Les Utopiales - International Science Fiction Festival
The largest European science fiction festival
About Les Utopiales
Created in 2000 in Nantes, Les Utopiales is the benchmark international science fiction festival in Europe. Every year at the end of October, for five days, the Cité des Congrès de Nantes transforms into a vast crossroads of imaginations, blending literature, cinema, comics, science, video games, and visual arts. Chaired by astrophysicist Roland Lehoucq, the festival attracts over 100,000 visitors and offers a unique multidisciplinary program centered around an annual theme, with debates, meetings, screenings, exhibitions, and workshops accessible to all audiences.
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Les Utopiales: The Unmissable Science Fiction Event in Europe
Since 2000, Les Utopiales has established itself as the largest European festival dedicated to science fiction and imagination. Initially created in 1998 by Bruno della Chiesa at Futuroscope in Poitiers under the name "Utopia", the festival moved to Nantes in 2000, finding in the Cité des Congrès a venue worthy of its ambitions. In a quarter of a century, Les Utopiales has become a major cultural event, recognized by both the general public and professionals in publishing, cinema, and scientific research.
A Unique Multidisciplinary Festival
Les Utopiales stands out for its resolutely multidisciplinary approach. The festival explores science fiction in all its forms: literature with author meetings, round tables, and signings; cinema with an international competition of feature and short films; comics and manga with exhibitions and meetings; science with conferences and interactive stands led by researchers; video games with demonstration areas and tournaments; and role-playing and board games with workshops and open play sessions.
Each edition is built around an annual theme broken down into several lines of thought, allowing for cross-pollination of ideas between science and fiction, between anticipation and reality. Debates and meetings bring together authors, scientists, philosophers, and artists from around the world for engaging and accessible discussions.
Demanding Scientific and Artistic Direction
Chaired since 2012 by astrophysicist Roland Lehoucq, a researcher at CEA and a renowned science communicator, the festival benefits from a direction that places the dialogue between science and fiction at the heart of its programming. The artistic direction, after seven editions entrusted to Jeanne-A Debats, has been renewed with a transitional committee composed of Nicolas Martin, Floriane Soulas, Yann Olivier, and Eva Sinanian. The festival is directed by Axelle Roze.
International Reach
Every year, Les Utopiales hosts internationally renowned guests: science fiction authors, directors, comic artists, scientists, and thinkers from around the world. The festival awards several prestigious prizes, including the Prix Utopiales, which rewards the best science fiction novel translated into French, and cinema awards for feature and short films. With over 100,000 visitors per edition, Les Utopiales is a major cultural event for the Nantes metropolitan area and an essential gathering for fans of imagination in France and Europe.
Exhibitions and Youth Programming
The festival features about ten exhibitions blending art, science, and science fiction, as well as a comprehensive youth program with workshops, shows, and meetings tailored for younger audiences. A school day is organized after the festival to welcome classes and raise students' awareness of the links between science and imagination.
Les Utopiales — edition 2026
The 26th edition of Les Utopiales will take place from October 29 to November 1, 2026, at the Cité des Congrès de Nantes, with a school day on November 2. The international science fiction festival will once again offer its multidisciplinary program blending literature, cinema, comics, science, and video games.
26th Edition - October 29 to November 1, 2026
Les Utopiales returns for its 26th edition from October 29 to November 1, 2026, at the Cité des Congrès de Nantes. Following the success of the 2025 anniversary edition, the festival continues its exploration of imagination at the crossroads of science and fiction.
As every year, the festival will revolve around an annual theme that will be announced during 2026, broken down into several lines of thought that will fuel the debates, meetings, and exhibitions. The program will include conferences, round tables, an international film competition, exhibitions, video game and board game areas, as well as a comprehensive youth program.
A school day is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, allowing classes to discover the festival and participate in tailored workshops and meetings.
The full program and ticketing information will be announced on the official website utopiales.org during 2026.
Programme Les Utopiales 2026
2026 Program
The detailed program for the 26th edition will be announced during 2026. As every year, the festival will offer:
- Debates and Meetings: Over a hundred conferences and round tables with international authors, scientists, and artists
- Cinema: International competition of science fiction feature and short films
- Exhibitions: About ten exhibitions blending art, science, and imagination
- Comics and Manga: Meetings, signings, and exhibitions
- Video Games: Demonstration area and tournaments
- Role-playing and Board Games: Workshops and open play sessions
- Youth Program: Workshops and shows for young audiences
- School Day: Monday, November 2, 2026
Highlights Les Utopiales 2026
To Note for 2026
- Dates: Thursday, October 29 to Sunday, November 1, 2026
- School Day: Monday, November 2, 2026
- 26th Edition of the international science fiction festival
- Venue: Cité des Congrès de Nantes
- Annual theme and program to be announced in 2026
Prices Les Utopiales 2026
Practical information — Les Utopiales
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By tram: Line 1, "Cité des Congrès" stop (direct access). This is the most convenient way to get to the festival.
By train: Nantes station is served by TGV from Paris-Montparnasse (approx. 2h15), Lille, Lyon, Marseille, and many other French cities. The Cité des Congrès is a 10-minute walk from the station.
By car: Nantes is accessible via the A11 (from Paris), A83 (from Niort/Bordeaux), and A84/N137 (from Rennes) motorways. Several paid parking lots are available near the Cité des Congrès.
By plane: Nantes Atlantique Airport is located about 10 km from the city center. An airport shuttle connects the airport to the city center in 20 minutes.
Festival Venue
Cité des Congrès de Nantes, 5 rue de Valmy, 44000 Nantes. The festival occupies the entire building on several levels, with spaces dedicated to cinema, exhibitions, debates, games, and the bookstore.
Opening Hours
The festival generally opens from 10 am to 8 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 7 pm on Sundays. Cinema and game evenings extend into the night on Saturday. The school day, reserved for classes, takes place on the Monday following the festival.
Ticketing and Prices
Tickets are available on the official website utopiales.org and on-site during the festival. Several options are offered: day ticket, weekend pass, 3-day pass, and 4-day pass, with reduced rates for those under 26, job seekers, and recipients of minimum social benefits. Access to exhibitions is included in the entrance ticket.
Accessibility
The Cité des Congrès is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. The festival has a dedicated reception system for people with disabilities. For any specific requests, please contact the festival team in advance of the event.
Food and Drink
Food service areas are set up within the Cité des Congrès during the festival. Numerous restaurants are also accessible nearby in the station district and Nantes city center.
Practical Tips
- Consult the detailed program on utopiales.org before your visit to plan your days.
- Signings and some workshops require prior registration.
- Cinema screenings are accessible subject to availability.
- A specialized bookstore is located at the heart of the festival with a wide selection of science fiction, fantasy, and comic books.
- The festival is family-friendly with a dedicated youth program.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Les Utopiales at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Les Utopiales
Cité des Congrès de Nantes
5 rue de Valmy, 44000 Nantes