Inside the French Book Market

What themes and reader trends are currently shaping French literature?

France remains one of the most dynamic literary markets in the world — in size, in influence, and in creative energy. By volume, it stands on par with the UK and Italy combined, and French is still the second most translated language worldwide after English. That international visibility is sustained by a striking diversity of voices and by publishers, who actively champion their authors abroad, supported by institutions like France Livre and the Institut français.

The latest 2025 barometer from the Centre national du livre offers a clear snapshot of the country’s reading culture: 56% of French people describe themselves as regular readers, 63% have read at least five books over the past year, and they average 18 books annually. New formats are reshaping habits too — one in three French people have tried an audiobook, signalling a broader definition of reading and a diversification of audiences.

In terms of trends, France mirrors the global landscape. Traditional literary fiction remains strong, while romance has surged with a wide and diverse readership. Humanities and social sciences continue to draw global interest. Meanwhile, two notably dynamic sectors, children’s books and graphic novels are exploring every theme and engaging readers across all ages.

Overall, the French market shows a rare balance, firmly rooted in a long literary tradition, yet agile enough to embrace new genres, new formats, and new reading behaviours. A market that doesn’t just follow global trends — it helps shape them.

How are French publishers and authors adapting to digital change, audiobooks, and new reading platforms?

France remains primarily a print-led market. The fixed book price law has helped preserve one of the world’s densest networks of physical bookstores, which keeps access to printed books exceptionally easy. As a result, digital books account for only about 10% of the market and have shown limited movement in recent years.

French publishers are nonetheless adapting strategically to the digital landscape. E-books are fully integrated into production workflows, but the real shift is happening in audio. Audiobooks are growing fast: publishers are rapidly expanding their catalogues, and global platforms have entered the market with subscription models that accelerate adoption.

The audio segment is still in an investment phase. For many publishers and authors, it has become the most dynamic lever of digital transformation today.

How do you view the deepening France–India relationship in terms of books, ideas, and creative exchange?

The cultural connection between France and India has never been stronger. A great deal of credit goes to the Institut français in India, which has worked tirelessly for years to promote French literature across the country. Their efforts have supported the translation of French works into multiple Indian languages, helping our authors reach a readership as vast and diverse as India itself. They have also enabled French publishers, together with France Livre, to better understand a market that is complex, multilingual, and constantly evolving.

Beyond translation, the Institut français has multiplied publishing support programmes, organised discovery trips across several Indian states, and created opportunities for French professionals to grasp the expectations, needs, and rhythms of the Indian side. This has built genuine bridges between the two industries.

The intellectual exchange is equally vibrant. French authors and more broadly, French creators regularly travel to India, contributing to public debates, festivals, and conversations. For its part, France Livre has maintained a strong and long-standing presence at the New Delhi World Book Fair for decades, a tangible sign of France’s commitment to this partnership.

How would you describe the dynamic partnership between France and India?

The relationship has reached a level of genuine maturity, and it keeps deepening because it is built on reciprocity and a real appetite for exchange on both sides.

We strongly encourage Indian editors, scouts, translators, and other industry professionals to join professional study trips and tailored programmes that offer direct insight into the French publishing ecosystem. And every June, the Paris Book Market provides a particularly engaging way to discover the breadth of French publishing. It’s a focused, collegial setting where professionals can meet the right counterparts, explore catalogues, and get a vivid sense of the diversity and creativity of the French market.

In short, the partnership works so well because it flows both ways, enabling each side to learn and to build long-term, meaningful collaborations.

What collaborations does France Livre have in India with publishers, institutions, or literary festivals?

France Livre’s mission is to connect French publishers with their counterparts around the world, and India is a key focus of that work. We coordinate the “France” stands at major international book fairs, including in New Delhi — creating spaces where French publishers can meet Indian editors, scouts, and rights managers.

We also organise numerous professional encounters, both in France and abroad, often in close partnership with the Institut français. Whenever possible, we join forces with their initiatives or with programmes emerging directly from the field — whether they come from Indian institutions like the NBT, from local publishers, or from literary festivals looking to strengthen their international dimension.

In essence, France Livre acts as a bridge: we facilitate dialogue, we help create opportunities, and we make sure French publishers can engage with India in a meaningful and productive way.

What are the main objectives of France Livre’s engagement in India?

India is a priority market for France Livre, because it offers enormous potential for long-term, two-way partnerships between book professionals. Our main objective is to deepen these professional connections not only by supporting the presence of French publishers in India, but also by creating opportunities for Indian publishers to engage directly with the French ecosystem.

The Indian market is rich, multilingual, and complex, and building meaningful relationships takes time. It needs meetings, repeated exchanges, and a shared understanding of how each side works. Trust (professional and cultural) is essential for lasting collaboration. Our work in India is therefore built step by step, through steady dialogue and mutual confidence.

How does France Livre help small and medium publishers reach global audiences?

France Livre supports publishers of every size, from major houses to the smallest independents and ensuring strong representation for small and medium publishers is a core part of our mission. Independent presses play a crucial role in the international vitality of French publishing, and we make sure their voices are present wherever France engages abroad.

Backed by French public authorities, notably the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs independent publishers receive preferential membership and accessible conditions to join collective stands and professional programmes, allowing full participation in international fairs, rights meetings, and promotional initiatives.

It’s one of the reasons we now count 350 members publishers: because France Livre provides a platform where small and medium houses can gain visibility, connect with global partners, and find their place on the international stage alongside larger players.

What message would you like to share with Indian readers, writers, and publishers?

I would simply invite Indian readers, writers, and publishers to follow their curiosity. In France, nearly 18% of new titles each year are translations, and this openness to world literature is a powerful way to discover new voices and new ideas. We hope Indian audiences will feel the same freedom to explore French writing — whether in fiction, the humanities and social sciences, children’s books, or graphic novels.

The French publishing landscape is diverse, offering something for every taste and imagination, and we look forward to sharing it while deepening creative dialogue between our countries.

Nicolas Roche has more than thirty years’ experience in publishing. First editor at Gallimard Jeunesse, he then had sales responsibilities in several publishing houses including Retz, Nathan, Magnard-Vuibert and Plon-Perrin, followed by his position as General Manager of Editions Stock (Hachette book group). Prior to joining France Livre in 2018, he was CEO of Centre Pompidou Publishing.