Yerevan, Goncourt, and a great literary selection: Armenia joins the prestigious Goncourt Prize tradition (video)

In Paris, the renowned Drouant restaurant is considered the most literary dining place, as it’s where the Goncourt Prize jury convenes for lunch to select France’s top French-language prose work each year. Following this model, Armenia’s Goncourt dinner took place at Charles restaurant, located in the heart of Yerevan, just like its Parisian counterpart. The evening featured a literary dinner-discussion attended by organizers and members of the jury.

Founded in 1903, the Goncourt Prize is France’s most prestigious literary award, bestowed annually on the best French-language prose. The international Goncourt selection started in Poland in 1998 and has since expanded to 39 countries, where the laureate is selected by students.

Armenia officially joined this international tradition in 2024 through the Francofest French Book and Art Festival. The local selection was launched by Goncourt Academy member and writer Pascal Bruckner, and Goncourt Academy General Delegate Françoise Rosino.

The Armenian Goncourt Prize is organized by Newmag Publishing House, with the support of the French Embassy in Armenia, the French Institute, the French University in Armenia, and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF).

Speaking to the press, Olivier Decottignies, Ambassador of France to Armenia, highlighted the event’s importance:

“This is a symbol of the close ties between our two countries. France and Armenia are both rich in literary traditions. It is also noteworthy that in both countries, such events are celebrated with a dinner in a restaurant located near the Opera House.”

As part of its commitment to promoting Francophone culture, Newmag will publish the Armenian translation of "Jacaranda" in October 2025, in conjunction with the next edition of Francofest.

Thirty students from Yerevan State University, Bryusov State University, and the French University in Armenia reviewed and debated the eight shortlisted novels from the Goncourt Academy. During the Goncourt dinner, they cast their final vote, selecting Gaël Faye’s "Jacaranda" as Armenia’s first Goncourt laureate.

The novel has already received acclaim, winning the national jury award in both Great Britain and Germany. Its upcoming Armenian publication marks a significant milestone in the country’s literary journey and its deeper integration into the global Francophone cultural community.