Books & Ideas

Beyond Words is a week-long festival of literature featuring acclaimed authors and new voices, and the latest publications from both sides of the Channel.

Crossing French and British perspectives, the Night of Ideas tackles the latest ideas of our time and engages audiences through free debates with leading and emerging figures.

The South Ken Kids Festival welcomes some of the most talented children’s writers and illustrators from both sides of the Channel.

The Books for Thought series highlights the latest French non-fiction publications in English translation through Franco-British dialogue with major thinkers.

As an active member of EUNIC London, the Institut français takes part in the European Writers’ Festival with the European Literature Network and the British Library.

We assist and support French authors coming to the UK to participate in literature festivals or upon the request of publishers, booksellers, universities, etc.