The Menton Colloquia 2025: dialogues on literature, thought, and geopolitics in the heart of the Mediterranean

Menton, 7 October 2025 — A week of ideas and exchange

After an opening weekend devoted to art, memory, and philosophy, the Menton Colloquia 2025 move into full swing.
Until Saturday, 11 October, the city continues to be transformed into a meeting place for ideas, cultures, and perspectives on the contemporary world.

Under the overarching theme “A journey through literature, geopolitics, and philosophy”, the event brings together writers, scholars, journalists, and artists in a dialogue that seeks to understand our changing world — from democratic fragilities to global conflicts, and the role of art and literature in making sense of reality.

Literature and freedom: highlights of the week

Tomorrow, Wednesday, 8 October at 3 p.m., the BAL Company will present the theatrical reading “Démocratie en toute liberté” at L’Odyssée Library — a poetic reflection on freedom of expression and democratic values.

On Thursday, 9 October at 6:30 p.m., the Sciences Po Menton campus will host writer and essayist Isabelle Jarry, who will discuss her latest book Ma vie avec George Orwell (Gallimard) with students.
A traveller and biologist by training, Jarry revisits the life and thought of George Orwell, highlighting the striking relevance of his work in today’s world of ethical, technological, and political challenges.

Towards the grand finale: democracy and geopolitics

The closing event, on Saturday, 11 October at 2:15 p.m. at the Palais de l’Europe, will feature a round table entitled “Une planète illisible, où allons-nous ?” moderated by Jérôme Cordelier, editor-in-chief at Le Point.

Participants include:

• Jean-François Colosimo, essayist and scholar of religion;

• Laure Mandeville, senior reporter for Le Figaro, specialist on Russia, Europe, and the United States;

• Bruno Tertrais, political scientist and Deputy Director of the Fondation pour la recherche stratégique.

Together, they will explore the geopolitical tensions reshaping the global order, the role of religions in public life, and the transformation of power and information in a world increasingly difficult to decipher.

Philosophy for the young and culture for all

The Petits Philosophes Workshops, led by Nikol Abécassis, continue this Saturday at L’Odyssée Library.
Aimed at children aged 7 to 12, these sessions invite participants to reflect on universal questions such as “What is freedom?” and “What does it mean to be fair?” — a creative way to nurture critical thinking and dialogue from an early age.

Each Colloquium session will be followed by a book signing, in partnership with Librairie Les Mandarins, offering the public an opportunity to meet authors and speakers.

A festival to understand the present and imagine the future

With a programme spanning literature, philosophy, spirituality, geopolitics, and environmental reflection, the Menton Colloquia 2025 confirm their mission as a laboratory of ideas and dialogue, where art and thought illuminate the complexity of the modern world.

📅 Until 11 October 2025
📍 Menton – Palais de l’Europe, L’Odyssée, Sciences Po Menton, and other venues
🔗 Full programme and reservations: www.menton.fr