Photo : Emile Bravo/Gauthier Delauné/Lire en délire
The 11th arrondissement celebrates youth literature with Lire en Délire!
The Lire en délire festival returns for its 17th edition! It takes place from November 5 to 21, 2026, in the Belleville – Fontaine-au-Roi district (Paris 11th) and will end with a Book Fair.
Gymnase de la Fontaine-au-Roi (Paris 11th)
About
The Grand Belleville district once again celebrates youth literature for the Lire en délire festival.
Writing workshops, literary meetings, exhibitions, concerts, shows, readings… Lire en délire is aimed at all audiences.
Book Fair: Lire en Délire
The highlight of Lire en délire is the Book Fair that will close the festival. A festive afternoon dedicated to children's books: meetings with authors and illustrators, creative workshops and readings for young and old.
Gymnase de la Fontaine-au-Roi, 100 rue de la Fontaine-au-Roi, 11th arrondissement
Saturday, November 21 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
All audiences. Free access.
The program:
Exhibition: Bénédicte Eustache
Bénédicte Eustache explores reality through drawing. Her illustrations bear witness to an attentive and sensitive look, where the line tells as much as it shows.
Le Bibliovore, 25 rue de Vaucouleurs, 11th arrondissement
All audiences
Until November 21 during opening hours. Free access
Exhibition: "Tout va bien!"
Through her editorial cartoons, Mana Neyestani takes a critical and satirical look at our society. An exhibition to reflect and discuss humor, freedom of expression, and current events.
Le Picoulet, 59 rue de la Fontaine-au-roi, 11th arrondissement
All audiences
Until November 23 during opening hours. Free access. Wheelchair accessible.
Theater: Augustin, Pirate des Indes by La Baguette production
Board Augustin's boat to discover a mysterious treasure of spices. An adventure in odorama!
At La Folie Théâtre, 6 rue de la Folie-Méricourt, 11th arrondissement
4-10 years old
Sunday, November 8 and Saturday, November 14 at 2:30 p.m. 10€ with code "Lire en délire" · Reservation required at 01 43 55 14 80 (subject to availability). Wheelchair accessible.
Musical reading: Life of Pi, Yann Martel
The Compagnie Reine Pâris and students from the Charles Munch Conservatory, take you on a musical reading in the heart of the ocean, where a young shipwrecked person struggles to survive alongside a tiger, between fear, hope, and wonder.
Auditorium of the Charles Munch municipal conservatory, 7 rue Duranti 11th arrondissement
From 12 years old.
Friday, November 13 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free access.
Pop'up workshop: around the wonderful journey of Nils Holgersson
After discovering the life of Selma Lagerlöf, children and their parents will create three small pop'up books.
Libralire Bookstore, 116 rue Saint-Maur, 11th arrondissement
8-12 years old
Saturday, November 14 at 10:30 a.m. Free upon registration with the bookstore. Wheelchair accessible
Signing: with Jérémy Pailler around L’Envol de Pépin
Discover L’Envol de Pépin, a poetic and endearing album that invites young and old to dream, grow, and take flight (published by Kaléidoscope).
Les Guetteurs de vent Bookstore, 108 avenue Parmentier, 11th arrondissement
All audiences, from 6 years old
Saturday, November 14 at 3:30 p.m.
Theater: Michka
Come and discover this famous Père Castor Christmas tale joyfully staged and sung!
At La Folie Théâtre, 6 rue de la Folie-Méricourt, 11th arrondissement
3-8 years old
Sunday, November 15 and Wednesday, November 18 at 4 p.m. 10€ with code "Lire en délire" · Reservation required at 01 43 55 14 80 (subject to availability). Wheelchair accessible.
Discovery workshop: children on stage
This workshop allows children to be introduced to theater in a fun way through games, body expression, and improvisation.
Ateliers du Chaudron, 31 passage de Ménilmontant, 11th arrondissement
5-11 years old
Wednesday, November 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free upon registration at 06 85 94 95 37. Wheelchair accessible.
Parent/child workshop: from cardboard to battle!
Manufacturing of objects and stage accessories around the show Guillaume & Harold with Camille Gerbeau.
La Maison des Métallos, 84 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 11th arrondissement
From 6 years old
Wednesday, November 18 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 5€ instead of 10€ with code LIRE10. Reservation at 01 47 00 25 20. Wheelchair accessible.
Survey of Leurre et Malheur du transhumanisme by Olivier Rey
To what extent is it favorable to transform human beings? Survey the work Leurre et Malheur du Transhumanisme by Olivier Rey as a group.
La Maison des Métallos, 84 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 11th arrondissement
All audiences. From 15 years old
Wednesday, November 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 5€ instead of 8€ with code LIRE10. Reservation at 01 47 00 25 20. Wheelchair accessible.
Guillaume & Harold, a show by Gaëlle Bourges
Dance, humor, and suspense revisit the conquest of England in a quirky medieval epic!
La Maison des Métallos, 84 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 11th arrondissement
From 6 years old
Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20 at 7 p.m. 10€ instead of 15€ with code LIRE10. Reservation at 01 47 00 25 20. Wheelchair accessible.
Musical awakening: The Illuminations
A cello and a poetess dialogue joyfully, weaving the thread of their meeting in the middle of excerpts from Jean-Sebastian Bach's dance suites and colorful improvisations. An opportunity for toddlers and their parents to rediscover this multifaceted instrument, known for having the timbre that most closely resembles the human voice.
Le Picoulet, 59 rue de la Fontaine-au-Roi, 11th arrondissement
0-6 years old
Saturday, November 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Free upon registration: culture.autrement@cmculture.com
The (Not So) Selfish Giant, by Elodie Zara
A comforting winter tale in the kitchen of an endearing giant, orchestrated by two actresses who are alternately storytellers, singers, and object manipulators.
Le Local des autrices, 18 rue de l'Orillon, 11th arrondissement
0-6 years old
Saturday, November 21, at 11 a.m. Reservation on the site lelocaldesautrices.fr
Our take on this event
The 11th arrondissement transforms into a vibrant playground where literature breaks free from bookshelves to spark everyone's curiosity. From immersive artistic displays to hands-on workshops, this is your chance to rediscover the joy of stories in every neighborhood corner.
From November 5 to 21, 2026, the Lire en Délire festival brings the magic of children's literature to the 11th arrondissement of Paris. This diverse event offers a wide range of activities, including exhibitions, creative workshops, theater performances, and live readings suitable for all ages. Participants can enjoy numerous free sessions held across various cultural venues throughout the neighborhood. The festival is designed to be inclusive, with many locations fully accessible by wheelchair. The experience culminates in a festive book fair on November 21 at the Gymnase de la Fontaine-au-Roi, serving as a highlight for readers and families.
The Lire en Délire festival turns the Grand Belleville district into a hub of literary discovery. Throughout the event, visitors can explore visual arts, such as Bénédicte Eustache's illustrations at Le Bibliovore or Mana Neyestani's political cartoons at Le Picoulet. Theater lovers can attend shows like Augustin, Pirate des Indes or Michka at La Folie Théâtre, while dance enthusiasts can catch Guillaume & Harold at La Maison des Métallos. Please note that some theater and workshop sessions require advance booking and the use of specific discount codes for reduced pricing.
Beyond performances, the schedule includes interactive experiences like pop-up book workshops at the Libralire bookstore for children aged 8-12, acting sessions at Ateliers du Chaudron, and literary discussions regarding transhumanism at La Maison des Métallos on November 18. Each activity is tailored to specific age groups, ranging from toddlers to adults, ensuring a meaningful experience for every visitor.
The festival concludes with a grand Book Fair on Saturday, November 21, from 14:00 to 18:00 at the Gymnase de la Fontaine-au-Roi. Most venues involved, including the main gymnasium, Le Picoulet, Libralire, and La Maison des Métallos, are equipped with wheelchair access to ensure that everyone can participate in the festivities comfortably.
