Toulouse Hosts 9th Nuits de la Lecture with Free Cultural Events

TOULOUSE, France — The 9th edition of the Nuits de la Lecture, a nationwide literary festival organized by the Centre National du Livre under the French Ministry of Culture, will take place from Jan. 23 to 26, 2025, with a special highlight on Jan. 25. The event, held in Toulouse and other cities across France, will feature free cultural activities, including readings, concerts, workshops, and exhibitions, all centered around the theme of heritage.

The festival will kick off with family-friendly activities during the day, followed by a festive evening starting at 8 p.m. in the courtyard of the Toulouse library. The program, curated by the Toulouse library teams in collaboration with the association Sozinho and the University of Toulouse, aims to engage the public with a variety of literary and artistic experiences.

Highlights include musical readings, theatrical performances, film screenings, book-related games, writing workshops, and meet-and-greet sessions with authors. All events are free and open to the public, encouraging community participation and celebrating the joy of reading.

In addition to Toulouse, other cities like Andrésy and Conflans-Sainte-Honorine in the Yvelines region will host similar events. On Jan. 24, the Saint-Exupéry media library in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine will organize a shared meal followed by a musical reading of Greek mythology, suitable for ages 7 and up. The following day, the Blaise-Cendrars media library will offer eight activities, including shadow puppet shows, children’s book readings, and a quiz for all ages.

Photographer Chloé Crepel will also be on hand to take personalized portraits of visitors, who can leave with custom bookmarks. The event will conclude with a presentation of favorite books from 2024 and early 2025 by Julie from the Les P’tits Papiers bookstore.

Registration for specific activities is required and can be done via phone or email. The Nuits de la Lecture continues to grow in popularity, drawing thousands of participants each year to celebrate literature and culture.