Marguerite Audoux, orphan, shepherdess, seamstress, and novelist

In 1910, Marguerite Audoux became the first woman to win the Fémina Prize, an exceptional recognition for a shepherdess and seamstress who was an orphan. This micro-exhibition at the Marguerite Audoux Library invites you to plunge into the singular life of this little-known figure in French literature. You will discover facsimiles of her manuscripts, including that of her emblematic novel, *Marie-Claire*, and the patrimony documents that testify to her atypical journey. Audoux, born in 1863, managed to transform her life, from the Berrué farm in Sologne to literary recognition, thanks to remarkable perseverance and a passion for writing. The exhibition sheds light on her privileged relationship with literary figures of the time, such as Octave Mirbeau and Alain-Fournier. A unique opportunity to celebrate the story of a woman out of the ordinary. The presentation is free and accessible from May 30th to June 21st, 2026.