From 11 to 14 September 2025, Bordeaux will vibrate to the rhythm of pencils, brushes and comic bubbles. Festival Gribouillis returns for a colorful, festive and free 5th edition dedicated to comics, illustration and children's books. Between exhibitions, meetings, workshops and book fair, one of autumn's most anticipated cultural rendez-vous.
Created in 2021, Gribouillis quickly found its place in Bordeaux's cultural landscape. Its ambition? Offer a "joyful graphic bazaar" gathering kids and adults around drawing in all its forms.
A festival open to all and free, gathering independent publishing houses, local booksellers, established artists and young international talents. No need to be a specialist: come to be surprised, browse, meet and have fun.
The Book Fair at Garage Moderne
The beating heart of the festival. From 12 to 14 September, Garage Moderne (Bacalan district) hosts over 70 authors and 60 independent publishers.
On the program:
- Signings and discussions with comic and illustration authors.
- Discover alternative comics and independent children's publishing.
- Meet Bordeaux booksellers driving the local scene.
Hours: 10am to 7pm daily. Free access, no registration.
Seven big exhibitions across town
All September, Bordeaux and its metropolis become an open-air gallery:
- David B. retrospective at Mériadeck Library: 200+ originals from the contemporary comics master, linked to his new album Monsieur Chouette.
- Espace Saint-Rémi: focus on Julie Delporte, Sophie Guerrive and the graphic legacy of éditions Losfeld.
- Librairie Disparate: artist Magda Meziane spotlighted.
- Florie Saint-Val and her children's albums shown in a partner venue.
- Illustrated travel notebooks, inviting escape.
- Selection of works from Bordeaux Montaigne Illustration Master students.
Each venue brings a unique atmosphere, letting the public discover the diversity of contemporary illustration.
Gribouillis isn't just a fair or exhibitions. Also an intergenerational party with programming for all:
- Creative workshops to try drawing.
- Drawn shows and concerts where music and illustration meet live.
- Screenings and graphic readings.
- Graphic parties for kids... and adults who kept their inner child.
Each year the festival surprises with its inventiveness and code-breaking flair.
On 12 September at Garage Moderne, three prizes will be awarded to standout works in comics, children's and illustration categories. A way to spotlight editors and artists often outside traditional circuits but at the heart of contemporary creativity.
In 2024 the festival gathered nearly 20,000 visitors, proof of its strong roots in Bordeaux cultural life. Backed by a booksellers collective, local institutions and international partners, Gribouillis is today one of France's major events dedicated to illustration and comics.
Practical info 📍
📅 Dates: 11 to 14 September 2025
📍 Book fair: Garage Moderne, 176 rue Achard, 33300 Bordeaux
⏰ Hours: 10am-7pm from 12 to 14 September
💶 Price: free, open access
🌐 Info: festivalgribouillis.fr / Instagram @festival.gribouillis
⬇️ Download 2025 program
