Top 27 Book Publishing Companies in France (Updated 2025)

France, a nation renowned for its rich literary heritage and vibrant cultural landscape, continues to be a pivotal hub in the global publishing industry. As we move further into 2025, the French book market is evolving, embracing digital innovation while upholding its deep respect for traditional print. This updated list shines a light on the leading publishing houses that define the French literary scene, offering aspiring authors and industry professionals an invaluable guide.

Let’s have a look at the top 27 book publishing companies in France.

1. Professional Ghostwriters

While not a traditional publishing house in the direct sense, a “Professional Ghostwriter” holds an indispensable position at the very beginning of the publishing journey for countless authors. Many successful books, from memoirs and biographies to business guides and even certain fiction genres, are brought to life with the expertise of ghostwriters. These skilled wordsmiths work collaboratively with individuals who have compelling stories, profound knowledge, or unique perspectives but lack the time, experience, or confidence to write a full manuscript themselves.

A top-tier professional ghostwriting company offers a comprehensive suite of services:

Concept Development: Helping authors refine their ideas and outline the book’s structure, ensuring a coherent and marketable narrative.
Extensive Research: Conducting thorough investigations for non-fiction projects to guarantee factual accuracy, depth, and credibility, often leveraging specialized databases and expert interviews.
High-Quality Writing: Crafting engaging, compelling, and publish-ready manuscripts in the author’s distinct voice, while meticulously maintaining confidentiality and discretion throughout the entire process.
Editing and Polishing: Providing multiple rounds of professional editing, including structural, stylistic, and copyediting, to ensure the manuscript is polished, error-free, and meets the highest industry standards.
Genre Specialization: Offering access to a diverse pool of writers with expertise across a wide array of genres, from literary fiction, thrillers, and young adult novels to business books, academic treatises, and personal memoirs. This specialization ensures the ghostwriter has a deep understanding of the genre’s conventions and market expectations.
Market Insight: Often, these companies also provide preliminary market insights, helping authors position their work for potential acquisition by traditional publishers or for success in the self-publishing arena.

The Giants of French Publishing

These groups dominate the market, boasting extensive catalogs and numerous imprints.

2. Hachette Livre

Overview: Hachette Livre is the undisputed titan of French publishing and a formidable force on the global stage. Founded in 1826 by Louis Hachette, it is now the publishing division of the Lagardère Group. Its operations span publishing, partworks (collectible series sold issue by issue), and extensive distribution networks. Hachette Livre boasts an unparalleled reach, with major operations not only in France but also in the UK (Hachette UK), North America (Hachette Book Group), Spain, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia and Africa.
Key Strengths: Its immense scale, diversified portfolio, and robust distribution capabilities are its primary strengths. Hachette Livre publishes across virtually every genre and age group, from general literature, popular fiction, and non-fiction to educational materials, children’s books, comics, and reference works. They are at the forefront of digital publishing innovation, investing heavily in e-books and audiobooks.
Notable Imprints/Collections: Some of its many prominent French imprints include Grasset & Fasquelle, Calmann-Lévy, JC Lattès, Stock (though now part of Madrigall, historically linked), Fayard, Le Livre de Poche (pocket books), Larousse (dictionaries and reference), Hatier (educational), and many more. This vast network allows Hachette to publish both literary masterpieces and commercial blockbusters.

3. Groupe Madrigall (Éditions Gallimard)

Overview: Groupe Madrigall is the third-largest French publishing group, with Éditions Gallimard at its core. Founded in 1911 by Gaston Gallimard, it is widely regarded as the most prestigious literary publishing house in France. Controlled by Antoine Gallimard, the group has strategically expanded, notably acquiring Groupe Flammarion in 2012 and Éditions de Minuit in 2021.
Key Strengths: Gallimard is synonymous with literary excellence and intellectual rigor. It has published an astonishing number of Nobel laureates (e.g., Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, Patrick Modiano) and Goncourt Prize winners. Its editorial line emphasizes high-quality literature, essays, poetry, and humanities. The group also possesses significant distribution capabilities through subsidiaries like Sodis.
Notable Imprints/Collections: Beyond the flagship Éditions Gallimard, key imprints include Flammarion (general literature, art books, popular science), Casterman (comics, children’s books), Mercure de France (literary, essays), Les Éditions de Minuit (experimental literature), and P.O.L (literary, contemporary). This blend allows Madrigall to maintain its literary reputation while also addressing broader commercial markets, especially in comics and illustrated books.

