Le Livre sur la Place
The first national literary fair of the back-to-school season in Nancy
About Livre sur la Place
Created in 1979 under the patronage of the Académie Goncourt, Le Livre sur la Place is the first major literary fair of the back-to-school season in France. Every September, the Place de la Carrière in Nancy hosts over 500 authors under a vast marquee for three days of signings, round tables, and prestigious award ceremonies, including the Goncourt Prize for Biography. Organized by the City of Nancy with the association "Lire à Nancy", this free event attracts around 130,000 visitors and celebrates all forms of literature.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Livre sur la Place at the best price.
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Le Livre sur la Place: The first literary fair of the back-to-school season
Since 1979, Le Livre sur la Place has opened the literary back-to-school season in France every year. Created under the patronage of the Académie Goncourt, this fair has become over the decades the premier national literary event of the autumn. Organized by the City of Nancy in partnership with the booksellers' association "Lire à Nancy", it brings together over 500 authors and attracts nearly 130,000 visitors over three days, in the exceptional setting of the Place de la Carrière, an 18th-century architectural gem inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
A heritage setting in the heart of Nancy
Set up since 2004 under a large marquee on the Place de la Carrière, extending from the famous Place Stanislas, Le Livre sur la Place benefits from a unique setting in France. The urban ensemble designed by Emmanuel Héré in the 18th century, listed by UNESCO, gives the fair a majestic yet friendly atmosphere. Visitors stroll between the stands of booksellers and publishers, discover new releases, and meet authors in a decor of gilded railings and classical facades.
Prestigious literary awards
Le Livre sur la Place is the venue for the presentation of several recognized literary awards. The Prix Goncourt de la biographie — Edmonde Charles-Roux, awarded since 1981 with the support of the Académie Goncourt, is one of the highlights of the fair. The Prix Stanislas, the Prix Ginkgo du Livre Audio, and other distinctions enrich the list of winners for each edition, making Nancy a true literary consecration site.
A rich program for all audiences
Each edition offers a dense program: major literary encounters hosted by journalists and critics, themed round tables, signing sessions with over 200 programmed authors, readings, writing workshops, and youth activities. All literary genres are represented: novels, essays, humanities, comics, manga, children's literature, and audiobooks. "Off-site" events complement the program throughout the year with the "Grandes Rencontres" cycle in Nancy's cultural venues.
A free, open, and committed festival
True to its mission of promoting reading, Le Livre sur la Place is entirely free. This accessibility, combined with the richness of the program and the prestige of the Goncourt patronage, makes it a unique event in the French literary landscape. The fair is also committed to editorial diversity, independent bookstores, and artistic and cultural education, with dedicated programs for schools and young audiences.
Livre sur la Place — edition 2026
The 48th edition of Le Livre sur la Place will be held from September 11 to 13, 2026, on the Place de la Carrière in Nancy. This first major literary fair of the back-to-school season will once again host over 500 authors for three days of signings, literary encounters, and award ceremonies under the patronage of the Académie Goncourt. Admission is free.
48th Edition — September 11 to 13, 2026
Le Livre sur la Place returns for its 48th edition from September 11 to 13, 2026, on the Place de la Carrière in Nancy. As every year, the fair will open the literary back-to-school season by bringing together over 500 authors under the marquee for signings, major encounters, and round tables.
Program to Come
The detailed program for the 48th edition — the identity of the president, invited authors, themes of the encounters, and composition of the literary award juries — will be unveiled in the summer of 2026 on the official website lelivresurlaplace.nancy.fr.
Expected Literary Awards
As every year, literary awards will be at the heart of the fair:
- Prix Goncourt de la biographie — Edmonde Charles-Roux
- Prix Stanislas
- Prix Ginkgo du Livre Audio
Practical Information
Admission remains free. The fair will take place under the marquee on the Place de la Carrière, extending from Place Stanislas, in the heart of Nancy's historic center.
Highlights Livre sur la Place 2026
To Remember for 2026
- September 11, 12, and 13, 2026 in Nancy
- Place de la Carrière, UNESCO World Heritage site
- Over 500 authors expected
- Awarding of literary prizes (Goncourt Prize for Biography, Prix Stanislas, Prix Ginkgo)
- Free admission
Prices Livre sur la Place 2026
Practical information — Livre sur la Place
Practical Information
Location
Place de la Carrière, 54000 Nancy. The fair takes place under a large marquee set up on the Place de la Carrière, extending from the famous Place Stanislas, in the heart of Nancy's historic center. This 18th-century architectural ensemble is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Dates and Times
The fair takes place every year on the second weekend of September (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), marking the opening of the national literary back-to-school season. Usual hours:
- Friday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Hours may vary by edition. Consult the official website for definitive hours for each year.
Prices
Free admission. All events, literary encounters, signings, round tables, and award ceremonies are free to access. No reservation is required, unless otherwise indicated for special events.
Access
By train: Nancy-Ville station (TGV and TER), then a 15-minute walk via Rue Stanislas to Place Stanislas and Place de la Carrière. The station is served by TGV Est from Paris in 1h30.
By tram: Line T1, stop Cathédrale or Saint-Georges, then a 5-minute walk.
By bus: Stan network, several lines serve the city center of Nancy.
By car: Charles-III and Stanislas-Meurthe underground parking lots are in the immediate vicinity. Access via the A31 motorway (Nancy-Centre exit) and the A33.
By bike: vélOstan'lib stations are available near Place Stanislas and the Palais du Gouvernement.
Accessibility
The marquee and fair spaces are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Volunteers are available to guide and assist visitors with disabilities.
Contact
Le Livre sur la Place — Ville de Nancy
Phone: 03 83 85 30 98
Email: [email protected]
Website: lelivresurlaplace.nancy.fr
Food and Services
Food and relaxation areas are set up on-site and around the Place de la Carrière. The many cafes, brasseries, and restaurants on Place Stanislas and in the historic city center are also accessible a short walk from the fair.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Livre sur la Place at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Livre sur la Place
Place de la Carrière
Place de la Carrière, 54000 Nancy