Monaco’s literary scene is set to come alive once again as the International Book Fair returns for its 14th edition at the Grimaldi Forum. Over two days on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7, more than 150 authors representing 12 different nationalities will gather to celebrate literature through a packed program of discussions, conferences, and book signings.
Organized by the association Les Rencontres Littéraires Fabian Boisson under the leadership of Yvette Gazza-Cellario, this celebrated event is held under the high patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II. Attendees can look forward to engaging debates, roundtable discussions, and intimate “literary cafés” designed to foster direct exchanges between writers and readers.
Among the standout guests this year is Andréï Makine, a member of the Académie française since 2016 and winner of the prestigious Prix Goncourt in 1995 for Le Testament Français. Makine will present his latest work, Prisonnier du rêve écarlate. The fair will also feature a conference led by former French Foreign Minister Hubert Védrine, who will explore the geopolitical landscape “eight months after President Trump’s arrival, viewed from the Mediterranean.”
Other notable participants include Jean-Paul Enthoven, Vladimir Fédorovski, Stéphane Carlier, and Emmanuel Pierrat, promising a diverse and thought-provoking lineup.
This year, the fair introduces an exciting new literary prize—the Prix Pythéas—dedicated to works centered on travel and exploration. Named after the legendary Greek navigator whose voyages reached the edges of the known world, this award will honor a book or travelogue published in French (original or translated) between June 2024 and June 2025. The jury is chaired by Philippe Charlier and includes notable figures such as Nikos Aliagas and the Greek ambassador to France. The winner will be announced during the fair on Sunday.
Admission to the International Book Fair is free and open to the public at the Grimaldi Forum’s Diaghilev Hall, from 10:00 to 18:00.
