PhiloMonaco 2026 in Monaco: Five Days of Debates and Discussions Exploring the Theme of Desire

Monaco is preparing to host one of the Principality’s most prestigious cultural events. From June 24 to 28, 2026, the Semaine PhiloMonaco returns, bringing together leading thinkers, authors, researchers and cultural figures for five days of public discussions, lectures and intellectual exchange.

Organized by the Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco, the annual event has become a major platform for philosophical dialogue, attracting participants from across Europe and beyond.

Desire at the Heart of the 2026 Edition

The central theme of this year’s program is desire, a concept that lies at the crossroads of philosophy, literature, sociology and contemporary thought.

Throughout the five-day event, speakers will explore how desire shapes human behavior, influences personal decisions and contributes to broader social and political transformations.

Topics will range from the pursuit of knowledge and personal fulfillment to justice, relationships, parenthood, disappointment, addiction and the tension between needs and aspirations.

By bringing together different disciplines and perspectives, the event aims to provide new tools for understanding the forces that influence modern life.

Renowned Philosophers, Writers and Scholars

PhiloMonaco 2026 will feature a distinguished lineup of guests from the worlds of philosophy, literature and social sciences.

Among the announced participants are Charlotte Casiraghi, philosopher Claire Marin, sociologist Eva Illouz, Prix Goncourt-winning author Laurent Gaudé and novelist Alice Ferney.

Conferences, round tables and public discussions will offer audiences the opportunity to engage directly with some of today’s most influential intellectual voices.

Literature and Philosophy in Conversation

A special session will focus on the relationship between writing and desire, bringing together Alice Ferney, Laurent Gaudé and Cécile Ladjali.

Through their literary experiences, the authors will explore how desire influences storytelling, character development and the narratives that help us understand the human condition.

The discussion will highlight the powerful connections between literature, imagination and philosophical reflection.

Activities for Young Audiences

The event will also include workshops designed for children and young people, encouraging them to explore philosophical concepts through interactive and accessible activities.

Participants will be invited to reflect on the distinction between necessity and desire, fostering critical thinking from an early age.

Celebrating Ten Years of the Prix PhiloMonaco

One of the highlights of the week will be the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Prix PhiloMonaco, an award that has become an important reference point in the French-speaking philosophical community.

The anniversary event will feature prominent figures from the artistic and cultural world, including choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot and pianist and composer Karol Beffa.

Iconic Venues Across Monaco

Events will take place in some of Monaco’s most prestigious locations, turning the Principality into a vibrant forum for ideas and dialogue.

Sessions will be hosted at the Théâtre Princesse Grace, Hôtel Hermitage, Promenade Honoré II, Café de Paris and the Yacht Club de Monaco, offering participants the opportunity to experience some of the Principality’s most emblematic cultural venues.

A Free Event Open to Everyone

All events within the Semaine PhiloMonaco 2026 program will be free of charge, reflecting the organizers’ commitment to making philosophy accessible to the widest possible audience.

To reach participants worldwide, all discussions and conferences will also be streamed live through the official PhiloMonaco website and the Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco YouTube channel.

Founded in 2015 by Charlotte Casiraghi together with philosophers Robert Maggiori and Raphael Zagury-Orly, the initiative continues to strengthen Monaco’s reputation as an international center for culture, reflection and intellectual exchange.