4. Editis

Overview: Editis is the second-largest French publishing group. Founded in 2004 from a regrouping of Vivendi’s publishing assets, it has seen several ownership changes, most recently being acquired by Czech Media Invest (CMI) in late 2023, following Vivendi’s decision to retain Hachette. Despite these changes, Editis remains a powerful and diverse force in the French market.
Key Strengths: Editis boasts a strong portfolio of imprints across various genres, including general fiction, popular non-fiction, educational books, reference works, and children’s literature. It has a significant presence in the commercial fiction market and is known for publishing bestsellers. Its distribution arm, Interforum, is one of the largest in France.
Notable Imprints/Collections: Its vast array of imprints includes Robert Laffont (general literature, thrillers), Nathan (educational, children’s), Bordas (educational, reference), Plon (general literature, non-fiction), Pocket (mass market paperbacks), First (practical guides, non-fiction), Presses de la Cité (general fiction), Le Robert (dictionaries), and XO Éditions (commercial fiction).

5. Groupe Albin Michel

Overview: Founded in 1900 by Albin Michel, this is a highly respected, independent French publishing house with a long and distinguished history. It remains family-owned, a rarity among the major players.
Key Strengths: Albin Michel is renowned for its blend of literary quality and commercial success. It has published many critically acclaimed literary works, including Nobel laureates and Goncourt Prize winners, alongside popular bestsellers in fiction and non-fiction. The house is known for its strong editorial relationships with authors and its commitment to quality production.
Notable Authors/Genres: Its catalog spans a wide range: general fiction (French and translated), non-fiction (including history, philosophy, and current affairs), children’s literature, practical guides, and spirituality. Notable authors published include Romain Rolland, Henri Barbusse, Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt, and Amélie Nothomb.

6. Média-Participations

Overview: Média-Participations is a major French/Belgian publishing and media group, founded in 1986 by Rémy Montagne. It has a particularly dominant position in the Franco-Belgian comics (bande dessinée) market, alongside significant interests in children’s books, religious publishing, and audiovisual production.
Key Strengths: This group is the largest publisher of comics in the French-speaking world, holding a significant share of the market. Its strength lies in its iconic comic imprints and strong backlist of beloved series. Beyond comics, it has a substantial presence in educational and religious publishing.
Notable Imprints/Collections: Its portfolio includes industry giants like Dargaud, Dupuis, Le Lombard (all foundational to Franco-Belgian comics), Kana (manga), Fleurus (children’s books, religious works), La Martinière Groupe (including Seuil and Abrams in the US), and numerous other specialized houses. They also have a strong presence in animation through Mediatoon Distribution.

Prominent Literary and General Publishers

These houses often have a more focused editorial line or are highly influential within specific genres.

7. Actes Sud

Overview: Actes Sud, based in Arles, is a highly respected independent publishing house founded in 1978 by Hubert Nyssen. It is known for its distinctive editorial line and its success in discovering new literary voices.
Key Strengths: Actes Sud has cultivated a reputation for publishing demanding, innovative, and often avant-garde literary fiction (both French and translated), as well as significant works in the humanities, music, and photography. It has been a consistent winner of prestigious literary awards, including multiple Goncourt Prizes (e.g., Laurent Gaudé, Jérôme Ferrari, Mathias Énard, Éric Vuillard) and Nobel Prize winners (Svetlana Alexievich, Imre Kertész). Its focus on quality translation of international literature is also a major highlight.
Notable Authors/Genres: Publishes authors such as Paul Auster, Stieg Larsson (in translation), Mathias Énard, and many other acclaimed international and French writers. It also has strong children’s and youth divisions, as well as a significant presence in theater texts.

8. Éditions du Seuil

Overview: Founded in 1935, Éditions du Seuil is a distinguished French publishing house known for its intellectual and often politically engaged catalog. It became part of La Martinière Groupe, which was later acquired by Média-Participations.
Key Strengths: Seuil is celebrated for its strong focus on humanities, social sciences, philosophy, and contemporary literature. It has a history of publishing intellectually rigorous works that contribute significantly to public debate in France. It’s also known for its “Points” pocket book collection, making academic and literary texts accessible to a wider audience.
Notable Authors/Genres: Its catalog includes prominent philosophers, historians, sociologists, and literary authors. It covers fiction, essays, poetry, and a robust children’s division.

