Festival
Étonnants Voyageurs
Saint-Malo · Ille-et-Vilaine
Étonnants Voyageurs in Saint-Malo: international literature, travel, film, debates, author meetings and a big book fair. The 2027 dates have not yet been announced.
- Suggested time
- Half a day to 3 days
- Type of place
- International book and film festival
- Atmosphere
- Festive, cultural and immersive, with an identity strongly linked to the place and the line-up
- Getting there
- Saint-Malo, mainly around Intra-Muros, the Palais du Grand Large and Quai Saint-Malo; TGV station, then bus or walk.
Who this place suits
- With family
- 7/10
- As a couple
- 8/10
- With friends
- 8/10
- Solo
- 9/10
- With a dog
- 2/10
- Reduced mobility
- 8/10
These scores are calculated from what the page records: official rating, facilities, difficulty, duration and location. They are a guide, not a substitute for contacting the venue, especially about accessibility.
About
Étonnants Voyageurs was founded in Saint-Malo around literature open to the world, travel and the imagination. It has become one of the main literary festivals in France. The festival spreads across a dozen venues with talks, debates, screenings, signings and a big book fair bringing together booksellers and more than two hundred publishers. Dates, prices, programme, access and rules change every year. The 2026 edition took place from 23 to 25 May 2026 in Saint-Malo.
What you will see
- A major international literary festival
- More than 200 publishers at the book fair
- Twelve venues in 2026
- Talks, debates, films and signings
- A packed three-day programme
- An identity strongly linked to Saint-Malo.
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- A line-up centred on world literature, travel, film, debates and author meetings.
- Big crowds possible: plan transport, accommodation and bookings ahead.
Practical information
- Address
- 12 venues across Saint-Malo, including Quai Saint-Malo and the Palais du Grand Large
- Public transport
- Saint-Malo, mainly around Intra-Muros, the Palais du Grand Large and Quai Saint-Malo; TGV station, then bus or walk
- Pets
- Pets are not suited to the venues, fairs and screenings; assistance dogs according to the rules
- Accessibility
- Several of the main venues are accessible; check each venue and the routes between sites
- Best time
- Arrive early for the big moments and leave time for security checks, shuttles and moving between stages
Tips on the spot
- The 2026 edition took place from 23 to 25 May 2026; the 2027 dates have not yet been announced.
- Tickets: Access depends on the pass, tickets and events.
- Check the official website just before you travel: times, bag checks, banned items and traffic plans can change.
- For a big festival, book accommodation and transport well in advance.
- Bring comfortable shoes, clothes for the weather, ear protection for loud concerts and a power bank.
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- If a cashless system is used, create and top up your account before you arrive.
- With children or teenagers, check the age and supervision rules and the recommended ear protection.
Frequently asked questions
When is Étonnants Voyageurs?
The 2026 edition took place from 23 to 25 May 2026. The 2027 dates have not yet been announced.
Where does Étonnants Voyageurs take place?
12 venues across Saint-Malo, including Quai Saint-Malo and the Palais du Grand Large.
Is the festival free?
Access depends on the pass, tickets and events.
What style of festival is it?
World literature, travel, film, debates and author meetings.
How much time should I allow?
Half a day to 3 days, depending on your plans.
How do I get there?
Saint-Malo, mainly around Intra-Muros, the Palais du Grand Large and Quai Saint-Malo; TGV station, then bus or walk.
See also all the festivals in Ille-et-Vilaine.
Stay in Saint-Malo
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Photograph: Florian Pépellin · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons