Littératures Européennes Cognac
The annual meeting of European literatures in Charente
About LEC Festival
A unique European literary festival since 1988
Founded in 1988 to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Jean Monnet, a founding father of Europe born in Cognac, the Littératures Européennes Cognac (LEC) festival has established itself as a major cultural event in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Every year in November, the festival invites a European country and explores its literature through a rich and varied program.
An invited country each year
The uniqueness of the LEC Festival lies in its concept: each edition highlights the literature of a different European country. In 2024 (37th edition), Ireland was the guest country. In 2025 (38th edition), it was Switzerland that was celebrated, with Sarah Jollien-Fardel winning the Readers' Prize for her novel “La Longe”. The festival thus offers a literary journey through Europe, allowing the public to discover authors and works often unknown in France.
Prestigious literary awards
The festival awards several literary prizes each year: the Prix des Littératures Européennes Cognac and the Prix des Lecteurs, awarded by a network of libraries and media centers in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. These awards contribute to the discovery and dissemination of contemporary European literature in France.
A free festival in the emblematic places of Cognac
The LEC Festival takes place in several emblematic venues in Cognac: the Salamandre (convention center), the Couvent des Récollets, the Fondation d'entreprise Martell, and the Maison du Négociant. Access to meetings and signings is free for everyone, making the festival a popular and accessible event. The association Littératures Européennes Cognac also manages a European library at 15 rue Grande throughout the year.
LEC Festival — edition 2026
39th edition of the European Literatures Cognac festival (LEC Festival), from Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, November 22, 2026. Poland is the guest country: author meetings, workshops, exhibitions, screenings, musical encounters, shows, tastings, comics, and book signings. Access to meetings and book signings is free.
39th Edition: Poland in the Spotlight
The 39th edition of the European Literatures Cognac festival will take place from Thursday, November 19 to Sunday, November 22, 2026, in emblematic venues in Cognac city center. After Ireland (2024) and Switzerland (2025), this year the festival invites Polish literature, continuing the literary journey across Europe that began in 1988.
The program will feature author meetings, workshops, readings, conferences and round tables, exhibitions, film screenings, musical encounters, shows, tastings, and a comic book area, all accompanied by a large European bookstore in the heart of Cognac.
The traditional Prix des Littératures Européennes Cognac and Prix des Lecteurs (awarded by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine network of libraries and media libraries) will be presented during this edition. Access to meetings and book signings remains free for all.
Highlights LEC Festival 2026
- 39th edition, November 19 to 22, 2026
- Poland, guest country
- Author meetings, workshops, exhibitions, screenings, and shows
- Prix des Littératures Européennes Cognac and Prix des Lecteurs
- Free access to meetings and book signings
Prices LEC Festival 2026
Practical information — LEC Festival
Practical Information
Access
The festival events take place in several locations in the city center of Cognac, notably the Salamandre, the Couvent des Récollets, the Fondation d'entreprise Martell, and the Maison du Négociant.
- By car: Cognac is accessible via the N141 from Angoulême (45 min) or Saintes (30 min).
- By train: Cognac SNCF station, a 10-minute walk from the city center.
Prices
- Meetings and signings: free access
- Shows: some shows may be ticketed
Contact
- Website: litteratures-europeennes.com
- Address: 15 rue Grande, 16100 Cognac
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Where does it take place — LEC Festival
La Salamandre et divers lieux de Cognac
15 rue Grande, 16100 Cognac