Printemps des Poètes en Essonne

The Printemps des Poètes en Essonne: When Poetry Invades the Department

Every March, the Printemps des Poètes makes poetry resonate in the towns and villages of Essonne. This national event, launched in 1999 by Jack Lang and Jean-Pierre Siméon, mobilizes thousands of cultural actors throughout France. Essonne actively participates in this dynamic, with dozens of events spread across the entire department.

A 2026 Edition Under the Sign of Freedom

The 28th edition of the Printemps des Poètes, taking place from March 9 to 31, 2026, is themed “Freedom. Living Force, Unfurled”, with actress Isabelle Adjani as its godmother. This theme invites poets and readers to explore freedom in all its dimensions: freedom to create, to express oneself, to dream, to resist.

The Maison Littéraire Victor Hugo in Bièvres

One of the Essonne highlights of the Printemps des Poètes is the participation of the Maison Littéraire Victor Hugo in Bièvres. This house, where the author of *Les Misérables* stayed several times, opens its gardens and salons for readings, encounters with contemporary poets, and writing workshops. In 2026, it will host an event on March 21 and 22, 2026, centered around the theme of freedom, echoing Victor Hugo's entire work.

The Francopoésies in Yerres

The Francopoésies Festival is one of the most important poetic events in Essonne. This 23rd edition, held from March 7 to 29, 2026, in Yerres and the Orée de la Brie territory, offers a dense program of public readings, poetic performances, author encounters, and school workshops.

Poetry in Libraries, Schools, and Public Spaces

Beyond these flagship events, the Printemps des Poètes en Essonne unfolds in:

• The department's libraries and media centers: voice readings, poetry exhibitions, writing workshops
• Schools and high schools: poet residencies, poetry contests, collection publications
• Retirement homes and medico-social establishments: intergenerational poetry workshops
• Bookstores and galleries: reading evenings and book signings
• Public spaces: poetry displays in streets, train stations, and public transport

An Accessible and Free Event

The Printemps des Poètes en Essonne is, for the most part, a free event. This commitment to openness is at the heart of the project: poetry should be accessible to all audiences, from the youngest to the oldest, regardless of their background or usual relationship with literature.