Château de Preisch Book Fair

At the Château de Preisch, heritage is also meant to be read

From books to the castle: a new way to discover heritage

An invitation to step through the gates, open a book... and discover that heritage can also begin with a story you simply have to read.

Sunday, September 20th, from 10 am to 6 pm

The Château de Preisch will open its doors for the 2026 European Heritage Days, with a special focus on books. With the "Authors at the Château" fair, literature and heritage come together in a place steeped in memory.

What if heritage wasn't just something to look at, but something to read? That is the challenge taken up by the Château de Preisch for Sunday, September 20th: from 10 am to 6 pm, the residence will host an exceptional book fair in its reception hall: "Authors at the Château".

The concept is simple and appealing: to foster dialogue between visitors and those who write, recount, and pass on the heritage of Lorraine. In the unique atmosphere of this 17th-century castle, visitors will be able to discover books, chat directly with their authors, and move from literature to history, from narrative to memory.

From local voices to renowned authors

The fair will bring together a wonderful diversity of writers. Some are self-published, sometimes hailing from neighboring villages, while others already enjoy solid literary recognition.

Guests will include Anne Villemin-Sicherman, winner of the Historia prize for historical crime fiction, and Franck Gérard, whose first novel is in the running for the Hors Concours prize, awarded by independent publishing houses, and who will be previewing his second work at the fair ahead of its October 1st release. Monique Bernard, winner of the literature prize from the Académie nationale de Metz, will be there to meet readers. As for Michel Louyot, recipient of the Erckmann-Chatrian prize a few years ago, he will take the opportunity to present his new book.

At 4 pm, a roundtable discussion will be moderated by Évelyne Zannier, manager of La Petite Librairie in Ars-sur-Moselle. She will engage with several guest writers on the themes of inspiration, the writing process, and how a book is born. It is a privileged moment to go behind the scenes of literary creation and share reflections, experiences, and curiosities among enthusiasts.

Historical novels, crime fiction, thrillers, graphic novels, dystopias, children's literature... The program promises to take readers on a journey through very different worlds, illustrating the richness of our region's literary creation.

Saturday, September 19th, from 2 pm to 6 pm

Throughout the weekend, furniture, paintings, and collections will reveal their secrets thanks to an explanatory booklet and an audio guide.

For those who prefer a playful approach to the castle, a photography trail specially designed for the Heritage Days will allow visitors to observe the rich collection of Charles Joseph de Gargan.

At 3 pm on Sunday, Florence Moritz, our art and history columnist, will lead the guided tour of the castle.

Heritage Days at the Château de Preisch: Simply taking the time

And because heritage is also discovered through atmosphere, the day invites you to slow down. Visitors can stroll through the park among the bicentennial trees or settle into the tea room, exceptionally set up in the main courtyard.

Ultimately, that may be the true originality of this edition: making the castle a living space where people come as much to admire as to learn, read, discuss, and share. Books tell stories; stones, furniture, and trees tell others. At Preisch, for one day, all these memories meet.