Le Château des Livres

A 4th edition under the sign of local heritage and crime fiction

For its fourth consecutive edition, the Château des Livres takes over the rooms and gardens of the Château de Mareuil-sur-Cher on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Twenty-seven authors will gather there for two days of signings, meetings, and discussions around all literary genres: local heritage, novel, history, romance, manga, crime fiction, and speculative fiction.

La Bouinotte, guest of honor

La Bouinotte publishing house, a regional Berrichonne publisher dedicated to promoting the local heritage of Centre-Val de Loire, is the guest of honor for this 2026 edition. This spotlight is part of the association's desire to promote local literary heritage and voices connected to the region.

Launch of the Éric Yung literary prize

A highlight of this 4th edition, the fair hosts the official launch of the Éric Yung literary prize, created by the association in homage to the late journalist and novelist, a historical patron of the fair. This prize, aimed at promoting authors of crime and detective novels, is supported by a jury chaired by Danielle Thierry, divisional commissioner and novelist, with Florence Yung and Christian Rauth (actor and novelist, notably known for PJ) as godmother and godfather. The winning manuscript will be published by La Bouinotte publishing house. The call for manuscripts will officially open during the fair, from June 1st to December 31st, 2026.

Conference and activities

On Saturday, June 6 at 3:30 PM, former criminal lawyer Jean-Michel Sieklucki will hold a conference dedicated to three judicial cases that marked Touraine in the 19th and 20th centuries, including the famous "Dépeceuse" (Flayer) case. Throughout the weekend, Cultura Blois will host creative workshops open to both children and parents, continuing the family-friendly program that has characterized the fair since its inception.

A free and friendly event

As every year, admission to the fair is completely free. Visitors can purchase books on site from partner booksellers and have them immediately signed by the attending authors. A refreshment stand and light catering complete the offer for a literary weekend to be enjoyed in an exceptional heritage setting, between vineyards and the Cher valley.

Saturday, June 6, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

• 10:00 AM — Opening of the fair, signings with the 27 authors present (castle rooms and gardens)
• All day — Creative workshops led by Cultura Blois (children and parents)
• 3:30 PM — Conference by Jean-Michel Sieklucki, former criminal lawyer: "Three judicial cases that marked Touraine in the 19th-20th centuries" (including the Dépeceuse case)
• During the fair — Official launch of the Éric Yung literary prize in the presence of Florence Yung (godmother) and Christian Rauth (godfather), with jury president Danielle Thierry and La Bouinotte publishing house, guest of honor
• 6:00 PM — Closing of the first day

Sunday, June 7, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

• 10:00 AM — Opening of the fair, continuation of signings and meetings with authors
• All day — Creative workshops led by Cultura Blois (children and parents)
• During the fair — Presentation of La Bouinotte publishing house, guest of honor, and their regional catalog
• 6:00 PM — Closing of the fair

The detailed program of meetings, additional conferences, and activities can be found on the association's official website closer to the fair.

• 27 authors of all genres: local heritage, novel, history, romance, manga, crime fiction, fantasy
• La Bouinotte publishing house, a Berrichonne publisher, guest of honor 2026
• Launch of the Éric Yung literary prize dedicated to crime fiction — Florence Yung and Christian Rauth as godmother and godfather, Danielle Thierry as jury president
• Conference Saturday 3:30 PM by Jean-Michel Sieklucki on three significant judicial cases in Touraine
• Creative workshops all weekend led by Cultura Blois (families)
• Completely free admission, on-site signings, refreshment stand and light catering
• Heritage setting of the Château de Mareuil-sur-Cher, open rooms and gardens