Livres en Fête de Mers-sur-Indre

A unique fair dedicated to contemporary poetry

Livres en Fête is an atypical literary fair held every spring in Mers-sur-Indre, in the Indre department. Since its creation in 2000, this event has celebrated contemporary poetry and artist's books, those works where poetic text dialogues with the creations of visual artists. The fair pays tribute to small poetry publishing, the kind that produces works with remarkable typographic care and deliberately limited print runs.

Independent publishers from France and Belgium

Each year, between fifteen and twenty independent publishers from all over France and Belgium gather in Mers-sur-Indre to present their catalogs and latest publications. These often niche publishing houses champion demanding and contemporary poetry. The fair is a rare opportunity to discover these passionate publishers, browse their works, and discuss their editorial work directly with them.

Readings, meetings, and poetic discoveries

The program of Livres en Fête includes public readings by renowned poets, meetings with authors, and round tables on literary journals and contemporary creation. Signing sessions allow the public to interact with the invited poets. The fair also hosts a painting exhibition and a second-hand book stall, enriching the visitors' cultural experience.

An intimate literary gathering in Berry

Presided over by Solange Clouvel, the Livres en Fête association has successfully created an intimate and warm literary event in this small village in Berry. The event takes place over a weekend, from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, in a friendly atmosphere conducive to exchange. Over the years, the fair has hosted many renowned poets and theorists, such as Jean-Marie Gleize, Nicolas Pesquès, Esther Tellermann, and Mathieu Nuss, confirming its place as a benchmark event in the landscape of contemporary poetry in France.

A village dedicated to culture

Mers-sur-Indre, a peaceful commune on the banks of the Indre river, transforms for a weekend into a true village of books and poetry. Admission is free, allowing all curious individuals to discover this unique literary world. The fair contributes to the cultural influence of this rural area and demonstrates the vitality of contemporary poetic creation.