Berck Book Fair
Literary and crime fiction fair by the sea in Berck-sur-Mer
About Berck Book Fair
The Berck Book Fair: Literature by the Sea
Each year, Berck-sur-Mer hosts its Book Fair, a literary gathering that brings together authors, publishers, and readers in an exceptional seaside setting. This fair allows you to discover the diversity of current literary production, from novels to essays, from comics to children's literature, including crime fiction and noir novels.
The "Du Sang sur la Plage" Crime Fiction Fair
The most emblematic part of the Berck Book Fair is the "Du Sang sur la Plage" Crime Fiction Fair. This specialized fair brings together authors of crime novels, thrillers, and noir novels whose plots are set in the Hauts-de-France region or on the coast. Crime fiction enthusiasts can meet their favorite authors, discover new talents, and have their books signed.
Meet-and-Greets and Signings
The fair is above all a place for authors and their audience to meet. Signing sessions are organized throughout the event, allowing readers to interact directly with the writers. These special moments enrich the fair and help build a lasting connection between authors and their readership.
Conferences and Round Tables
In addition to signings, the fair offers conferences and round tables on various literary themes: the art of crime fiction, novel writing, the publishing profession, regional literature. These exchange sessions deepen the discovery of the world of publishing and literary creation.
A Partnership with Local Bookstores
The books by the present authors are available for purchase on-site thanks to a partnership with the Maison de la Presse de Berck-sur-Mer. This partnership with local businesses strengthens the event's local roots and supports the book economy within the commune.
Berck-sur-Mer, a Cultural Resort
Berck-sur-Mer is known for its vast beaches, its International Kite Festival, and its seaside heritage. The Book Fair enhances the resort's cultural offerings and confirms its vocation as a destination where leisure, nature, and culture blend. The town offers an ideal setting for strolling between the fair's stands and enjoying the sea air.
Berck Book Fair — edition 2026
The 5th edition of the Crime Fiction Fair « Du Sang sur la Plage » took place on May 9 and 10, 2026, at the Kursaal in Berck-sur-Mer, with journalist and novelist Laurent Joffrin as its patron. The edition paid tribute to Agatha Christie for the 50th anniversary of her passing.
5th edition « Du Sang sur la Plage » — tribute to Agatha Christie
On May 9 and 10, 2026, the Kursaal in Berck-sur-Mer hosted the 5th edition of the Crime Fiction Fair on the Côte d'Opale, named « Du Sang sur la Plage ». This edition was marked by the fiftieth anniversary of Agatha Christie's passing, illustrated by the poster signed by Séverine Sayn, which evoked the world of the « Queen of Crime ».
Laurent Joffrin, patron of the edition
This 5th edition was sponsored by Laurent Joffrin, journalist and essayist, former director of the Nouvel Observateur. Passionate about history, he is notably the author of the novel series « Les Aventures de Donatien Lachance », an inspector under Napoleon, as well as numerous essays on the Napoleonic period.
A fair dedicated to regional and national crime fiction
For two days, about fifty authors of detective novels, thrillers, noir novels, and comic books met the public during signing sessions. A significant portion of the invited authors set their plots on the Côte d'Opale or in the Hauts-de-France region, making the fair an emblematic event for regional crime fiction.
Round tables, literary cafés, and conferences
The program was punctuated by round tables, literary cafés, and conferences on the art of crime fiction, novel writing, and the publishing profession. These exchange opportunities allowed the public to deepen their discovery of the detective genre in all its forms.
High School Students' Prize
As every year, the presentation of the High School Students' Prize was a highlight of the fair. Six works were in contention in two categories — « Budding Readers » and « Graduates » — judged by students from Lycée Lavezzari and EREA de Berck-sur-Mer.
Bookstore partnership
The works of the attending authors were available for sale on site thanks to the partnership with Maison de la Presse de Berck-sur-Mer, which has been the fair's bookstore for several editions.
Programme Berck Book Fair 2026
Saturday, May 9, 2026 — Kursaal de Berck-sur-Mer (10h-18h)
- Fair opening and public reception
- Signing sessions with about fifty authors of crime novels, thrillers, and noir novels (regional and national)
- Thematic round tables on crime fiction and noir novel writing
- Literary cafés hosted by invited authors
- Conferences on the art of crime fiction and literary creation
- Tribute to Agatha Christie (50 years since her passing)
Sunday, May 10, 2026 — Kursaal de Berck-sur-Mer (10h-18h)
- Continuation of signing sessions with invited authors
- Round tables and literary cafés
- Thematic conferences
- Intervention by patron Laurent Joffrin
- Presentation of the High School Students' Prizes (categories « Budding Readers » and « Graduates ») by students from Lycée Lavezzari and EREA de Berck-sur-Mer
- On-site book sales with Maison de la Presse de Berck-sur-Mer
The complete list of invited authors was published on the official Facebook page of the fair and on the website of the City of Berck-sur-Mer.
Highlights Berck Book Fair 2026
- 5th edition of the Crime Fiction Fair « Du Sang sur la Plage »
- Patron: Laurent Joffrin (journalist, former director of Nouvel Observateur)
- Theme: tribute to Agatha Christie, 50 years after her passing
- About fifty authors present over the two days
- Poster signed by Séverine Sayn
- Presentation of the High School Students' Prizes (Lycée Lavezzari and EREA de Berck)
- Free entry
- Location: Kursaal de Berck-sur-Mer, Avenue du Général de Gaulle
Prices Berck Book Fair 2026
Practical information — Berck Book Fair
Access
By car: Berck-sur-Mer is accessible via the A16 (exit 25 or 26). Parking is available in the town center and by the sea.
By train: Rang-du-Fliers – Verton – Berck station is served by TER Hauts-de-France, about 5 km from the center of Berck.
Practical Information
The fair takes place over a weekend, usually in May. Admission is free. Books are sold on-site thanks to the Maison de la Presse de Berck.
Contact
Office de Tourisme de Berck-sur-Mer
Website: www.berck-tourisme.com
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Where does it take place — Berck Book Fair
Kursaal
Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 62600 Berck-sur-Mer