Haven't you done a dictation in years, or even in whole decades? Have you not even heard the word "dictation" in ages? Well, April 2026 is going to be the perfect opportunity to rekindle some old memories. Join us on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Palais de la Découverte for a new edition of the giant dictation, organized by Pilot as part of the Book Festival taking place from April 17 to 19, 2026.
A special guest for this second edition of the giant dictation
Grab your pens! On Saturday, April 18, 2026, three dictation sessions will be held in the Rotonde of the Palais de la Découverte, at 2 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM. And for this occasion, none other than the joy...
Journalist and literary critic Augustin Trapenard will host the afternoon. The texts will be dictated by the three authors who wrote them. Last year, this dictation brought together 900 participants, from all generations.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Mental health as a central theme
In addition to rediscovering the joy and necessity of handwriting, this event will also highlight the connection between mental health and the act of writing by hand. 60% of French people say that writing helps them manage their emotions. At 1 PM, there will be a roundtable discussion in the Grand Auditorium of the Grand Palais on the theme “Writing soothes the pain.” The exchange will be led by the rapper and author Lord Esperanza, neuroscientist Marie Prévost, and the general manager of Pilot Pen France, Patrick Forveille.
A 45 m2 booth will also be set up to offer visitors writing workshops focused on mental health with Lord Esperanza on Friday, April 17, and with Teesh on Saturday, April 18. There will be demonstrations of Hirameki creations — this Japanese technique that involves drawing freely, following your imagination, using random shapes — with Iroshizuku inks throughout the day.Giant Dictation
Rotonde du Palais de la Découverte
17, avenue du Général Eisenhower — 8th
Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 2 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM
More info