Chaumont Book Fair
The literary biennale of Haute-Marne
About Chaumont Book Fair
Created in 2003, the Salon du Livre de Chaumont is a major literary event in Haute-Marne, organized by the Ville de Chaumont and managed by the Les Silos media library. It became a biennial event after its 20th edition in 2024, this event hosts around forty authors, illustrators, and publishers for signings, round tables, youth workshops, and school encounters. Free and open to all, the fair takes place in several locations in the city: the Les Silos media library, the Philippe-Lebon square, the Jésuites chapel, and the Place des Arts.
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The Chaumont Book Fair: a highlight of literary life in Grand Est
Since its creation in 2003, the Salon du Livre de Chaumont has established itself as one of the essential literary events in the Grand Est region. Organized by the Ville de Chaumont and managed by the médiathèque Les Silos, this event brings together around forty authors, illustrators, and publishers from all over France for each edition to meet a loyal and curious audience. Growing from 500 visitors in its first edition to over 11,000 participants in 2019, the fair has become a fixture in the cultural landscape of Haute-Marne.
A rich and multidisciplinary program
The Salon du Livre de Chaumont celebrates all forms of writing: novels, essays, comic strips, children's books, poetry, and theater. Visitors can browse the authors' stands for signing sessions, attend themed round tables led by renowned writers, participate in creative workshops for children and adults, and enjoy public readings and literary concerts. The fair also awards a literary prize each edition, presented by the Association des Amis du Salon du Livre de Chaumont, composed of a jury of passionate readers.
A multi-site event in the heart of the city
The fair takes over several emblematic locations in Chaumont, offering a true cultural stroll through the city. The médiathèque Les Silos, a remarkable architectural achievement built in former grain silos, hosts the youth program and exhibitions. The square Philippe-Lebon gathers authors' and publishers' stands outdoors. The chapelle des Jésuites offers comic strip exhibitions and illustration workshops. Le Signe, the national graphic design center, and the Place des Arts complete the circuit with activities, conferences, and concerts.
A strong commitment to youth
Before each public edition, the Salon du Livre de Chaumont organizes a week of school encounters, allowing over 40 classes from schools in Chaumont and its surroundings to meet the invited authors and illustrators. Approximately 1,500 students benefit from privileged exchanges with the creators, fostering an early appreciation for reading and literary creation. The "prix des bébés lecteurs" (award for baby readers), organized in partnership with the Apostrophe bookstore and the departmental media library of Haute-Marne, invites toddlers to choose their favorite album.
A biennial event looking towards the future
After twenty annual editions, the Salon du Livre de Chaumont adopted a biennial format in 2024, allowing for an enhanced quality of programming and the hosting of authors who have won major literary awards of the season. This new format, supported by the reopening of the Les Silos media library in February 2025 after significant renovation work, promises even more ambitious editions, spread over two thematic weekends between spring and autumn.
Chaumont Book Fair — edition 2026
The 21st edition of the Salon du Livre de Chaumont will unfold over two thematic weekends: "Eaux vives" from May 29 to 31, 2026, and "Voyages au fil de l'eau" from October 2 to 4, 2026, at the renovated Les Silos media library and its forecourt. More than 40 classes will benefit from school encounters with invited author-illustrators.
21st edition — Two weekends around water — 2026
The Salon du Livre de Chaumont returns in 2026 for its 21st edition, Chaumont's first literary biennale. The event will unfold over two festive weekends at the Les Silos media library, completely renovated and reopened in February 2025, and on its forecourt.
"Eaux vives" — May 29, 30, and 31, 2026
The first weekend will be dedicated to the theme "Eaux vives" (Living Waters), celebrating literature, creativity, and poetry around the aquatic element. More than 40 classes from Chaumont and its surroundings will benefit from school encounters with about ten author-illustrators prior to this public weekend.
"Voyages au fil de l'eau" — October 2, 3, and 4, 2026
The second weekend, "Voyages au fil de l'eau" (Journeys along the water), will be dedicated to literary encounters and discussions about travel, extending the aquatic theme from the perspective of discovery and adventure.
The detailed program, the list of invited authors, and the schedules will be announced on the fair's official website and social media.
Highlights Chaumont Book Fair 2026
- 21st edition — first biennale
- Two thematic weekends: "Eaux vives" (May) and "Voyages au fil de l'eau" (October)
- Renovated Les Silos media library
- School encounters with over 40 classes
Prices Chaumont Book Fair 2026
Practical information — Chaumont Book Fair
Access
The fair mainly takes place at the médiathèque Les Silos, 7-9 avenue du Maréchal Foch, 52000 Chaumont, and on its forecourt. Other locations in the city also host activities: the Philippe-Lebon square, the Jésuites chapel, Le Signe (place Émile Goguenheim), the Hôtel de Ville, and the Place des Arts.
By train
Chaumont station, served by TER Grand Est lines on the Paris-Bâle axis. The Les Silos media library is a 5-minute walk from the station, on avenue du Maréchal Foch. Regular TER trains also connect Chaumont to Langres, Troyes, and Saint-Dizier.
By car
From Paris or Dijon, take the A5 motorway then the N19 towards Chaumont. From Nancy or Strasbourg, take the A31 then the N67. Several free parking lots are available near the city center and the media library, including the station parking lot and the Boulingrin parking lot.
Prices
Admission to the fair is completely free. All activities, encounters, round tables, workshops, and concerts are free to attend. Books are sold on-site by the authors and the Apostrophe bookstore.
Opening hours
Opening hours vary depending on the edition. Generally, the fair opens on Friday afternoon and continues on Saturday and Sunday all day, from 10 am to 6 pm. Detailed hours for each edition will be announced on the fair's official website and social media.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Les Silos media library phone: 03 25 03 86 86
Official website: www.salondulivrechaumont.fr
Accessibility
The Les Silos media library, completely renovated in 2024-2025, is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Other fair locations are also accessible. Adapted reception is provided for visitors with disabilities. For any questions regarding accessibility, please contact the media library before the event.
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Where does it take place — Chaumont Book Fair
Médiathèque Les Silos
7-9 avenue du Maréchal Foch, 52000 Chaumont