Festival des livres d'en haut
Lille's book fair at Gare Saint-Sauveur
About Livres d'en haut
Festival des livres d'en haut: Lille's literary event
Since 2021, the Festival des livres d'en haut has established itself as the unmissable event for book lovers in Lille. The city's only book fair, it takes over the Gare Saint-Sauveur and Bazaar St So, two emblematic venues of Lille's cultural life, every autumn for three days of literary discoveries.
A generalist and eclectic festival
The festival stands out for the diversity of its program, which embraces all literary genres:
- Comics and graphic novels: meetings with authors, signings, and exhibitions.
- Children's literature: creative workshops, readings, and activities for the younger audience.
- Humanities and essays: round tables and debates with contemporary thinkers.
- Contemporary literature: novels, short stories, and poetry.
- Crime fiction and thrillers: meetings with masters of suspense.
A showcase for regional publishing
The Festival des livres d'en haut gives a privileged place to publishers from Hauts-de-France, offering a showcase for the richness and vitality of regional publishing creation. Independent booksellers from the region are also highlighted, with thematic selections and favorite picks shared with the public.
Meetings and exchanges
Beyond the stands and signings, the festival offers a rich program of literary meetings:
- Round tables: discussions between authors, publishers, and readers on current literary topics.
- Signing sessions: exclusive meetings with invited authors.
- Workshops: creative writing, illustration, bookbinding, and other book-related crafts.
- Readings and performances: voice performances and literary shows.
International guests
Each edition invites authors and publishers from a French-speaking country or region. The 2025 edition featured Quebec, with authors and publishers crossing the Atlantic to share their literature.
Livres d'en haut — edition 2026
The 6th edition of the Festival des livres d'en haut will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10 AM to 7 PM, at Gare Saint-Sauveur (Hall A) in Lille, on the theme "Traversées" (Crossings). A full day of meetings, book signings, activities, and exhibitions, featuring nearly 50 authors and illustrators and several independent bookstores from Hauts-de-France. Free admission.
6th Edition - Saturday, October 3, 2026 - "Traversées" (Crossings)
The Festival des livres d'en haut returns for its 6th edition on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10 AM to 7 PM, at Gare Saint-Sauveur (Hall A) in Lille. For this edition, the festival will take place over one day. The theme "Traversées" (Crossings) invites exploration of the journeys, migrations, and passages that nourish contemporary literature.
On the program: nearly 50 authors and illustrators for book signings, meetings and activities for all ages, as well as a wide range of works covering comics / manga, children's literature, and literature & human sciences. Several independent bookstores will be present throughout the day with a selection of works related to the program.
Among the announced highlights: a youth comic strip exhibition in partnership with éditions de la Gouttière, a bibliomobile for outdoor reading, and relaxation areas with reading corners. Free admission.
Highlights Livres d'en haut 2026
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10 AM to 7 PM
- Theme: "Traversées" (Crossings)
- Location: Gare Saint-Sauveur (Hall A), Lille
- Nearly 50 authors and illustrators for book signings
- Youth comic strip exhibition with éditions de la Gouttière
- Bibliomobile and reading areas
- 6th edition · free admission
Prices Livres d'en haut 2026
Practical information — Livres d'en haut
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By metro: "Lille Grand Palais" station, line 2; Gare Saint-Sauveur is a few minutes' walk away.
By train: from Lille Flandres or Lille Europe, 15 minutes' walk or metro line 2.
By car: paid parking lots nearby (Petit Paradis parking, Grand Palais parking).
Location
Gare Saint-Sauveur (Hall A), 17 boulevard Jean-Baptiste Lebas, 59000 Lille.
Hours
The 2026 edition will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Prices
Festival is completely free and open to all.
Practical Tips
- Check the program on the official website to find the talks and book signings that interest you.
- Book signing sessions are often very popular, arrive early.
- Children's activities sometimes require registration; check the website for details.
- The festival is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Accessibility
Gare Saint-Sauveur is accessible to people with reduced mobility. The aisles between the stands are wide enough for wheelchair circulation. Adapted restrooms are available on site.
Accommodation
Gare Saint-Sauveur is located right in the center of Lille. Many hotels, youth hostels, and short-term rentals are available nearby, in the Lille-Centre and Vieux-Lille districts. Lille Flandres train station is a 15-minute walk away.
With Children
The festival offers a dedicated space for children's literature with illustration workshops, read-aloud sessions, and meetings with children's book authors. These activities are free and family-friendly. A comfortable reading area is set up for families.
Volunteering
The festival is looking for volunteers for reception, author support, and logistics. Contact the organizers via the official website to offer your help.
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Where does it take place — Livres d'en haut
Gare Saint-Sauveur / Bazaar St So
Boulevard Jean-Baptiste Lebas, 59000 Lille