Last year, the festival blew out its 20th birthday candle with an impressive 100,000 visitors. This year, the bar is set high. But for this 21st edition, which sees the Quais du Polar festival reach its international majority of 21 years, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Or perhaps a good old-fashioned detective story…
The crème de la crème of the detective world for an edition that’s already shaping up to be a c0llector
Quais du Polar is once again pulling out all the stops. Hundreds of guests are expected, including some of the biggest names in the world of crime fiction, such as James Ellroy and Icelandic author Arnaldur Indridason. In all, more than 16 nationalities will be represented. Our French writers will also be (very) well represented, with Franck Thilliez, Michel Bussi and Bernard Minier to name but a few. Round tables, book signings, stands and screenings await visitors. Don’t miss the two live recordings of France Inter’s cult programs: “Affaires Sensibles” and “Le Masque et la Plume”. Find the full program here
The good news is that the festival is entirely free, with the exception of film screenings. Most events are free of charge, subject to availability, but for some you’ll need to reserve your place.
Quais du polar 2025 on the theme of borders
It could hardly be more topical. But are we talking about borders? Or are we talking about the borders of the literary genre? Perhaps both. Although it’s mentioned in many of these books, the detective fiction genre is anything but imprisoned. In fact, it’s so fascinating that it’s in a perpetual state of revolution.From noir novels to comics and even children’s books and poetry, the detective novel transcends on every level.
From the program to the guests, the Festival speaks to all generations and all readers. Whether you’re a curious youngster or a seasoned thriller serial killer, there’s a place for everyone at the Festival. An edition full of surprises that we can’t wait to discover in this early spring in Lyon.
Operation seduction on Lyon’s public transport network
SYTRAL, the company in charge of Lyon’s public transport system, will be making over 500 paperback books available to users. The idea? To give passengers the chance to discover new books while they’re on the move, a time that’s ideal for reading. The books will be placed in the Metro A and Tram T1 trains. “The books will be available for passengers to leaf through, read or rediscover before taking it away, exchanging it or passing it on,” explains SYTRAL.
Palais de la Bourse / Hôtel de ville / Chapelle de la Trinité / Théâtre Comédie Odéon
Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
More info