Creating memories
At the entrance to Lou Calen, on Cours Gambetta, the bookstore comes alive with literary events. Writers, poets, and thinkers come to Lou Calen to reveal their world of inspiration and creative expression, offering visitors a moment of exchange and discovery. In this special bookstore where time seems to slow down, the pages of the books open like windows onto the world, and conversations bubble around a signed book or a shared memory. This is an intimate space, dedicated to the love of literature and the dialogue of brilliant ideas.
Upcoming workshops & events
Saturday 29 November
Julie Ewa is coming to present Au-delà, her new book about her repeated out-of-body experiences. Between shock, investigation and search for meaning, she explores the limits of reality and, with clarity, challenges what we believe possible, shaking our certainties about consciousness.
Past workshops & events
Saturday 15 November
Mireille Bergès unveils Brins de thym et air marin, a short story collection where Provence appears by turns sun-drenched, wild or rugged. At the bookshop, she will also present her novels L’Envol and La Terre de Louise, inspired by southern landscapes and imbued with deep humanity.
Saturday 25 October
Kilou, a child of the streets of Zaou, and Jacques Antoine, a biographical author, have joined forces to revive stories long buried. They will present three works: La maison d’Angèle (2023), Ze et la croix des pins (2024), L’ombre du manoir (2025).
Saturday 4 October
Based in Provence, writer Bruno Carpentier crafts crime novels and historical thrillers deeply rooted in the region. At the bookshop, he will present and sign his works, including Arma Christi, his latest investigation and Coup de Cœur 2025 at the Blues & Polars Festival.
Saturday 23 August
A nostalgic wind full of Provençal flavours is blowing through Cotignac with Huguette Caren’s book. A true ode to Provence and its culinary heritage, this collection of recipes not only invites you to get busy behind the stove, but also opens a door to the fascinating history of Lou Calen.
Saturday 19 July
Meet Valérie Cupillard, a pioneer of organic and gourmet cuisine, at a book signing! She's here to share three inspiring books for healthy cooking, good food with no sacrifice. Plant-based meal alternatives, essential oils, and true culinary creativity are all on the menu.
Saturday 14 June
Jeany Cronk, co-founder of Maison Mirabeau, and Frankie Unsworth, food stylist and creative, celebrate the Provençal art de vivre with their new cookbook. Enjoy the delicacies of Jeany’s recipes, accompanied by a glass of the Mirabeau estate's newest vintage.
Saturday 17 May
Poetry comes to life through book chat! Antoine Simon invites you to the Lou Calen bookstore for a book signing. A wonderful opportunity to chat with this author, learning all about their unique approach to poetry and discovering their latest literary works.
Saturday 3 May
Talented actress turned thriller writer, Alice Pol will be presenting her two bestselling novels at a book signing session. This is a unique opportunity to discover the sharp writing of a woman who captivates her readers on paper as much as her audience on screen.
Saturday 12 April
Markus A. Will will present his thriller The Dark Banker during a reading (in English) at the Lou Calen bookstore. This former financial journalist and investment banker first gained recognition with Bad Banker, his debut suspense novel, which became a bestseller in Switzerland.
Saturday 15 March
Born in the heart of rural Provence, Jéromine Dalmasso drew from her country bumpkin experiences to write her vibrant and emotional debut novel. With a sincere and evocative pen, she immerses us in her universal quest to find identity and true fulfillment.
Saturday 22 February
It was a surprise to Patricia Ortelli, a former student of the École du Louvre, that she became a winemaker. At the age of 30, she decided to acquire an abandoned vineyard: Domaine de la Calisse. She will be signing her book, an inspiring tale of a committed woman.
Saturday 14 December
A writer from Marseille, René Frégni explores the darkness of mankind against the light of Mediterranean landscapes through his fifteen novels. He will join us to present six of his literary works, filled with travel, humanity and poetry, followed by a booksigning session.
Saturday 7 December
A passionate author and book editor, Axel Graisely joins us to look back on his inspiring journey as a committed globetrotter, and to discuss four of his literary creations (Histoires et légendes, Traditions et symbolismes en Provence...) which he will be happy to sign for visitors.
Saturday 23 November
A Franco-British author of gothic novels, Phoebe Wynne set our literary encounters off to a flyings start at Lou Calen. We have the honour of hosting a discussion of her two acclaimed novels in English, Madam and The Ruins, before a book signing session.
