The Grand Prix de l'Imaginaire (GPI), formerly known as the Grand Prix de la Science-Fiction Française until 1992, is a prestigious French literary award dedicated to speculative fiction. Established in 1972 by writer Jean-Pierre Fontana at the Clermont-Ferrand science fiction convention, its scope initially focused solely on science fiction. However, in 1992, the award broadened its reach to encompass all genres within speculative fiction. For a decade, from 2000 to 2010, it was presented as part of the Utopiales festival in Nantes. Currently, the GPI is associated with the Étonnants Voyageurs festival held in Saint-Malo. The award recognizes excellence across various categories, including best new novel, foreign youth novel, translations, comic, manga, and others, celebrating a wide spectrum of imaginative literature.

The Grand Prix de l'Imaginaire (GPI) began its journey in 1972, founded by author Jean-Pierre Fontana. Initially conceived as the Grand Prix de la Science-Fiction Française, its primary focus was on recognizing achievements within the science fiction genre. The award was established as part of the science fiction convention held in Clermont-Ferrand, marking a significant moment for French speculative fiction. Over time, the literary landscape evolved, and in 1992, the award's administrators decided to expand its purview. This expansion allowed the GPI to include a broader range of speculative fiction, moving beyond the confines of traditional science fiction to embrace fantasy, horror, and other related genres. This broadening of scope reflected the growing diversity and interconnectedness of imaginative literature.

The Grand Prix de l'Imaginaire has been associated with major literary festivals, enhancing its visibility and prestige. From 2000 to 2010, the awards ceremony was a key event within the Utopiales festival, a prominent gathering for science fiction enthusiasts in Nantes. Following this period, the GPI found a new home at the Étonnants Voyageurs festival in Saint-Malo, continuing its tradition of celebrating speculative fiction at a significant cultural event. Beyond its main categories, the award acknowledges a wide array of creative endeavors. These include accolades for best new novel, foreign youth novel, translations, comic books, manga, and other specialized areas. This comprehensive approach ensures that a diverse range of authors and works within the speculative fiction sphere are recognized and celebrated.