Rencontres Philosophiques Michel Serres

A living tribute to the philosopher from Agen

The Rencontres Philosophiques Michel Serres were born in 2021 from the desire of the City of Agen and the association Les Amis Agenais de Michel Serres to keep alive the intellectual legacy of the famous philosopher and academician, born in Agen on September 1, 1930, and who passed away on June 1, 2019, in Paris. A visionary thinker, passionate about science, rooted in the present and looking towards the future, Michel Serres was able to address contemporary subjects such as new technologies, ecology, and the mutations of knowledge with the general public.

Every November, the festival transforms the city center of Agen into a vast philosophical forum open to all. The meetings take place in six emblematic venues in the heart of the city: the classified Italian-style theater, the Théâtre Ducourneau, the Agora on the Place de la Mairie, the Salle des Illustres, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Centre culturel André Malraux, and the Église des Jacobins.

Themes at the heart of Michel Serres' thought

Each edition revolves around a major theme inspired by Michel Serres' work and philosophy, explored through conferences, round tables, debates, and encounters with leading intellectuals, philosophers, writers, and scientists:

• 2021: "Knowledge Frees – The Five Senses," echoing one of the philosopher's most famous works
• 2022: "Tomorrow Our Earth," dedicated to ecological and environmental issues
• 2023: "In the Age of Artificial Intelligence, What Became of Thumbelina?" exploring the impact of AI on society
• 2024: "Now, Shall We Make Peace?" questioning the paths to concord in a world of tensions
• 2025: "What Humanity Do We Want for Tomorrow? From the Body to the Cosmos," questioning the new frontiers of the human

A rich and accessible program for everyone

The festival offers a dense and varied program, designed to reach all audiences. The major conferences bring together renowned thinkers and personalities in the auditorium of the Théâtre Ducourneau, while the round tables and debates allow for more intimate and in-depth exchanges.

Philosophy workshops for young people are an essential part of the event: in 2024, over 2,000 young people participated in school workshops. Family workshops are also offered to introduce children and adults to philosophical reflection in a fun and accessible way.

A book fair and signing sessions with invited authors complete the program, offering visitors the opportunity to extend the discussions and discover books related to the themes addressed.

A major national cultural event

In just five editions, the Rencontres Philosophiques Michel Serres has established itself as a major event for philosophical popularization in France. Attendance has steadily increased, from a few thousand visitors at the first edition to over 13,000 participants in 2024, with a goal of 15,000 for 2025. In 2025, a fourth day was added to the program to meet this growing enthusiasm.

The festival benefits from the support of about thirty institutional and private partners, and relies on the Michel Serres Foundation to ensure the event's fidelity to the philosopher's spirit: making knowledge accessible, encouraging dialogue between disciplines and generations, and thinking about tomorrow's world with lucidity and optimism.