René Leynaud Creative Writing Residency in Lyon UNESCO City of Literature - FRENCH SPEAKING

February 28th, 2026

More Information

Please note this residency is for French speaking writers only.

Lyon UNESCO City of Literature has shared information about a new creative residency hosted by one of their partners Espace Pandora, located in the metropolitan area of Lyon. The René Leynaud residency is for 1 month, October-November 2026 and the deadline for submitting applications is February 28th.

The Programme

A one-month writing residency to be completed in Vénissieux, located in the metropolitan area of Lyon (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, France), in October–November 2026.

In order to facilitate the promotion and dissemination of a work that they consider “necessary in today's troubled times” and to support contemporary French-language poetry in all its forms, the Espace Pandora association and the Municipal Library of Lyon, with the support of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Cultural Affairs Directorate, are organizing the René Leynaud creative residency.

The Theme

the residency is aimed at encouraging the emergence of poetry and contemporary writing, promoting the spirit of resistance—understood in all its dimensions and components,

The author's literary and artistic project is the main focus of the René Leynaud residency.

Applicants must defend a certain view of the world today, faithful to the spirit of the poet René Leynaud, namely a spirit of resistance—past, present, or future.

What is Offered

The author will be provided with favorable conditions for creating. She/he will be hosted in an apartment provided by the Municipality and will be offered a writing grant of 2.000€.

What is Expected

The author will divide his time between creative work (70%) and public meetings. She/he agrees to participate in an evening event or in meetings organized in consultation with the host institution. These events may not exceed 30% of the residency period.

The author is expected to develop French-language poetry projects with a view to publication.

This residency is open to authors who have published between one and three works of contemporary French-language literature in short form (poetry, poetic prose, fragments), at least one of which must have been published in its first edition during the calendar year preceding the application and published by a publisher.

The following are not eligible for participation: self-published works, works published at the author's expense, reissues, anthologies, or collective works.

Documents for application

A statement of intent explaining your creative project in relation to the spirit of the residency
A bio-bibliography
At least one copy of a title published by a publisher during the calendar year preceding the application and reflecting the spirit of René Leynaud (resistance in all its forms).
If possible, a PDF version of the work, which will not be distributed outside the jury.