The 22nd Polar Festival returns with a focus on espionage and secrets, featuring authors like Simone Buchholz and Zygmunt Miłoszewski from November 4–8 in Villeneuve-lez-Avignon.
Polar Festival returns for 22nd edition
The Polar Festival is returning for its 22nd edition, running from Wednesday, November 4, to Sunday, November 8, in Villeneuve-lez-Avignon. This annual event draws thousands of visitors and focuses on mystery and crime-themed literature.Theme focuses on espionage and secrets
This year’s festival theme is "Mystères de l'Est" (Mysteries of the East), exploring stories of espionage, borders, and secrets from Germany to Siberia. Two authors, Simone Buchholz and Zygmunt Miłoszewski, contributed to shaping the edition.Readers' Prize to be awarded
On Saturday, November 7, at 10 a.m., the Readers' Prize will be awarded during the opening at the Chartreuse. Seven novels are in contention for this year’s prize.Opening events at Maison Bronzini
The festival begins on Wednesday, November 4, at the Maison Bronzini. At 6:30 p.m., a "Reading party" invites attendees to read their own novels or books chosen on site, followed by discussions over drinks.Polar Dinner with mystery
At 8 p.m. on the opening day, the "Polar Dinner" will take place. During this event, a murder will be solved with two actors leading the investigation, creating an immersive experience for guests.Author meetings at Tinel de la Chartreuse
On Sunday, November 8, several authors will meet the public at the Tinel de la Chartreuse. Pierre Lemaitre, Bernard Minier, and Stéphanie Duncan will each speak about their books and answer questions from the audience.Literary ball on Le Mireio
The literary ball will be held on the boat Le Mireio. This event is part of the festival's offerings and takes place on Friday, November 6, at 7 p.m.Reading in space at planetarium
A new addition to this year’s festival, "Reading in space," will occur on Friday, November 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the planetarium of the park of Cosmos in Angles. Valérie Paüs will read excerpts from La Station, a thriller set on the International Space Station.Film screenings at Tinel
Film enthusiasts can enjoy screenings at the Tinel. Un grain de vérité, adapted from Zygmunt Miłoszewski’s novel, will be shown on Friday, November 6, at 9 p.m. La Vie des autres will be screened on Saturday, November 7, at 9 p.m.Closing event with classic novel
To end the weekend, Marianne Clevy, director of La Chartreuse, will read Les Douze Chaises by Ilya Ilf and Evguéni Petrov on Sunday, November 8, at 5:15 p.m.
