Le Livre à Metz
Literature & Journalism Festival on Place de la République
About Le Livre à Metz
Le Livre à Metz – Littérature & Journalisme is one of the most important literary festivals in France. Created in 1986, it brings together nearly 200 authors, novelists, journalists, children's illustrators, and comic strip authors every April for three days on Place de la République, centered around a unifying theme. The event offers over 80 meetings, debates, conferences, and signing sessions, all with free access. Supported by the City of Metz and a committee of volunteers, this spring event is a highlight of Metz's cultural life.
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A Major Literary Event
Founded in 1986, the Le Livre à Metz – Littérature & Journalisme festival has established itself over the decades as one of the most important book fairs in France. Every April, the Place de la République in Metz hosts a village of chalets and marquees dedicated to literature, journalism, comic strips, and children's literature for three days.
A Unifying Theme
Each edition revolves around a chosen theme that sets the tone for debates, meetings, and round tables. In 2025, the 38th edition highlighted the theme “Tenir Tête” (Standing Firm) with Leïla Slimani as the guest of honor, in dialogue with Laurent Gaudé. In 2026, the 39th edition explores the theme “Habiter le monde” (Inhabiting the World), questioning our relationship with territories, the environment, and ways of life.
A Rich and Varied Program
Over 80 free events punctuate the festival: round tables, major interviews, meetings with authors, signing sessions, readings, writing workshops, and children's activities. The program brings together writers, journalists, intellectuals, and artists to offer a vibrant panorama of contemporary literary creation.
Literary Awards
Le Livre à Metz awards several literary prizes each year, recognizing outstanding works in various categories: novels, essays, comic strips, and children's literature. These distinctions contribute to the discovery of new talents and the spotlighting of significant works from the literary season.
A Space for Meeting and Sharing
One of the festival's major strengths lies in the proximity between authors and readers. The outdoor setting of the fair on Place de la République encourages spontaneous exchanges and discoveries. The stands of publishers and booksellers allow the public to build their ideal library with personalized advice from book professionals.
Le Livre à Metz Winter
For several years, the festival has also had a winter edition, offering literary encounters in Metz's heritage sites, such as the salons of the Hôtel de Ville, providing an intimate extension to the main spring event.
A Free and Unifying Event
The entire festival is free to access, in line with the organizers' desire to make literature a common good accessible to all. Supported by the City of Metz with the backing of numerous institutional and media partners, Le Livre à Metz attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, confirming its status as an essential cultural event of the Metz spring.
Le Livre à Metz — edition 2026
39th edition of Le Livre à Metz – Littérature & Journalisme on the theme “Habiter le monde” (Inhabiting the World). Three days of meetings, debates, signings, and literary awards on Place de la République.
Prices Le Livre à Metz 2026
Practical information — Le Livre à Metz
Access
The festival takes place on Place de la République in Metz, in the city center, easily accessible by all modes of transport.
- By train: Metz-Ville station is a 10-minute walk from Place de la République. TGV from Paris in 1h20, TER from Strasbourg (1h30), Luxembourg (50 min), and Nancy (35 min).
- By car: A31 highway (Paris-Luxembourg axis) and A4 highway (Strasbourg-Paris axis). Esplanade underground parking is in the immediate vicinity of Place de la République. Other parking: Cathédrale, Saint-Jacques, station parking.
- By bus/tram: LE MET' network, République stop (Mettis lines A and B). Numerous bus lines converge on Place de la République.
- By bike: VélOstan'lib stations on Place de la République and in adjacent streets. Bicycle racks nearby.
Location
The festival takes place on Place de la République, a large square in the center of Metz. Marquees and stands are set up to host meetings, signings, and exhibitions. In case of bad weather, some events are moved to nearby rooms (salons of the Hôtel de Ville, media libraries).
Opening Hours
The festival is open from Friday to Sunday, generally from 10 am to 7 pm. Hours may vary depending on the scheduled activities and meetings. Major conferences and round tables are held in the late morning and early afternoon. Signing sessions are offered throughout the day.
Prices
The entire festival is free and open to all. Meetings, conferences, round tables, and signing sessions are accessible without reservation, subject to availability.
Food and Drink
Numerous restaurants and cafes surround Place de la République. A catering area is set up on the festival site for the three days.
Accessibility
The festival site is accessible to people with reduced mobility. The marquees are on the ground floor, and the aisles between stands are wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers.
Partner Bookstores
Bookstores in the center of Metz participate in the festival and offer the works of invited authors. A pop-up bookstore is set up on the festival site.
Contact
Website: www.lelivreametz.com
Facebook: @lelivreametz
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Le Livre à Metz at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Le Livre à Metz
Place de la République
Place de la République, Metz, 57000 Metz