A festival that has found its home on the right bank
Since their move to Bastide in 2025, Les Escales du Livre have taken on a new dimension. And this 2026 edition promises to confirm the masterstroke. We're talking about more than 25,000 expected visitors, with a lineup that mixes big names and emerging voices, all nestled in the industrial charm of Darwin and the Fabrique Pola.
Amidst the revamped halls and the banks of the Garonne, the festival unfolds its spaces for meetings, exhibitions, and even a story caravan for the little ones.
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A Delightful Program
On the headliners' side, we have Marie NDiaye presenting "Ma Chérie" at the Glob Théâtre, an intense musical reading about control and regained freedom. Maylis de Kerangal, accompanied on piano by Cascadeur, will offer a reading of her novella "Mustang" at Villa Valmont. Étienne Davodeau will discuss his latest story about Alzheimer's disease, perhaps his most personal work.
We also have Isabelle Autissier talking about ocean urgency, Rose Lamy dissecting class contempt, Matthieu Barbin, aka Sara Forever (Drag Race France finalist), who will present his debut novel, and the Compliment Battle led by slam artist Maras, which has become a classic of the festival.
Workshops, Exhibitions, and a Dive into Montaigne's Bordeaux
Beyond the meetings, Escales offers a myriad of experiences. The Bordeaux Libraries unveil a world premiere immersive experience in mixed reality that takes us back to the 16th century, centered around the writing of the Essays.
On the exhibition side, we discover creations by Manon Bucciarelli along the quays, the artworks of Agathe Halais at the Disparate bookstore and at the Fabrique Pola, and "My Cabin," a collaboration between artist Paul Peinture and students from the Modeste Testas school. For the kids, there are pop-up workshops, comic books, weaving, and even an interactive game fiction styled like an escape room to fill the weekend with fun. There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained, and access to the event is free!
Les Escales du Livre 2026
From March 27 to 29, 2026
Friday 1:30 PM - 8:00 PM / Saturday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM / Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Free access to the book fair Workshops and shows: €6 to €20