Italissimo 2026 in Paris: dates, programme and highlights of the festival of Italian literature and culture

Paris is getting ready to celebrate the language of Dante with Italissimo 2026, a major celebration of Italian literature and culture. Are you looking for clear guidelines to help you organize your visit, without wasting time? Here’s a practical, precise guide designed with you in mind.

Dates, venues and festival spirit

According to the timetable announced by the organizers, the event will be held in spring 2026 in Paris. The rhythm will alternate between intimate moments and large-scale events, offering a lively breath of fresh air to the contemporary Italian scene.

As is often the case, the festival relies on a number of partner venues across the capital. Readings, debates and screenings follow one another in Parisian cultural venues, with accessibility designed for all.

A program designed for all audiences

The program features meetings with authors, readings and round-table discussions. In addition, hybrid formats, such as musical readings and performances, add depth to the itinerary.

“Literature travels best when it’s open to the voices, sounds and sights of the city.”

Italian cinema often finds its place, with screenings followed by discussions. As a result, the dialogue between words and images sheds light on the works from a different angle.

Curious audiences, students, families and professionals can all find suitable sessions. Signing sessions and short encounters make it easy to get in touch with authors.

• Meetings with Italian writers
• Stage readings and dialogues
• Performance and musical formats
• Film screenings and discussions
• Workshops, signings and social events

Authors, books and themes at the heart of the debate

The guest names will be revealed in stages, in order to keep the tempo of surprises. Italissimo 2026 should bring together established voices and new talents, with a keen eye on current creation.

The expected themes cover novels, noir, poetry and social issues. Memory, migration, ecology, cities and the arts all feed into precise and demanding exchanges.

Franco-Italian dialogues take center stage, with simultaneous translation where necessary. On the other hand, some meetings are held in the original language, depending on the guests and the format.

Practical info: tickets, access, languages

Ticketing varies according to the event, from free to moderate prices. For Italissimo 2026, reservations are often recommended, as some venues have limited capacity.

Venues are accessible by public transport, with short routes from one site to another. So planning a clear itinerary helps you get through two or three events in the same day.

Tips for organizing your visit

Start by identifying your priorities, then lock in your slots. As a result, you’ll secure the highlights of Italissimo 2026 while leaving room for new discoveries.

Take notes on the books mentioned, then visit a partner bookshop after the meetings. In doing so, you’ll prolong the effect of the exchanges and support the book chain in a tangible way.

Make sure you’re dressed appropriately and plan your schedule flexibly, especially if you’re moving from venue to venue. Also, keep your ticketing and reservations handy on your cell phone to save time.

For a smooth, rewarding experience

Arrive a little early for queues and entry checks. That way, you can settle in calmly and enjoy stress-free introductions.

Stay tuned for program updates, as adjustments may occur. In short, this flexibility guarantees you the best of Italissimo 2026, even in the event of last-minute changes.

Why this festival matters in Paris

This event strengthens the links between the French and Italian cultural scenes. As a result, readers benefit from a direct gateway to translated catalogs and previously unpublished works.

Exchanges on translation, publishing and the circulation of ideas feed public debate. The vitality of Italian literature is measured by the quality of the encounters and bridges created.

Beyond the headliners, attention to new voices remains decisive. Italissimo 2026 can also act as a springboard for less visible but promising authors.

The place given to the public is the strength of the event, thanks to the simplicity of its formats. Finally, this welcoming spirit transforms every exchange into a lively, useful and memorable moment for all.

• Italissimo 2026