Verdun History Fair
History Book Fair at the World Centre for Peace
About Verdun History Fair
The Verdun History Fair (officially the Verdun History Book Fair) is a literary and historical event organized every autumn at the World Centre for Peace in Verdun. Created in partnership with the Meuse department and the Ducher bookstore, this fair brings together around forty authors of history books, historical comics, and children's literature for conferences, book signings, screenings, and literary awards. A place of memory and reflection, the fair celebrates history in all its forms in the city symbolizing peace.
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History at the Heart of the City of Peace
The Verdun History Fair is a major intellectual and cultural event held every autumn in the Hall of Audiences of the World Centre for Peace, the former episcopal palace of Verdun. In this city symbolizing memory and reconciliation, the fair offers a space for reflection and sharing on history, geopolitics, and international relations.
Around Forty Authors
Each edition brings together around forty authors to present their latest works covering all periods of history: from prehistory to contemporary times, including world wars, geopolitics, and international relations. Authors of historical comics and children's literature are also present, offering an approach to history accessible to all audiences.
Conferences and Screenings
The fair offers a rich program of conferences and screenings led by historians, researchers, and experts. These meetings allow the public to deepen their knowledge, debate with specialists, and discover the latest historiographical research. The topics covered are varied and reflect current historical research.
Two Prestigious Literary Prizes
The fair awards two literary prizes each year: the "Mondes en guerres, mondes en paix" (Worlds at War, Worlds at Peace) prize, which rewards a work dealing with the issues of war and peace, and the "Sergent Maginot" prize, which distinguishes the best book dedicated to the First World War published during the year. These prizes contribute to the fair's influence and the promotion of historical publishing.
Antique and Second-hand Bookstores
Antique and second-hand booksellers offer the public rare, old, and collectible books, giving bibliophiles and history enthusiasts the opportunity to find treasures. Specialized publishing houses like OREP and Edhisto are also present with their catalogs.
A Free Fair Open to All
Admission to the Verdun History Fair is completely free. The fair is organized in partnership with the Meuse department, the World Centre for Peace, and the Ducher bookstore in Verdun, ensuring the quality and sustainability of this essential cultural event.
Verdun History Fair — edition 2026
The 20th Verdun History Book Fair will be held on November 7 and 8, 2026, at the World Centre for Peace, featuring authors, conferences, book signings, screenings, and literary award ceremonies.
Prices Verdun History Fair 2026
Practical information — Verdun History Fair
Access and Transport
By car: Verdun is accessible via the A4 motorway (Voie Sacrée exit) and the RN3. From Paris, allow approximately 2h45 via the A4. From Metz, allow approximately 1h via the A4. From Nancy, allow approximately 1h30. Parking is available in the city center, near the World Centre for Peace: parking de la Roche, Chevert underground parking, and Porte Chaussée parking.
By train: Verdun station is served by TER Grand Est from Metz (approximately 1h15) with a connection at Conflans-Jarny. The World Centre for Peace is about a 15-minute walk from the station, going up Rue Mazel and Place de la Nation.
Practical Information
Location: Hall of Audiences of the World Centre for Peace, Place Monseigneur Ginisty, 55100 Verdun. The former episcopal palace is a historic building overlooking the Meuse river, next to Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (one weekend in November, usually the second).
Price: Admission is completely free.
Typical Program
The fair features book signings with around forty authors, conferences and screenings led by historians and researchers, antique and second-hand bookstores, a historical comic book section, a children's author section, and the award ceremony for the "Mondes en guerres, mondes en paix" and "Sergent Maginot" literary prizes.
Food and Accommodation
Numerous restaurants, brasseries, and cafes are within walking distance in Verdun's city center. The city offers a wide choice of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. During the fair, it is recommended to book in advance.
To Discover in Verdun
Take advantage of your visit to discover Verdun's memorial sites: the battlefield, the Douaumont Ossuary, the Verdun Memorial, as well as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the underground citadel.
Contact
Tel.: 03 55 25 01 31
Email: [email protected]
Website: cmpaix.eu
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Verdun History Fair at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Verdun History Fair
Centre Mondial de la Paix
Place Monseigneur Ginisty, 55100 Verdun