Rencontres BD en Mayenne
The annual meeting for comic strips in Changé, Mayenne
About Rencontres BD en Mayenne
The Rencontres BD en Mayenne is an annual comic strip festival held every March at the Salle des Ondines in Changé, near Laval. Created in 2008 by ALABD, this free event brings together about fifteen authors of comic strips, graphic novels, and children's albums for two days of signings, exhibitions, and workshops. The festival hosts the award ceremony for the Bull'Gomme 53 prize, a departmental prize for youth comic strips supported by the Department of Mayenne for over twenty years.
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Rencontres BD en Mayenne: The Comic Strip Celebration Since 2008
Created in 2008 by ALABD (Laval Association of Comic Strip Amateurs), the Rencontres BD en Mayenne are held annually in March at the Salle des Ondines in Changé, a town bordering Laval. Over the years, this event has become the main meeting point for the ninth art in the Mayenne department, attracting a loyal audience of comic strip fans, families, and the curious.
A Rich Program Around Comic Strips
Each edition of Rencontres BD en Mayenne offers a varied program accessible to all ages. About fifteen authors of comic strips, graphic novels, and children's albums are invited for signing sessions and meet-and-greets with the public. Thematic exhibitions showcase the graphic universe of the invited artists, while comic strip workshops allow visitors to learn the techniques of drawing and sequential storytelling.
Activities for All Audiences
The festival also features a bookstore area managed by the M'Lire bookstore in Laval, a stand of specialized second-hand booksellers, children's activities, and live performances related to comic strips, such as drawn concerts or paper theater performances. These activities make Rencontres BD a friendly and family-oriented event, where everyone can discover or deepen their passion for the ninth art.
The Bull'Gomme 53 Prize: Youth Comic Strips in the Spotlight
The Rencontres BD en Mayenne also hosts the award ceremony for the Bull'Gomme 53 prize, a departmental prize for youth comic strips supported by the Department of Mayenne for over twenty years, in partnership with the Departmental Library of Mayenne and ALABD. Throughout the school year, classes and groups of young Mayenne readers read a selection of comic strip albums and vote for their favorite title. The winner(s) are then invited to Rencontres BD to receive their award and meet their young readers, creating a special moment of exchange between authors and the public.
Strong Local Roots and Solid Partnerships
The organization of Rencontres BD en Mayenne relies on a network of committed partners: the town hall of Changé, which provides the Salle des Ondines, the Departmental Library of Mayenne, the M'Lire bookstore in Laval, specializing in children's literature and comic strips, as well as numerous volunteers from ALABD. This partnership network allows the festival to offer a high-quality event, entirely free, open to all, and rooted in the cultural fabric of Mayenne.
Rencontres BD en Mayenne — edition 2026
The 19th edition of Rencontres BD en Mayenne will be held on March 28 and 29, 2026, at the Salle des Ondines in Changé. The program will include signings with about fifteen authors, exhibitions, comic strip workshops, a bookstore area, and the awarding of the Bull'Gomme 53 prize.
19th Rencontres BD en Mayenne - March 2026
The Rencontres BD en Mayenne return for their 19th edition on March 28 and 29, 2026, at the Salle des Ondines in Changé. This annual meeting for the ninth art in Mayenne will offer a completely free weekend dedicated to comic strips, graphic novels, and children's albums.
About fifteen authors will be present for signing sessions and meet-and-greets with the public. Thematic exhibitions, comic strip workshops for all ages, a bookstore area, and stands by specialized second-hand booksellers will complete the program.
The weekend will also be marked by the awarding of the Bull'Gomme 53 prize, which will reward the youth comic strip album chosen by young Mayenne readers during the 2025-2026 school year.
Highlights Rencontres BD en Mayenne 2026
- 19th edition of the festival
- About fifteen authors expected for signings
- Awarding of the Bull'Gomme 53 prize
- Thematic exhibitions
- Comic strip workshops for all ages
- Bookstore area and second-hand booksellers
- Free admission
Prices Rencontres BD en Mayenne 2026
Practical information — Rencontres BD en Mayenne
Practical Information
Location
The Rencontres BD en Mayenne takes place at the Salle des Ondines, Place Christian d'Elva, 53810 Changé (Mayenne). This municipal multi-purpose hall, with a capacity of 700 people, is ideally located in the heart of the village of Changé, a town bordering Laval. It offers a spacious and friendly setting to host signing booths, exhibitions, the bookstore area, and festival workshops.
Access
By Car
From Laval, take the direction of Changé via the D57 (approx. 5 minutes drive). The Salle des Ondines is located at Place Christian d'Elva, in the heart of Changé. Free parking is available immediately next to the hall. From the A81 motorway (Paris-Rennes), take the Laval-Est exit and follow the signs for Changé.
By Public Transport
From the Laval SNCF train station (TGV Paris-Rennes line), take the TUL (Transports Urbains Lavallois) bus network towards Changé. The nearest stop serves the center of Changé, a few minutes' walk from the Salle des Ondines.
Usual Hours
- Saturday: 2 PM to 7 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM
Hours may vary slightly depending on the edition. Consult the ALABD website for the definitive hours of each edition.
Prices
Completely free admission for all activities, signings, exhibitions, and workshops. No reservation is required. Comic strip albums are available for purchase on-site from the M'Lire bookstore and the present second-hand booksellers.
Contact and Information
- ALABD Association: [email protected]
- Website: www.alabd.fr
- Town Hall of Changé: www.change53.fr
Catering and Services
Catering options are available near the Salle des Ondines, in the village of Changé: bakeries, restaurants, and food shops. A refreshment stand may be available on-site depending on the edition.
Accessibility
The Salle des Ondines is accessible to people with reduced mobility (level access, adapted restrooms). The festival is open to all audiences, including families with young children.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Rencontres BD en Mayenne at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Rencontres BD en Mayenne
Salle des Ondines
Place Christian d'Elva, 53810 Changé