The first big event of the French publishing autumn: three days under a marquee, in the heart of Nancy's World Heritage centre.
Source: lelivresurlaplace.nancy.fr, checked on 11 September 2026.
Updated: September 2026
Le Livre sur la Place holds a special place in the calendar: it is the first fair of the rentrée littéraire, France's autumn publishing season. September novels are presented here before the prizes, and a good part of the publishing world comes to Nancy to take the season's temperature.
The heart of the fair is a large marquee on Place de la Carrière, steps from Place Stanislas. Around it, talks are held in the city's theatres, museums and bookshops.
The atmosphere is that of a town in festival mode rather than an exhibition hall: people come to wander as much as to get books signed.
Log what you buy, your progress and the quotes you underline. Free, no account needed to start.
Start for freeMany authors present a novel published days earlier. Look at the selection before you come.
Nancy's centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fair combines very well with a visit to the city.
The marquee is large but signing queues for well-known authors form early on Saturday.
Le Livre sur la Place 2026 runs 11–13 Sept 2026 at Place de la Carrière (chapiteau) et centre de Nancy, Nancy.
At Place de la Carrière (chapiteau) et centre de Nancy, Nancy.
Yes, admission is free.
Access to the marquee is free. Some indoor talks may require booking: check the programme on the official website.
Because it opens the rentrée littéraire: it is the first major event of September, ahead of the autumn prizes.