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 highlight
Since 2021, the Festival des livres d'en haut has established itself as a must-visit event for book lovers in Lille. As the city's only book fair, it takes over the Gare Saint-Sauveur—a landmark of Lille's cultural scene—every autumn for a celebration of literary discovery.
A diverse and eclectic festival
The festival stands out for its varied programming, which covers all literary genres:
- Graphic novels, comics, and manga: Author meet-and-greets, signings, and exhibitions.
- Children's literature: Creative workshops, readings, and activities for younger readers.
- Humanities and essays: Panel discussions and debates with contemporary thinkers.
- Contemporary literature: Novels, short stories, and poetry.
- Crime and thrillers: Encounters with masters of suspense.
A showcase for regional publishing
The Festival des livres d'en haut gives pride of place to publishers from the Hauts-de-France region, providing a platform for the richness and vitality of local editorial work. Independent regional booksellers are also highlighted, sharing their thematic selections and personal favorites with the public.
Meetings and exchanges
Beyond the stalls and signings, the festival offers a rich program of literary events:
- Panel discussions: Conversations between authors, publishers, and readers on current literary topics.
- Book signings: Exclusive opportunities to meet guest authors.
- Workshops: Creative writing, illustration, bookbinding, and other book-related crafts.
- Readings and performances: Spoken-word events and literary shows.
International guests
Each edition invites authors and publishers from a specific country or French-speaking region. The 2025 edition celebrated 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 takes place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10 am to 7 pm, at the Gare Saint-Sauveur (Hall B) in Lille, under the theme "Crossings." A full day of meetings, book signings, activities, and exhibitions, featuring nearly 50 authors and illustrators and several independent bookstores from the Hauts-de-France region. Admission is free.
6th Edition - Saturday, October 3, 2026 - "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 the Gare Saint-Sauveur (Hall B) in Lille. This year, the festival spans a full day. The theme "Crossings" invites visitors to explore the journeys, migrations, and transitions that shape contemporary literature.
The program includes: nearly 50 authors and illustrators signing books, meetings and activities for all ages, and a wide range of works covering comics, manga, children's literature, and humanities. Several independent bookstores will be present throughout the day with a selection of books related to the program.
Highlights include: a children's comic book exhibition in partnership with éditions de la Gouttière, a mobile library for outdoor reading, and relaxation areas with dedicated reading corners. Admission is free.
Highlights Livres d'en haut 2026
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10 am to 7 pm
- Theme: "Crossings"
- Location: Gare Saint-Sauveur (Hall B), Lille
- Nearly 50 authors and illustrators signing books
- Children's comic book exhibition with éditions de la Gouttière
- Mobile library and reading areas
- 6th edition · free admission
Prices Livres d'en haut 2026
Practical information — Livres d'en haut
Practical Information
Getting There
By Metro: Take line 2 to the "Lille Grand Palais" station; Gare Saint-Sauveur is just a short walk away.
By Train: From Lille Flandres or Lille Europe stations, it is a 15-minute walk or a quick ride on metro line 2.
By Car: Paid parking is available nearby (parking Petit Paradis, parking Grand Palais).
Location
Gare Saint-Sauveur (Hall B), 17 boulevard Jean-Baptiste Lebas, 59000 Lille.
Opening Hours
The 2026 edition takes place on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Admission
The festival is completely free and open to everyone.
Useful Tips
- Check the official website for the full program to plan which author talks and signings you don't want to miss.
- Signing sessions are often very popular, so arrive early.
- Some children's activities may require prior registration; please check the details on the website.
- The festival is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
Accessibility
Gare Saint-Sauveur is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. The aisles between stands are wide enough for wheelchair access, and adapted restrooms are available on-site.
Accommodation
Gare Saint-Sauveur is located right in the heart of Lille. There are plenty of hotels, hostels, and short-term rentals nearby in the Lille-Centre and Vieux-Lille districts. Lille Flandres station is a 15-minute walk away.
Family Friendly
The festival features a dedicated children's literature area with illustration workshops, read-aloud sessions, and meet-and-greets with children's book authors. These activities are free and family-oriented. A comfortable reading area is also provided for families.
Volunteering
The festival is looking for volunteers to help with welcoming guests, assisting authors, and managing logistics. Please contact the organizers via the official website if you would like to 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