Grim'Loire
First convention for imaginary literature in Centre-Val de Loire at Azay-le-Rideau
About Grim'Loire
The first imaginary literature convention in Centre-Val de Loire
Grim'Loire is the first convention for imaginary literature in the Centre-Val de Loire region. Created in 2024 in Azay-le-Rideau, in Indre-et-Loire, this convention immediately won over its audience: over 1,500 visitors for the first edition, and 2,000 expected for the second. Grim'Loire celebrates imaginary literature in all its forms — fantasy, science fiction, horror, steampunk, dark fantasy — in a festive and friendly atmosphere.
Over a hundred exhibitors gathered
Each edition of Grim'Loire brings together around 100 exhibitors in various categories:
- Authors signing books: novelists, short story writers, and poets of imaginary literature, present to sign their works and interact with readers
- Publishers: publishers specializing in SFFF (science fiction, fantasy, horror) presenting their catalogs
- Illustrators: artists exhibiting and selling their visual creations inspired by imaginary worlds
- Artisans of the imaginary: creators of jewelry, costumes, accessories, figurines, and objects inspired by fantasy universes
- Bookstore: sales area for works by the authors present
Activities for the whole family
Grim'Loire is not limited to exhibition stands. The convention offers numerous activities designed to welcome all audiences:
- Role-playing games: game tables led by game masters to get started or deepen your practice
- Board games: a play area with games on the theme of the imaginary
- Reading areas: quiet corners to browse and discover books
- Raffle: a prize draw with prizes related to imaginary literature
- Grim'Loire Literary Prize: award ceremony for a prize recognizing a work of the imaginary
Azay-le-Rideau: a fairytale setting
What better setting for an imaginary literature convention than the town of Azay-le-Rideau, famous for its Renaissance castle set on the waters of the Indre? The Salle Polyvalente Auguste Rodin, located at rue Gustave Eiffel, offers a spacious and accessible venue to host exhibitors and visitors. The convention is free and open to all, from long-time enthusiasts to families curious to discover the worlds of the imaginary.
Grim'Loire — edition 2026
3rd edition of the Grim'Loire fair in Azay-le-Rideau (Indre-et-Loire), on October 10th and 11th, 2026 at the Salle Auguste Rodin. After over 1,700 visitors and around a hundred exhibitors in 2025, the first speculative fiction literature fair in Centre-Val de Loire returns with its authors, publishers, illustrators, and artisans. Free entry. Patroness of this edition: fantasy author Marie Reppelin.
Grim'Loire 2026 - 3rd edition
The 3rd edition of Grim'Loire takes place on October 10th and 11th, 2026 at the Salle Auguste Rodin (rue Gustave Eiffel) in Azay-le-Rideau. This gathering for speculative fiction literatures - fantasy, science fiction, fantastic, horror, steampunk - brings together around a hundred exhibitors: authors for signings, publishing houses specialized in SFFF, illustrators, and artisans of the imaginary. The partner bookstore Liber&Vous offers a selection of works and supports the invited authors.
The 2026 patroness is Marie Reppelin, author of the fantasy novels La Carte des Confins and Affronter la Nuit and a figure of literary Bookstagram, present for meetings and signings all weekend.
The weekend offers numerous activities for the whole family: role-playing games, board games, meetings with authors, a bookmark creation workshop, musical entertainment, a raffle, and the Grim'Loire literary prize award ceremony. A cafeteria (sandwiches, drinks) and food trucks provide on-site catering. The detailed program is progressively communicated on the official website.
Highlights Grim'Loire 2026
- 2026 Patroness: Marie Reppelin, fantasy author (La Carte des Confins, Affronter la Nuit)
- Around a hundred exhibitors: authors, publishers, illustrators, artisans of the imaginary
- Activities: role-playing games, board games, bookmark workshop, music, raffle
- Grim'Loire literary prize award ceremony
- Free entry, on-site catering (cafeteria + food trucks)
Prices Grim'Loire 2026
Practical information — Grim'Loire
Practical Information
Access
The Salle Polyvalente Auguste Rodin is located at 3 rue Gustave Eiffel, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau.
- By car: From Tours (approx. 30 min via D751). Free parking nearby.
- By train: Azay-le-Rideau station (Tours-Chinon line), about a 10-minute walk.
Opening Hours
- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Prices
Free admission.
Contact
Grim'Loire Convention
Website: www.grimloire.fr
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Where does it take place — Grim'Loire
Salle Polyvalente Auguste Rodin
3 rue Gustave Eiffel, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau