Quais du Polar

Quais du Polar: Twenty Years of Literary Investigations in Lyon

Founded in 2005, Quais du Polar has established itself as the largest crime fiction festival in France and one of the most important in Europe. Born from its founders' passion for noir, crime, and thriller novels, this Lyon event has successfully united a community of passionate readers and given the crime genre the literary recognition it deserves.

Over 130 Authors from Around the World

Each edition brings together over 130 authors from around the world: crime novelists, thriller writers, TV series screenwriters, investigative journalists, and crime comic book artists. Meetings, round tables, signings, and conferences take place in Lyon's libraries, bookstores, and cultural venues, creating a unique atmosphere of sharing between authors and readers.

Prestigious Awards

The festival awards several literary prizes each year that are benchmarks in the world of crime fiction: the Prix des Lecteurs Quais du Polar / Le Figaro, the Prix Jeunesse, and the Prix de la série. These distinctions, voted on by a large jury of readers, contribute to the discovery of new talents and the spotlighting of significant works in the genre.

Polar Connection: The Professional Component

Quais du Polar has developed Polar Connection, a professional program offering accreditations and training in partnership with ENSSIB (École nationale supérieure des sciences de l'information et des bibliothèques). This professional component reinforces the festival's role as a place for reflection and training on crime fiction and cultural mediation.

A Free Festival Rooted in the City

True to its spirit of openness, Quais du Polar is a free festival accessible to all. Events unfold throughout Lyon, from the banks of the Saône that give the festival its name to the municipal libraries, including the Tribunal judiciaire de Lyon, a historic partner. The "Mois du polar" (Crime Fiction Month) and "Polar en vacances" (Crime Fiction on Vacation) extend the festival's spirit throughout the year, with regular activities in the region's libraries and bookstores.

A Major Cultural Event

With nearly 100,000 visitors each year, Quais du Polar has become a major cultural event in the Lyon metropolitan area. The festival benefits from the support of the City of Lyon, the Lyon Metropolis, and media partners such as Libération, Le Figaro, and Le Point. Its success testifies to the vitality of the crime genre and the public's appetite for dark stories and literary investigations.