Festival des livres d'en haut
Lille's book fair at Gare Saint-Sauveur
About Livres d'en haut
Created in 2021, the Festival des livres d'en haut is the only book fair organized in Lille. Entirely free, it is held every first weekend of October at Gare Saint-Sauveur and Bazaar St So. This generalist literary festival welcomes publishers, authors, and booksellers from Hauts-de-France and beyond for three days of meetings, signings, round tables, and workshops. Comics, children's literature, humanities, contemporary literature, and crime fiction: all facets of the book are represented, with particular attention to regional publishing creation.
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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 from October 2 to 4, 2026, at Gare Saint-Sauveur and Bazaar St So, on the theme "Traversées" (Crossings). Authors, publishers, and booksellers will offer meetings, signings, and workshops for all audiences.
6th edition - October 2 to 4, 2026 - "Traversées"
The Festival des livres d'en haut returns for its 6th edition from October 2 to 4, 2026, at Gare Saint-Sauveur and Bazaar St So. This year's theme, "Traversées", invites exploration of the journeys, migrations, and passages that nourish contemporary literature.
Highlights Livres d'en haut 2026
To remember for 2026
- Dates: October 2 to 4, 2026
- Theme: "Traversées"
- Venue: Gare Saint-Sauveur and Bazaar St So
- 6th edition of the festival
- 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 on foot or metro line 2.
By car: Paid parking nearby (parking Petit Paradis, parking Grand Palais).
Venues
Gare Saint-Sauveur: Boulevard Jean-Baptiste Lebas, 59000 Lille.
Bazaar St So: Within Gare Saint-Sauveur.
Opening hours
Friday: 2 PM-7 PM. Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM-7 PM.
Prices
Festival is entirely free and open to all.
Practical tips
- Consult the program on the official website to identify the meetings and workshops that interest you.
- Signing sessions are often very popular, so arrive early.
- Children's workshops sometimes require registration, check the details on the website.
- The festival is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Accessibility
Gare Saint-Sauveur and Bazaar St So are accessible to people with reduced mobility. The aisles between stands are wide enough for wheelchairs. Adapted restrooms are available on site.
Accommodation
Gare Saint-Sauveur is located in the heart of Lille. Numerous hotels, youth hostels, and short-term rentals are available nearby, in the Lille-Centre and Vieux-Lille districts. Lille Flandres 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 suitable for children aged 4 and up. 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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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Livres d'en haut at the best price.
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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