Budding Poets and Writing Enthusiasts Answered the Call for the RATP Poetry Grand Prize 2025! Between March 12 and April 15, we received 13,520 poems — a record-breaking number for the 11th edition of France’s largest poetry competition!
100 Finalists and 10 Prizewinners to Be Selected
Now that submissions are closed, it’s time for the selection process to begin. An initial reading committee, made up of professionals from the arts and culture sector, will review all entries and select 100 finalists. These selected poems will be published in a special collection produced in partnership with Bruno Doucey Publishing.
The final jury, chaired this year by Alexis Michalik, will then choose the 10 winners, including the three Grand Prize winners: Grand Prix Enfants, Grand Prix Jeunes, and Grand Prix Adultes.
The Grand Prix Voyageurs
But that’s not all! An 11th winner will be chosen by... you, the passengers! From May 27 to June 10, 2025, you’ll be able to vote for your favorite poem from a shortlist of about fifteen finalist entries. The winning poem will be awarded the Grand Prix Voyageurs. We’re counting on you!
What’s at Stake?
All 11 winners will have their poems displayed across the entire Île-de-France Mobilités network, operated by RATP, throughout July and August 2025. Winners of the Children and Youth categories will also receive cultural gift cards and a subscription to a Bayard magazine. The Adult category winner will enjoy a weekend getaway for two to a European city.
Submissions for the 2025 Poetry Grand Prize Are Now Closed
Alexis Michalik, President of the 2025 Poetry Grand Prize Jury
This year, the jury is chaired by Alexis Michalik — a prolific actor, writer, and director with a deep love for words. His six plays (Le Porteur d’histoire, Le Cercle des illusionnistes, Edmond, Intra-Muros, Une histoire d’amour, and Passeport) have all enjoyed critical and popular acclaim, earning multiple Molière Awards.
He follows in the footsteps of previous jury presidents such as Zabou Breitman, Augustin Trapenard, Raphaël, Isabelle Carré, Izïa Higelin, Vincent Delerm, Eddy de Pretto, Jeanne Cherhal, and Amélie Nothomb.
Rediscover the Winners of the 2024 Edition
Adult, Youth, and Child Grand Prize, Special 10th Anniversary Prize, winners... Visit the dedicated Poetry Grand Prize RATP website to read or reread the winning poems from the 2024 edition of the contest.
