composed of literature enthusiasts including Sylvie Ballul, Colombe Boncenne, and writer Arnaud Cathrine, selects about fifty authors each year from the latest literary releases. Eight to ten debut novelists are systematically included in the program, alongside established authors. Evenings at the Théâtre Jean Le Bleu feature musical readings, literary concerts, and performances that blend literature and the performing arts.
The writing desks, the festival's signature
The major originality of Les Correspondances lies in its writing desks: about a hundred writing desks set up in the pedestrianized historic center of Manosque. Paper, envelopes, and stamps are provided free of charge thanks to the historic partnership with La Poste. Each year, the number of letters written during the festival roughly corresponds to the number of visitors, with around 17,000 letters sent.
Beyond the September festival
The association Les Mille et Une Nuits de la Correspondance, which organizes the festival, carries out activities throughout the year: reading clubs, author residencies, partnerships with regional cultural institutions, and youth outreach programs through the association Éclat de lire. The Jean Giono Cultural and Literary Center, located on Boulevard Élémir Bourges, serves as the festival's permanent headquarters.
Where does it take place — Les Correspondances
Théâtre Jean Le Bleu et centre historique de Manosque
3 boulevard Élémir Bourges, 04100 Manosque
Les Correspondances in brief
Literature
Poetry
Participatory
Multidisciplinary
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
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