9. Flammarion

Overview: Founded in 1875 by Ernest Flammarion, Flammarion is a historic and influential publishing house. It became a key part of Groupe Madrigall (Gallimard) in 2012.
Key Strengths: Flammarion boasts a wide-ranging catalog that spans general literature (fiction and non-fiction), art books, illustrated books, popular science, and children’s literature. It is particularly known for its beautifully designed and produced art and lifestyle books, as well as its robust general fiction list. The “J’ai Lu” pocket book imprint is also a significant part of its portfolio.
Notable Authors/Genres: Publishes both established French and international authors, offering a blend of literary and commercially successful titles.

10. Stock

Overview: Éditions Stock is one of France’s oldest publishing houses, with roots tracing back to 1708. It is currently part of Hachette Livre.
Key Strengths: Stock has a long-standing reputation for publishing contemporary French and foreign literary fiction, often focusing on works that resonate with current social and political themes. It has been home to many significant literary figures throughout its history. Its “La Bleue” collection is particularly well-regarded for its contemporary French literary works.
Notable Authors/Genres: Known for its diverse range of literary novels, essays, and memoirs, often featuring authors who go on to win major literary awards.

11. Grasset & Fasquelle

Overview: Éditions Grasset, founded in 1907 by Bernard Grasset, merged with Éditions Fasquelle in 1967. It operates as a highly prestigious subsidiary within the Hachette Livre group.
Key Strengths: Grasset & Fasquelle is a cornerstone of French literary publishing, renowned for its focus on contemporary French and translated literature, as well as significant essays. It has an impressive history of publishing authors who have won the Prix Goncourt and other major French literary awards. The house is known for its discerning editorial eye and its ability to identify influential literary trends.
Notable Authors/Genres: Historically, it published Marcel Proust’s Du côté de chez Swann. More recently, it continues to publish prominent French novelists, essayists, and significant international literary figures. Its “Les Cahiers Rouges” series offers modern classics in an accessible format.

12. Calmann-Lévy

Overview: Founded in 1836 by Michel Lévy and his brother Calmann Lévy, Calmann-Lévy is one of the oldest and most venerable French publishing houses. Since 1993, it has been part of Hachette Livre.
Key Strengths: Calmann-Lévy has a rich history of publishing some of the most important French authors of the 19th century, including Balzac, Baudelaire, Dumas, Flaubert, Victor Hugo, and George Sand. Today, it maintains a strong presence in general fiction, memoirs, and popular non-fiction. It successfully balances literary heritage with commercial appeal.
Notable Authors/Genres: Continues to publish a wide array of popular French and international authors across various genres, including thrillers, historical fiction, and memoirs, often producing bestsellers.

13. Robert Laffont

Overview: Founded in 1941 by Robert Laffont, this publishing house is a key imprint within the Editis group. It has a history of publishing a wide variety of successful titles.
Key Strengths: Robert Laffont is known for its diverse and commercially appealing catalog, encompassing general literature, thrillers, historical fiction, biographies, and popular non-fiction. It has been a consistent publisher of bestsellers and has a strong focus on popular genres that resonate with a broad audience. The “Bouquins” collection is particularly famous for its comprehensive anthologies and complete works of classic authors.
Notable Authors/Genres: Publishes a mix of established and emerging authors, often introducing international bestsellers to the French market.

14. Denoël

Overview: Founded in 1930 by Robert Denoël, this publishing house became an imprint of Groupe Madrigall (Gallimard).
Key Strengths: Denoël has a long and distinguished history of publishing avant-garde and experimental literature, including works from the Surrealist movement and early science fiction. It maintains a reputation for intellectual curiosity, editorial daring, and a discerning eye for unique literary voices. It is also known for its crime fiction series, “Sueurs Froides.”
Notable Authors/Genres: Historically, Denoël published authors like Louis-Ferdinand Céline. Today, it continues to champion contemporary literary fiction, genre fiction (especially thrillers and science fiction), and insightful essays.

15. JC Lattès

Overview: Founded in 1968 by Jean-Claude Lattès and Jacques Lanzmann, JC Lattès has been a division of Hachette Livre since 1981.
Key Strengths: JC Lattès is well-known for publishing general-interest books by both French and foreign authors, spanning popular fiction and non-fiction. It has a strong track record of identifying and publishing international bestsellers, such as works by Dan Brown and E. L. James, alongside significant French literary and commercial successes.
Notable Authors/Genres: Its catalog includes a wide range of popular novels, thrillers, historical fiction, and compelling non-fiction titles that often capture public attention.

