Mai du Livre
Literary festival of the Ligue de l'Enseignement in Tarbes
About Mai du Livre
Mai du Livre: Engaged Literature in Tarbes
Mai du Livre is one of the oldest literary festivals in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Created in 1979, it is organized by the Ligue de l'Enseignement des Hautes-Pyrénées (FOL 65) and takes place every spring in various cultural venues in Tarbes: Halle Marcadieu, Maison des Associations Quai de l'Adour, and other partner venues depending on the program.
Several Days of Literature and Debates
The festival offers a rich program:
- Meetings with invited authors and book signings
- Conferences and debates around the year's theme
- Literary shows: musical readings, storytelling, theater
- Writing workshops for adults and children
- Exhibitions related to the theme
- Local activities and meetings with regional publishers
Engaged Themes
Each edition addresses a societal issue through the lens of literature: « Imagine! » in 2026, « And the Human? » in 2025, « Taking Part » in 2024, « Dare to Know » previously. The festival welcomes renowned writers, researchers, poets, illustrators, and artists to foster reflection and civic debate.
Mai du Livre — edition 2026
The 47th edition of Mai du Livre will be held from May 29 to 31, 2026 in Tarbes on the theme « Imagine! ». Three days of literary meetings, conferences, shows, and exhibitions at Halle Marcadieu (May 29-30) and Maison des Associations Quai de l'Adour (May 31), organized by the Ligue de l'Enseignement des Hautes-Pyrénées.
47th Mai du Livre — May 29 to 31, 2026
For its 47th edition, Mai du Livre invites the public to explore the infinite field of possibilities around the theme « Imagine! » — « What if everything was just imagination? What if we were just imagination? ».
Three days, two locations
- Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30, 2026 — Halle Marcadieu, Place Marcadieu in Tarbes
- Sunday, May 31, 2026 — Maison des Associations, Quai de l'Adour in Tarbes
Announced Authors and Guests
This year, the festival welcomes several renowned writers, researchers, poets, and illustrators:
- Jean-Pierre Siméon — poet, novelist, and essayist, former director of Printemps des Poètes
- Sylvie Vauclair — astrophysicist and writer, author of numerous popular science books
- Christian Grenier — author of youth literature and science fiction
- Charlotte Des Ligneris — author and illustrator
- Célina Guiné — invited author
On the program
Meetings with authors and signing sessions, conferences, literary shows, exhibitions, workshops, and activities around imagination and creation. The complete program can be downloaded from the official website of the Ville de Tarbes and from the organizer.
Programme Mai du Livre 2026
Friday, May 29, 2026 — Halle Marcadieu
Opening of stands and exhibitions from 7 PM to 8:30 PM. Inaugural evening of the festival.
Saturday, May 30, 2026 — Halle Marcadieu
Main day of the festival, open from 10 AM to 7 PM: meetings and signing sessions with invited authors, conferences, literary shows, exhibitions, workshops.
Sunday, May 31, 2026 — Maison des Associations, Quai de l'Adour
Continuation and closing of the festival.
Confirmed Guests
- Jean-Pierre Siméon — poet and essayist
- Sylvie Vauclair — astrophysicist and writer
- Christian Grenier — youth and science fiction author
- Charlotte Des Ligneris — author / illustrator
- Célina Guiné — author
The detailed hourly program (meetings, conferences, workshops, shows) is available in the official brochure downloadable from the Ville de Tarbes website.
Highlights Mai du Livre 2026
- 47th edition of a historic literary festival in the Hautes-Pyrénées (since 1979)
- 2026 Theme: « Imagine! » — imagination and possibility
- Headliners: Jean-Pierre Siméon, Sylvie Vauclair, Christian Grenier
- Free admission for most events
- Three days, two emblematic locations in Tarbes (Halle Marcadieu and Maison des Associations)
Prices Mai du Livre 2026
Practical information — Mai du Livre
Locations
The festival takes place in several cultural venues in Tarbes depending on the edition. For 2026, the main venues are the Halle Marcadieu (Place Marcadieu, 65000 Tarbes) and the Maison des Associations Quai de l'Adour. The official program specifies the exact locations each year.
Access
The venues are located in Tarbes city center, accessible on foot from the SNCF train station. Public parking nearby.
Prices
Free admission for most events.
Contact
Ligue de l'Enseignement des Hautes-Pyrénées (FOL 65)
Phone: 05 62 44 50 54
Official website: ligue65.org
Facebook: @maidulivre65
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Where does it take place — Mai du Livre
Halle Marcadieu
Place Marcadieu, 65000 Tarbes