Printemps des Poètes in Eure-et-Loir

The Printemps des Poètes in Eure-et-Loir: Poetry Everywhere, for Everyone

Every March, the Eure-et-Loir department vibrates to the rhythm of poetry. The Printemps des Poètes, a national event created in 1999, finds a particularly rich and vibrant expression in this territory, mobilizing over seventy venues across the department: media libraries, municipal libraries, schools, colleges, high schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and cultural spaces.

L'Heure du Poème: A Flagship Event

At the heart of the Printemps des Poètes in Eure-et-Loir is 'L'Heure du Poème', a traveling program initiated in 2013 by the Caravane des Poètes in partnership with the Departmental Media Library of Eure-et-Loir (MDEL) and the Departmental Council. This unique initiative offers a singular poetic journey in about thirty libraries in the region:

• Performances for young audiences at 11 am
• Creations for all audiences at 3 pm
• Poetic and musical cabarets at 7 pm

In 2024, 'L'Heure du Poème' celebrated its tenth anniversary with an exceptional edition in 30 libraries, featuring seven artists who offered varied performances blending voice, music, and theater.

The Chartres Media Library, a Major Player

The Médiathèque l'Apostrophe in Chartres is a central player in the Printemps des Poètes in the department. It organizes numerous events: public readings, meetings with poets, writing workshops, exhibitions, and poetic performances. Its commitment helps make Chartres a major poetic hub in the Centre-Val de Loire region.

An Exemplary Territorial Network

The strength of the Printemps des Poètes in Eure-et-Loir lies in its exceptional territorial network. From large cities like Chartres and Dreux to rural towns in the Perche, Beauce, and Thymerais regions, poetry invades everyday spaces and reaches audiences who might not otherwise have access to it. This deployment is made possible by close collaboration between the Departmental Media Library, municipal libraries, educational institutions, and local cultural associations.

Renewed Themes Each Year

Each edition of the Printemps des Poètes revolves around a national theme chosen by the Maison de la Poésie. In 2024, the theme was 'La Grâce' (Grace); in 2025, 'Volcanique' (Volcanic). These themes inspire local programming and provide a common thread for the events organized throughout the department, inviting everyone to rediscover the power and beauty of poetic language.