Specialized and Niche Publishers

These companies excel in specific genres, formats, or editorial lines.

16. Bayard Éditions

Overview: Bayard Éditions is a major French publishing group with a strong focus on children’s literature, youth magazines, and religious books. Founded as part of the Bayard Presse group, it has a long history of serving families and educational institutions.
Key Strengths: Bayard is a trusted name in French households, known for its high-quality educational and engaging content for young readers across all age groups, from toddlers to young adults. Its portfolio includes popular magazines like J’aime lire and Popi, which serve as entry points to reading for millions of French children. It also publishes significant religious and spiritual works.
Notable Authors/Genres: Publishes a wide array of children’s fiction (picture books, early readers, chapter books, YA novels), non-fiction for youth, and a substantial catalog of Christian literature.

17. Éditions du Cerf

Overview: Founded in 1929 by the Dominican order, Éditions du Cerf is one of the largest and most respected religious publishers in France.
Key Strengths: Du Cerf specializes in theology, philosophy, biblical studies, and humanities. It publishes academic and scholarly works from a Christian perspective, making significant contributions to religious thought and intellectual discourse. It is a vital resource for scholars, theologians, and general readers interested in spirituality and the intersection of faith and contemporary issues.
Notable Authors/Genres: Publishes works by leading theologians, philosophers, and religious thinkers, both contemporary and historical. Its catalog is deep and academically rigorous.

18. Pika Édition

Overview: Founded in 2000, Pika Édition quickly became one of the leading publishers of manga in France, a country with one of the largest manga markets outside of Japan. It is part of Hachette Livre.
Key Strengths: Pika Édition is instrumental in bringing popular and critically acclaimed Japanese manga series to French readers. It focuses on a wide range of genres within manga, from shonen (for boys) and shojo (for girls) to seinen (for young men) and josei (for young women), covering action, romance, fantasy, and slice-of-life.
Notable Titles: Publishes many of the most popular manga series that contribute to France’s vibrant manga culture.

19. Rageot Editeur

Overview: Founded in 1945, Rageot Editeur is a well-established French publisher specializing exclusively in children’s and young adult fiction. It is part of Hachette Livre.
Key Strengths: Rageot is dedicated to publishing compelling and diverse fiction for young readers, ranging from picture books and early chapter books to middle-grade and young adult novels. They focus on contemporary French authors, providing stories that resonate with the experiences and interests of today’s youth across various genres like realism, adventure, fantasy, and thrillers.
Notable Authors/Genres: Their catalog covers a broad spectrum of themes and styles within children’s and YA literature, contributing significantly to the development of young readers.

20. Delcourt

Overview: Founded in 1986 by Guy Delcourt, Groupe Delcourt is a major independent player in the French comics (bande dessinée) and graphic novel industry. It was recently acquired by Editis Holding in December 2024.
Key Strengths: Delcourt is known for its diverse and innovative catalog, publishing a wide variety of genres within comics and graphic novels, including fantasy, sci-fi, historical, crime, and contemporary. It has been a significant force in expanding the scope and appeal of French comics beyond traditional Franco-Belgian albums, exploring more diverse formats and artistic styles.
Notable Imprints/Collections: It has several imprints, including Soleil Productions (another major comics publisher it acquired in 2011), specializing in fantasy and genre comics. They also publish manga.

21. Éditions du Rouergue

Overview: Founded in 1993, Éditions du Rouergue is an independent publishing house based in Rodez (Aveyron) and Paris, known for its distinctive artistic and literary sensibility.
Key Strengths: Rouergue specializes in high-quality illustrated books, literary fiction (often with an unconventional edge), and a strong children’s and youth catalog. They are celebrated for their beautiful production values, unique design, and commitment to original voices. Their children’s books often feature innovative illustrations and engaging narratives.
Notable Authors/Genres: Publishes a curated list of French authors in literary fiction, alongside visually striking children’s books and a selection of non-fiction.

