Livr'à Vannes
The great literary fair of Brittany on the quays of Vannes
About Livr'à Vannes
Livr'à Vannes: The Literary Event of Morbihan
Livr'à Vannes is the largest literary fair in Morbihan and one of the major cultural events in the Brittany region. Every year in June, the Esplanade Simone-Veil, located on the right bank of the Vannes marina, transforms into a vast open-air book village.
A Major Event
The fair hosts over 200 authors from all literary backgrounds: novelists, essayists, poets, children's authors, comic artists, and regional authors. For three days, visitors can meet their favorite authors during signing sessions, attend conferences and round tables, and participate in numerous literary activities.
Prestigious Patrons
Each edition is sponsored by renowned writers who bring their fame and passion to the event. In 2025, Irène Frain and Yann Queffélec, two major figures in Breton and French literature, were the patrons of an edition that brought together over 37,000 visitors.
An Exceptional Setting
The fair benefits from a prime location on the quays of the port of Vannes, offering a pleasant setting to stroll among the stands of publishers and booksellers. The Esplanade Simone-Veil, bordered by the waters of the port and a stone's throw from the historic center, provides an ideal backdrop for this event that blends culture and conviviality.
Activities and Workshops
Beyond book signings, Livr'à Vannes offers a rich program of writing workshops, public readings, activities for young people, professional meetings, and literary awards. Thematic areas are dedicated to children's literature, comics, and regional publishing.
Livr'à Vannes — edition 2026
The 19th edition of Livr'à Vannes — Levr'e Gwened will take place on Friday, June 12, Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14, 2026, on the Esplanade Simone-Veil, on the right bank of Vannes' marina. The fair brings together over 200 authors and expects nearly 40,000 visitors for three days of meetings, workshops, conferences, book signings, and a dictation contest. The honorary presidency is entrusted to the corps of Marine writers on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the French Navy, and the literary patronage is still provided by Irène Frain and Yann Queffélec.
19th Edition — Livr'à Vannes 2026
From Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, Livr'à Vannes — Levr'e Gwened will set up its open-air book village on the Esplanade Simone-Veil, on the right bank of Vannes' marina. For its 19th edition, the fair once again expects over 200 authors and nearly 40,000 visitors, focusing on general, Breton, youth, culinary, crime, comic book, and manga literature.
Honorary Presidency 2026: The Corps of Marine Writers
For this edition, which coincides with the 400th anniversary of the French Navy, Livr'à Vannes entrusts the honorary presidency to the corps of Marine writers, created in 2003 by Jean-François Deniau. Expected in Vannes : Patrice Franceschi (president of the corps), Patrick Deville, Katell Faria, Arnaud de la Grange, Dominique Le Brun, Yann Queffélec, Anne Quéméré, as well as Rear Admiral Guichard who will officially represent the 400th anniversary of the Navy.
Literary Patrons
The fair's historical literary patronage continues to be provided by Irène Frain and Yann Queffélec, two major figures in Breton and French literature.
A "Vannes Region Authors" Selection
As every year, about twenty local authors are highlighted in the "Vannes Region Authors" selection, including Marie-Noëlle Audic-Brun, René Babé, Antoine Blenner, Jennifer Blond, and about twenty other writers from Morbihan.
Artistic Direction
The fair is organized by the City of Vannes, under the artistic direction of Sylvie Rostain and the presidency of Patrick Mahé.
Programme Livr'à Vannes 2026
Three Days of Literary Events
The fair is organized around several highlights spread over three days :
- Over 200 book signing sessions with the authors present throughout the weekend
- Meetings, round tables, and conferences with personalities from the world of arts, media, and the French Navy (detailed program announced in spring 2026)
- Writing workshops and literary activities
- The Great Dictation Contest — Sunday's flagship event
- Youth Area with specialized authors and illustrators (youth literature, comics, manga)
- Regional Area dedicated to Breton literature and local publishers
Opening Hours
- Friday, June 12 : 2 PM – 7 PM
- Saturday, June 13 : 9:30 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday, June 14 : 9:30 AM – 6 PM
The Three Livr'à Vannes Literary Prizes
- City of Vannes Prize — rewards a French novel published from September 2025
- Young Adult Prize — for French authors whose readers are between 15 and 25 years old
- Breton Language Novel Prize — selection ensured by the Institut Culturel de Bretagne and Emglev Bro Gwened
The detailed list of invited authors, the precise schedule of conferences and book signing sessions will be progressively published on the official website as the event approaches.
Highlights Livr'à Vannes 2026
- 19th edition of Brittany's largest literary fair
- Over 200 authors present
- Honorary presidency of the corps of Marine writers (400th anniversary of the French Navy)
- Literary patronage by Irène Frain and Yann Queffélec
- Three literary prizes (City of Vannes, Young Adult, Breton Language Novel)
- The Great Dictation Contest on Sunday
- "Vannes Region Authors" selection
- Free admission, site accessible for people with reduced mobility (PMR) and equipped with induction loops
Prices Livr'à Vannes 2026
Practical information — Livr'à Vannes
Practical Information
Access and Transport
By car: Vannes is accessible via the RN165 from Nantes (1h30) and Lorient (45 min). The fair is located on the Esplanade Simone-Veil, on the right bank of the port. Nearby parking: Rabine parking, port parking.
By train: Vannes station served by TGV from Paris-Montparnasse (2h30) and TER Bretagne. The port is a 15-minute walk from the station.
Location
The fair takes place on the Esplanade Simone-Veil, on the right bank of the Vannes marina, outdoors with covered areas in case of bad weather.
Prices
Admission to the fair is free. Books are on sale at the stands of the publishers and booksellers present.
Opening Hours
The fair is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, generally from 10 am to 7 pm. Detailed hours are communicated on the official website.
Catering
Catering areas are set up on the fairgrounds. The numerous restaurants and crêperies in the port and the town center of Vannes are also within walking distance.
Contact
Livr'à Vannes – Official website: www.livreavannes.fr
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Where does it take place — Livr'à Vannes
Esplanade Simone-Veil, rive droite du port de Vannes
Esplanade Simone-Veil, Port de Vannes, 56000 Vannes