Époque — Festival and Book Fair of Caen
The book fair that illuminates our time, in Caen
About Époque
Created in 2015 by the City of Caen, Époque is a festival and book fair that brings together nearly 25,000 visitors each year at the end of May at the Caen City Hall. Entirely free, it offers author encounters, debates, readings, shows, exhibitions, and signings around a strong theme that sheds light on the issues of our time. With a rich youth program and a hundred events over three days, Époque has become an unmissable literary event in Normandy.
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Book your train or bus to reach Époque at the best price.
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A Literary Fair Rooted in Current Events
Époque, Caen's festival and book fair, was created in 2015 by the City of Caen. Each edition revolves around a strong theme that opens avenues for reflection on contemporary issues. In 2024, the theme was courage; in 2025, the festival celebrated the Millennium of Caen with the guiding thread "taking time".
A Free and Popular Event
Époque is an entirely free event, open to all. Each edition brings together nearly 25,000 visitors for around a hundred events: author encounters, round tables, debates, readings, shows, exhibitions, and signing sessions. The fair is held at the Caen City Hall and its surroundings, as well as in partner venues in the city.
Literature in All Its Forms
The festival hosts renowned authors in various genres: novels, essays, comics, poetry, children's literature. In 2025, medievalist historians Michel Pastoureau and Michel Zink highlighted Caen's 1,000 years, alongside Marie Ndiaye, Belinda Cannone, Lola Lafon, and Olivier Adam. About twenty comic book guests were also present, including Sixtine Dano, Antoine Guilloppé, and Caen's own Xavier Coste.
A Rich Youth Program
Époque places great importance on children's literature, with musical and illustrated readings, shows for toddlers, exhibitions, and activities. The entire youth program takes place at the City Hall, creating a dedicated space for families at the heart of the fair.
Époque — edition 2026
The 12th edition of Époque is expected at the end of May 2026 at the Caen City Hall. The theme and invited authors will be announced in the spring.
Époque 2026 — 12th Edition
The 12th edition of Époque is expected at the end of May 2026 at the Caen City Hall. The theme for this new edition and the list of invited authors will be announced in the coming months. Check caen.fr/epoque for the latest information.
Prices Époque 2026
Practical information — Époque
Practical Information
Location
Hôtel de Ville de Caen, Esplanade Jean-Marie Louvel, 14000 Caen, Calvados, Normandy.
Access
- By car: Parking in Caen city center (Château, Résistance).
- By train: Caen SNCF station, a 15-minute walk from the City Hall.
- By tram: Saint-Pierre or Château stop, nearby.
Prices
- Completely free admission
- All events are free access
Ticketing
No ticketing: free and open access to all events.
Contact
- Website: caen.fr/epoque
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Époque at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Époque
Hôtel de Ville de Caen
Esplanade Jean-Marie Louvel, 14000 Caen