From October 11 to 13, the Book Festival is back in Saint-Etienne. For this 38th edition, 185 circles and 80 publishing houses are expected on the four squares which host the event, with prestigious guests of honor… including chef Pierre Gagnaire.
Like every autumn, Saint-Etienne once again becomes the French capital of literature for a weekend. From October 11 to 13, the Book Festival will take place in the city center with its exhibitions, workshops and cultural events spread across four city squares of which the Town Hall is the epicenter. “ Last year, our welcome earned us a label from children’s book authors. Furthermore, we are supported by the National Book Center and it’s a great recognition.” As every year, this edition will not be without surprises.
Pierre Gagnaire in the spotlight
And it is the playwright and screenwriter Philippe Besson who will be its godfather. Author of around twenty novels, he will present One summer eveninginspired as is often the case by a true story. It looks back at a youth drama that occurred on the Île de Ré, one evening in July 1985. As for the guest of honor of this new edition, he needs no introduction, especially in Saint-Etienne since he is one of the local prides. The chef with 13 Michelin stars, Pierre Gagnaire, will return to the city where he started out and present his new work there A life in the kitchen, an autobiographical story punctuated with recipes. Finally, the Book Festival is also the Festival Les Mots en scène. It is Marie Pavlenko who will be the godmother of this 11th editing. Novelist and author of children’s literature, she will offer a musical reading of The Main Riverwith cellist Maëva Le Berre, and will present her latest book, Cross the mountains.
750,000 euros investment
The task of creating the poster was entrusted to Eric Bourgier this year. The illustrator and comic book author from Saint-Etienne particularly focused on warm, autumnal colors, in reference to the period in which the event takes place. After the departure of Axelle Redon, who was commissioner of the Book Festival, the City decided to entrust the reins of programming to those who worked in her shadow, Soline Travers and Anna Jouchoux. “ When you have such skills internally, why look for them elsewhere? », declared Gaël Perdriau on this subject. They are thus continuing the work initiated over the last two years, which gives pride of place to mangas with nine French and European mangakas on site. In 2023, the Book Festival welcomed 120,000 visitors, for a dedicated budget of 750,000 euros.
