Francophone Words Take Manhattan!

Announcing the 8th Edition of the Festival International des Auteurs Francophones – April 24–27, 2025

New York City may be the city that never sleeps, but from April 24 to 27, 2025, it will also be the city that reads—in French! And not just any French, but French from all corners of the globe. The Festival International des Auteurs Francophones, now in its 8th edition (and 4th on American soil), is returning to the Big Apple with a literary bang.

Created in 2021 by the vibrant global network Rencontre des Auteurs Francophones, this annual celebration of francophone literature is more than just a festival—it’s a movement. With over 28 authors from 4 continents convening in Manhattan and Westchester, it’s a rare opportunity to engage with voices that reflect the true diversity and dynamism of the French-speaking world.

What’s Happening Over These Four Book-Loving Days?

The lineup is rich, spirited, and full of heart. Here’s a glimpse into this cultural feast:

📍April 24 Things kick off with a Mediterranean touch: Mona Azzam, author from Occitania, hosts the American launch of the collaborative work Hommage à la Méditerranée at La Maison de l’Occitanie. Meanwhile, in the Bronx and Westchester, authors bring literature into classrooms, sowing seeds of inspiration among young French learners.

📍April 25 The action moves to the United Nations Language Center, where the central theme, “L’engagement en littérature”(Commitment in Literature), takes center stage. Later, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie hosts a special gathering of authors—followed by a Mediterranean cocktail launch to toast the new book.

📍April 26 It’s a day for the public: Panels and book signings unfold at the Francophone Cultural Fair at the Lycée Français de New York. In the evening, literary lovers gather for an apéritif and book signing at O’Cabanon, followed by the Francophone Literary Dinner, part of a new global dining series that began in January 2025. These dinners have already taken place in 18 cities worldwide, uniting hundreds of authors and readers!

📍April 27 The celebration culminates with a Francophone Literature Festival in Mamaroneck, Westchester—a family-friendly event with youth programming, open workshops, book signings, and a hearty Breton lunch. Expect laughter, learning, and lots of lively discussions.

The Mission Behind the Magic

This isn’t just about books and book signings. It’s about transmission—passing down the beauty of the French language, connecting generations, and amplifying unheard voices. Each participating author is committed to sharing knowledge, sparking imagination, and engaging with communities of all ages and backgrounds.

And for the second year running, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie lends its full support, underscoring the festival’s global importance and cultural impact.

Meet the Network: Rencontre des Auteurs Francophones

If you haven’t heard of this powerhouse yet, now’s the time to tune in. The Rencontre des Auteurs Francophones is the world’s first global francophone literary network, bringing together over 380 authors from 54 countries and territories across all five continents.

Their reach is impressive:

• 🌐 A digital literary platform and online bookstore

• 🎥 A dynamic YouTube channel filled with interviews and programs

• 📰 A blog with more than 100 contributors

• 📚 A U.S.-based publishing house curating collaborative works (recent tributes include Camus, Gary, Yourcenar,and 80 Years of The Little Prince)

• 🧭 Coming in Spring 2025: "La Place des Auteurs", an interactive platform offering author bios, a global literary events calendar, and the Agora Littéraire—a virtual hub for sharing French-language content worldwide.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

Whether you’re a die-hard bibliophile, a language lover, or someone curious about what’s stirring in the international literary scene, this festival is your front-row seat to the future of francophone culture.

So mark your calendars, grab your notebooks, and maybe even brush up on your conjugations. Because from the Bronx to Westchester, from the UN to the Lycée Français, the French language is taking center stage—and it’s never sounded so vibrant.

For more details, full program, and author lineup: www.rencontredesauteursfrancophones.com