I Love: by Marie Khouri
- Cité Internationale de la Langue Française – Château de Villers-Cotterêts, Villers-Cotterêts
24 Jan - 30 Aug 2026
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The exhibition The Cordoba Bibliomule, hosted at the Cité internationale de la langue française within the historic Château de Villers-Cotterêts, offers a vibrant immersion into the celebrated graphic novel La Bibliomule de Cordoue. Curated to bridge the gap between Ninth Art and historical inquiry, the showcase centers on the universal theme of the transmission of knowledge and the heroic efforts required to preserve cultural heritage from the fires of radicalism. By transforming the gallery into a physical extension of the book’s colorful and dynamic panels, the exhibition invites visitors to follow the unlikely trio of Tarid the librarian, Lubna the copyist, and Marwan the former apprentice as they attempt to save the remnants of universal wisdom.
At the heart of the display is the creative synergy between writer Wilfrid Lupano and artist Léonard Chemineau. The exhibition meticulously deconstructs their creative process, showcasing preparatory drawings, original sketches, and finalized plates that bring tenth-century Al-Andalus to life. This curatorial choice highlights the graphic novel's ability to tackle profound historical events—specifically the 976 AD purge of the Library of Cordoba—through a lens of lighthearted humor and high-stakes adventure. The presence of the titular bibliomule, an obstinate yet essential vessel for the world’s 400,000 books, serves as a poignant symbol of the fragile, often cumbersome nature of cultural preservation.
The historical significance of the exhibition is amplified by its setting in the Château de Villers-Cotterêts, the very site where the Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts was signed in 1539, establishing the French language's official status. By placing a story about the preservation of Arabic-to-Latin translations and Middle Eastern scholarship within this "cradle of the French language," the curation underscores the interconnectedness of world cultures and the shared history of intellectual evolution. It serves as a powerful reminder that the French language and Western science are deeply indebted to the preservation efforts of librarians and scholars from the medieval Islamic world.
Emotionally, the exhibition resonates as a moving hymn to reading and intellectual freedom. It captures the tension between the joy of discovery and the tragic reality of book burnings and censorship that have plagued human history. Visitors are not merely spectators but participants in a "madcap adventure" that balances the grim darkness of political upheaval with a "joyous and flamboyant" spirit. Ultimately, The Cordoba Bibliomule leaves its audience with a profound sense of gratitude for the anonymous guardians of history, emphasizing that the protection of universal knowledge is a timeless, collective responsibility that transcends borders and eras.
Highlights
- View the detailed and vibrant original comic book panels created by artist Léonard Chemineau.
- Experience the immersive gallery transformation that brings the colorful world of 10th-century Andalusia to life.
- Discover the creative process behind Wilfrid Lupano's narrative through displayed scripts and storyboards.
- Learn about the historical transmission of knowledge and the real-world efforts to preserve cultural heritage.
- Explore the artistry of the Ninth Art through a showcase celebrating the modern French comic book tradition.
- Follow the heroic journey of the trio of Tarid, Lubna, and Marwan through dynamic visual displays.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Cordoba Bibliomule
Yes, access to this temporary exhibition is typically included with your general admission ticket to the Cité internationale de la langue française.
Visitors usually spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour exploring the comic book panels and immersive displays.
Photography for personal use is permitted, but please refrain from using flash to protect the delicate original comic book artwork.
Absolutely, the exhibition is based on a graphic novel and is designed to be engaging for families and children of all ages.
Yes, the Cité internationale de la langue française and its temporary exhibition spaces are fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
The exhibition showcases original panels and designs by artist Léonard Chemineau, based on the story written by Wilfrid Lupano.
Cité Internationale de la Langue Française – Château de Villers-Cotterêts
- Villers-Cotterêts
Housed in the historic Château de Villers-Cotterêts near Paris, the Cité Internationale de la Langue Française offers a profound immersion into French culture through its interactive exhibitions and majestic Renaissance architecture. Explore 1,200 square meters of performance spaces, lush gardens, and curated displays tucked away in the serene Retz Forest.
Schedules
Opening Hours
- The venue is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 and 18:30.
- The site remains closed every Monday and on specific public holidays.
- Final admission to the castle is permitted until 17:30, exactly one hour before closing.
Special Days
Admission is free for individuals under the age of 26 years old as well as for teachers and those with disabilities.
The venue is typically closed on Mondays and observes standard operating hours from 10:00 to 18:30 during the rest of the week.
How to get there
Located approximately 80 kilometers northeast of the city center, this majestic Renaissance castle is nestled on the edge of the historic Forest of Retz in the Picardy region. Despite its distance from central Paris, the venue remains remarkably accessible via a direct rail link, offering a scenic escape into the heart of French linguistic heritage.
- Train: Take the TER (Line SNCF Paris-Laon) from Gare du Nord directly to the Villers-Cotterêts station, with a travel time of approximately 45 to 50 minutes.
- Bus: From the Villers-Cotterêts station, take the Villéo Retzéo network Line D (direction La Ferté-Milon) or Line A (direction Bucherons) to the Château stop.
- Walking: The castle is a pleasant 10 to 15-minute walk from the Villers-Cotterêts train station via the town's main thoroughfares.
Directions
Other Exhibitions at Cité Internationale de la Langue Française – Château de Villers-Cotterêts
Don't miss the 2 other major exhibitions currently showing at Cité Internationale de la Langue Française – Château de Villers-Cotterêts during your visit to Villers-Cotterêts in 2026.
