Montolieu Old and Second-hand Book Fair

Montolieu, Village of Books and Arts

Montolieu, a small village perched between the gorges of the Alzeau and the Dure, about twenty kilometers north of Carcassonne, is one of the eight Villages of Books in France. Since the 1990s, about fifteen specialized antique and second-hand bookstores have set up shop there, making this medieval town a pilgrimage site for bibliophiles from all over the world. The Old and Second-hand Book Fair is the highlight of this literary vocation.

A recognized bibliophile fair

Every year during Easter weekend, the Montolieu Old and Second-hand Book Fair hosts invited booksellers specializing in old books, first editions, prints, and illustrated works, from all over France and sometimes from abroad. These professionals join the permanent booksellers of the village to offer visitors pages of written, graphic, and artistic heritage. The 2025 edition marked the 30th edition of the fair, testifying to the vitality of this event.

Between rarity and discovery

The fair offers an exceptional panorama of old and second-hand books: first editions, manuscripts, old maps, prints, illustrated books, vintage photographs, posters, and historical documents, alongside affordable second-hand books. Savvy collectors as well as curious discoverers will find their delight. Conferences, meetings with authors, and bookbinding workshops complete the program.

A village-bookstore to explore

Beyond the fair, visiting Montolieu during Easter weekend is a unique experience. The fifteen permanent bookstores in the village open their doors, each with its specialty: literature, travel, science, art, comics, or children's books. The Museum of Book Arts and Crafts offers demonstrations of printing and artisanal bookbinding. The medieval streets, shaded squares, and panoramas of the Dure valley add to the charm of this open-air literary stroll.