22. Payot & Rivages

Overview: This publishing house is composed of two distinct but complementary imprints: Éditions Payot (founded 1920) and Éditions Rivages (founded 1984). They are part of the Actes Sud group.
Key Strengths: Payot is renowned for its non-fiction catalog, particularly in history, philosophy, humanities, and social sciences, often publishing translated works by influential thinkers. Rivages, on the other hand, is a leading publisher of literary fiction, especially in the realm of crime fiction (thrillers, detective novels, noir) and contemporary international literature. They are known for their discerning taste and consistent quality.
Notable Authors/Genres: Payot features major intellectual figures, while Rivages has introduced many acclaimed international crime writers to the French market, alongside strong literary fiction.

23. L’Association

Overview: Founded in 1990 by a collective of cartoonists, L’Association is a highly influential independent publisher that played a pivotal role in the “nouvelle bande dessinée” (new comics) movement in France.
Key Strengths: L’Association is known for its experimental, artist-driven, and often autobiographical or deeply personal approach to comics and graphic novels. They champion creative freedom and push the boundaries of the medium, focusing on alternative narratives and artistic expression rather than purely commercial appeal. They have significantly influenced the graphic novel landscape.
Notable Authors/Genres: Publishes a range of groundbreaking and critically acclaimed comic artists, many of whom have gone on to achieve international recognition. Their works often defy traditional genre classifications.

24. Le Lombard

Overview: Established in 1946 by Raymond Leblanc, Le Lombard is one of the foundational Belgian comic book publishers, best known for launching Tintin magazine. It has been part of Média-Participations since 1986.
Key Strengths: Le Lombard holds a revered place in the history of Franco-Belgian comics, having published many iconic series and characters that are beloved classics. While it maintains its rich heritage, it also continues to publish new series, balancing tradition with contemporary trends in bande dessinée.
Notable Titles/Authors: Home to legendary series like Tintin (originally published in its magazine), Blake and Mortimer, Thorgal, Ric Hochet, and many other essential Franco-Belgian comic creations.

25. Presses Universitaires de France (PUF)

Overview: Founded in 1927, PUF is the leading academic publisher in France. It plays a crucial role in disseminating scholarly knowledge across a vast range of disciplines.
Key Strengths: PUF is a cornerstone of French intellectual life, publishing highly specialized and peer-reviewed works in humanities, social sciences, philosophy, history, psychology, and more. It is known for its rigorous academic standards and its commitment to making complex research accessible to students, researchers, and an educated public. Its iconic “Que sais-je?” series offers concise, introductory books on virtually any subject.
Notable Genres: Scholarly monographs, textbooks, reference works, and influential essay collections across academic fields.

26. Armand Colin

Overview: Founded in 1870, Armand Colin is a prominent academic and educational publisher in France. It became part of the Humensis group (which includes Belin Éducation and others) in recent years, itself part of Hachette Livre.
Key Strengths: Armand Colin is highly respected for its publications in the humanities and social sciences, particularly in history, geography, economics, political science, and literature. Its textbooks and reference works are widely used in universities and higher education. The “Cursus” and “U” collections are staples for French students.
Notable Genres: Textbooks, academic monographs, study guides, and reference books for university students and researchers.

27. Éditions de Minuit

Overview: Founded clandestinely during World War II in 1941 to publish resistance texts, Éditions de Minuit became a highly prestigious and independent literary publisher known for its minimalist aesthetic and its commitment to experimental literature. In 2021, it was acquired by Groupe Madrigall (Gallimard), maintaining its distinct editorial identity.
Key Strengths: Minuit is synonymous with the “Nouveau Roman” movement and has published many of France’s most important avant-garde and experimental writers, including Samuel Beckett (Nobel laureate), Alain Robbe-Grillet, and Claude Simon (Nobel laureate). It is known for its distinctive white covers and its focus on challenging and innovative narratives that push literary boundaries.
Notable Authors/Genres: Primarily literary fiction and essays, often characterized by their formal innovation, intellectual depth, and unique narrative structures.

The Wrap up

The French book publishing industry in 2025 is a dynamic and thriving ecosystem, deeply rooted in its rich literary past while enthusiastically embracing the innovations of the future. From the venerable giants like Hachette Livre and Groupe Madrigall to the specialized and independent presses fostering niche genres and experimental voices, France offers a diverse landscape for authors and readers alike.

Disclaimer: The publishers listed here are provided for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with these publishers and do not guarantee manuscript acceptance. We only provide professional book editing, marketing, and formatting services to help authors prepare their work for submission and improve their chances of acceptance. Always verify submission details on the publisher’s official website before applying.

View All Blogs