The summer literary event on the Landes coast since 1999
The Soorts-Hossegor Book Fair is a major literary event in the Southwest. Founded in 1999, it perpetuates Hossegor's literary tradition. Every summer in July, it brings together renowned authors for conferences, round tables, book signings, and exhibitions. The Biography Prize and the Short Story Prize reward the best works selected by a jury of readers. Free and open to all, the fair attracts thousands of visitors between the ocean and the forest.
The Soorts-Hossegor Book Fair is a major literary event held every summer in the seaside resort of Hossegor, in the Landes region. Founded in 1999 by two literature enthusiasts, Pierre Dussain and Gérard Maignan, this fair has established itself over twenty-five years as an unmissable event for lovers of books and culture.
Hossegor has a deep historical connection with literature. From the early 20th century, many writers and intellectuals chose to live in this seaside resort, seduced by the beauty of its landscapes between the ocean, lake, and pine forest. The Book Fair perpetuates this literary tradition by creating a privileged meeting space between authors and readers in an inspiring setting.
Each edition of the fair offers a rich program centered around a central theme, often related to biography and history. Thematic conferences bring together authors and personalities from the literary world for in-depth discussions. Round tables allow for diverse perspectives on major contemporary literary issues. Book signing sessions offer the public the opportunity to meet authors directly and have their books signed.
The fair awards two prestigious literary prizes. The City of Hossegor Biography Prize, with a €1,500 endowment, rewards the best biography of the year, selected by a jury of volunteer readers who meet from September to May. The Short Story Prize, with a €500 endowment, crowns an original text written on a given theme. These prizes have honored leading authors such as Dominique Bona and Jean Sévillia.
The fair takes place in the town center of Soorts-Hossegor: conferences are held at the Town Hall, while stands of publishers and booksellers are set up on the Place de la Concorde, closed to traffic for the occasion. The Sporting-Casino hosted the fair for a long time, before it opened up more to the town. Exhibitions, public readings, and artistic workshops complete the program.
The Soorts-Hossegor Book Fair is entirely free and open to all. It attracts thousands of visitors each year, from loyal readers to curious passers-by, in a friendly and accessible atmosphere. The fair is supported by the City of Soorts-Hossegor and benefits from the help of many volunteers.
Soorts-Hossegor is located on the Landes coast, 20 km north of Bayonne and 30 km south of Dax. From the A63 motorway, take the Capbreton-Hossegor exit and follow the signs to the town center. Free public parking is available in the center of Hossegor.
The nearest stations are Bayonne (25 minutes by car) or Dax (30 minutes). Shuttles and buses from the XL'R network serve Hossegor from Bayonne and Dax.
Hossegor is accessible via the Landes coastal cycle paths. Bicycle racks are available near the fair venues.
Conferences are held at the Soorts-Hossegor Town Hall. Publisher and bookseller stands are set up on the Place de la Concorde, closed to traffic for the occasion, in the heart of the town.
The fair takes place over three days in July, usually from Friday to Sunday. Conferences are held in the morning (10 am-12 pm) and afternoon (2:30 pm-6 pm). Book signings are available continuously at publisher and bookseller stands from 10 am to 7 pm.
Access to the fair is completely free: conferences, book signings, exhibitions, and workshops are freely accessible. No reservation is necessary, subject to availability for conferences.
Numerous restaurants, bars, and shops are within walking distance in the center of Hossegor. The covered market also offers a varied and quality catering service.
Hossegor offers a wide range of accommodation: hotels, campsites, seasonal rentals, and bed and breakfasts. Booking is recommended during the summer period, as July is a very popular month on the coast.
Hossegor Tourist Office
Website: www.hossegor.fr
Facebook: Salon du livre d'Hossegor
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