Une dune à la page

A Literary Festival by the Ocean

The Une dune à la page festival is a literary event held in Contis-Plage, a seaside resort in the commune of Saint-Julien-en-Born in the Landes region. Born in 2025 from the will of three literature enthusiasts — Virginie Lapeyre, creator and manager of the Au Camion bookstore, Frédérique Hardy, literary mediator, and author and actress Léa Wiazemsky (lifelong patron of the festival) —, this event aims to make words resonate between dunes and maritime pines.

A Rich and Diverse Program

Each edition offers a dense and varied program, structured around several themes. Literary encounters allow the public to interact directly with invited authors — novelists, essayists, biographers, poets, comic book authors. Thematic round tables address major questions in contemporary literature, while signing sessions offer a special moment between readers and writers. Around forty authors are invited each year, including major names in French literature.

Children's Literature in the Spotlight

Une dune à la page gives a prominent place to children's literature. From toddlers to teenagers, young readers have the opportunity to meet children's authors, participate in reading workshops, discover kamishibaï (Japanese paper theatre), and get initiated into creative writing. Story mats, storytelling sessions, mimed stories, and creative workshops are distributed between the Maison de la Station, the Tipi, and the Librairie Au Camion.

An Exceptional Setting Between Ocean and Forest

The festival is held at the Maison de la Station in Contis-Plage, just a few steps from the Atlantic Ocean. This exceptional natural setting, between fine sandy beaches, wooded dunes, and maritime pine forest, gives the festival a unique and soothing atmosphere. The opening ceremony, exhibitions, and activities take place in this friendly venue which becomes, for a long weekend, a true literary village.

The Dunes Dictation

A popular highlight of the festival, the participatory dictation gathers young and old on the sand around an unpublished text read by a guest personality. Hosted by journalist Julian Bugier, it has become one of the most anticipated events of each edition, combining concentration, good humor, and a love for the French language.

The Contis Plage Prize

In 2026, the festival inaugurated the Contis Plage Prize, endowed with €1,000, which rewards a debut novel. The jury, composed of association members and literary figures, annually selects a shortlist of finalists.

An Associative and Cultural Commitment

Supported by the Association Contis, Une Dune à la Page, the festival relies on the commitment of passionate volunteers who work throughout the year to offer a quality event that is free, open to all, and rooted in its territory. Each edition is sponsored by a literary personality, bringing a unique perspective to the program.