diff --git a/sigal/settings.py b/sigal/settings.py
index 5c53270..b47edc1 100644
--- a/sigal/settings.py
+++ b/sigal/settings.py
@@ -141,6 +141,9 @@ def read_settings(filename=None):
             if PY2 and isinstance(settings[p], str):
                 settings[p] = settings[p].decode(enc)
 
+        if settings['title']:
+            settings['title'] = settings['title'].decode('utf8')
+
     for key in ('img_size', 'thumb_size', 'video_size'):
         w, h = settings[key]
         if h > w:
diff --git a/tests/sample/sigal.conf.py b/tests/sample/sigal.conf.py
index e693f83..6b27942 100644
--- a/tests/sample/sigal.conf.py
+++ b/tests/sample/sigal.conf.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 # -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
 
+title = "Sigal test gallery ☺"
 source = 'pictures'
 thumb_suffix = '.tn'
 thumb_size = (200, 150)