Toulouse Polars du Sud
Literature, crime fiction in Toulouse, Haute-Garonne
2026
About Toulouse Polars du Sud
Toulouse Polars du Sud — edition 2026
The 18th edition of Toulouse Polars du Sud takes place from October 9th to 11th, 2026, at the Forum de la Renaissance in Toulouse, with events starting the week of October 5th in libraries and bookstores across the metropolitan area. This year, the festival explores the theme of war through the lens of crime fiction, with Valentine Imhof and Abir Mukherjee serving as patrons. Admission is free.
Toulouse Polars du Sud — 18th Edition (2026)
The 18th edition of Toulouse Polars du Sud will be held from October 9th to 11th, 2026, at the Forum de la Renaissance in Toulouse (Haute-Garonne), with activities beginning the week of October 5th in libraries and bookstores throughout the metropolitan area. Admission is free.
This year, the festival explores the theme of "War": historical conflicts, technological cold wars, personal battles, and dark geopolitics will shape the crime fiction selection. This edition is proudly sponsored by author Valentine Imhof and author Abir Mukherjee.
More than 40 authors from 7 countries are expected for around 100 literary events, including meet-and-greets, book signings, debates, and round-table discussions across the Occitanie region. The festival will also feature the presentation of the Violeta Negra Occitanie, Thierry Jonquet de la Nouvelle, and de l'Embouchure awards.
Highlights Toulouse Polars du Sud 2026
- 18th edition, October 9th–11th, 2026 (events starting the week of October 5th)
- 2026 Theme: "War"
- Held at the Forum de la Renaissance, Toulouse (Basso-Cambo metro station)
- Free admission
- Patrons: Valentine Imhof and Abir Mukherjee
- Over 40 authors from 7 countries
Programme Toulouse Polars du Sud 2026
The detailed program (day-by-day schedule, times, and locations) for the 2026 edition has not yet been released by the organizers. At this stage, only the dates (October 9–11, 2026, with events starting the week of October 5th), the "War" theme, and the list of guest authors—including patrons Valentine Imhof and Abir Mukherjee—have been announced. The full program will be added as soon as it is published on the official website.
Prices Toulouse Polars du Sud 2026
Practical information — Toulouse Polars du Sud
Practical Information
Location
Forum de la Renaissance, 3 rue Georges Vivent, 31100 Toulouse (Mirail district), Haute-Garonne. Other activities are held in various media libraries and bookstores in Toulouse Métropole.
Access
Metro line A, Basso-Cambo station. Parking available near the Forum de la Renaissance.
Prices
Free admission.
Contact
Official website: toulouse-polars-du-sud.com — Email: [email protected]
Toulouse Polars du Sud, the crime fiction festival of the Pink City
Toulouse Polars du Sud is the international festival of crime and detective fiction in Toulouse, Haute-Garonne (Occitanie). Created in 2009, it has established itself as a major crime fiction event in the south of France, attracting a large and loyal audience every autumn.
A popular and free festival
The festival takes place in the popular Mirail district, mainly at the Forum de la Renaissance (metro access Basso-Cambo, line A), as well as in several media libraries and bookstores in the Toulouse metropolitan area. Admission is free, with the aim of making crime fiction accessible to the widest possible audience.
Meetings, awards, and round tables
Each edition brings together more than 40 French and foreign authors for meetings, book signings, debates, and round tables. The festival awards several literary prizes: the Prix Violeta Negra Occitanie, the Prix Thierry Jonquet de la Nouvelle, and the Prix de l'Embouchure. Exhibitions, workshops, and activities (role-playing games, investigations) complete the program.
A friendly gathering
Enlightened fans of crime novels, as well as the simply curious, will find plenty to fuel their passion for crime fiction in a warm atmosphere fostered by the organizers and volunteers. The detailed program and the complete list of invited authors are announced each year on the official festival website.
Where does it take place — Toulouse Polars du Sud
Toulouse Polars du Sud in brief
History of Toulouse Polars du Sud
Edition 2025 Jul 2025Other festivals near Toulouse
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