Salon AGORA de Bellême
Book fair and literary encounters in Bellême
About Salon AGORA
The Salon AGORA de Bellême is a book fair organized every year in November at the Centre communautaire Philippe de Chennevières in Bellême, in the Orne department. Created in 2006, this fair offers a weekend of encounters with authors, book signings, round tables, and storytelling sessions around an annual theme. The 2025 edition, the 20th, celebrated this anniversary on the theme of the tree with the round table "From writing to image: 20 years of evolution!". Free and open to all.
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Book your train or bus to reach Salon AGORA at the best price.
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Salon AGORA: 20 years of literary encounters in Bellême
Since 2006, Salon AGORA has been the annual literary event in Bellême, a charming Percheron town nestled in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche. Organized at the Centre communautaire Philippe de Chennevières, this book fair offers a weekend of encounters between authors and readers around an original theme every November.
A renewed theme each year
Each edition of Salon AGORA is built around a unifying theme that guides the encounters, discussions, and book selections. The 2025 edition, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of the fair, had the theme "The Tree", echoing the exceptional forest heritage of the nearby Bellême state forest.
Various literary activities
Encounters and book signings
Authors from various literary backgrounds are present during the two days for book signing sessions and direct exchanges with visitors. Novels, essays, poetry, children's books, and regional works are represented.
Round tables and conferences
Thematic round tables allow for in-depth discussions. The anniversary edition featured the conference "From writing to image: 20 years of evolution!" hosted by Patrick Bard, examining the changes in the publishing world.
Storytelling hour
Each edition offers a storytelling hour for children, perpetuating the tradition of oral transmission and early literacy.
Associated events
The fair is often preceded by associated events, such as readings in the dark, film screenings, or preparatory meetings in neighboring libraries, extending the event's reach.
A fair rooted in the Perche region
Salon AGORA benefits from the enchanting setting of Bellême, one of the most beautiful small towns in the Perche, renowned for its state forest, its antique dealers, and its architectural heritage. The book fair contributes to the winter cultural animation of this town of character and to the literary dynamism of the region.
Salon AGORA — edition 2026
21st edition of Salon AGORA de Bellême. Book fair with authors, book signings, and literary activities. Theme and program to be announced.
Prices Salon AGORA 2026
Practical information — Salon AGORA
Access and transport
By car: Bellême is located 45 km from Alençon via the N12 then the D955, 35 km from Mortagne-au-Perche via the D938, and about 2h30 from Paris via the A11 then the N12. From Le Mans, take the D357 then the D955 (about 1h15). Free parking is available near the community center and in the center of Bellême.
By train: The nearest stations are Alençon (45 km) and Le Mans (80 km). There is no direct public transport to Bellême; a car is essential.
Venue
The fair is held at the Centre communautaire Philippe de Chennevières, in the heart of Bellême, 61130. This versatile space hosts author stands, activities, and conferences in a pleasant and accessible setting.
Opening hours
The fair is open on Saturday and Sunday from 2 PM to 6 PM. Associated events may take place on Friday or Saturday evenings (readings, screenings). Round tables and special activities are scheduled in the afternoon (usually at 3:30 PM). Consult the program for precise times.
Prices
Completely free admission. Associated events (readings in the dark, etc.) are also free. Books by the authors are sold at their stands and can be signed.
Discover Bellême
Bellême is one of the most beautiful small towns in the Perche, famous for its state forest (2,400 hectares of oaks and beeches), its antique dealers, and its remarkable architectural heritage. The book fair is the ideal opportunity to combine literature with a stroll through this town of character. The Bellême forest, a few minutes from the town center, offers numerous hiking trails.
Accommodation and dining
Bellême and its surroundings offer charming accommodation: hotels, bed and breakfasts, and rural gites. Several restaurants and food shops in the town center allow you to eat before or after visiting the fair.
Contact
Salon AGORA
Mairie de Bellême: www.villedebelleme.fr
Parc Naturel Régional du Perche: www.parc-naturel-perche.fr
Practical tips
- Combine your visit to the fair with a walk in Bellême and its state forest
- Arrive in the early afternoon to enjoy the conferences and round tables
- Budget for purchasing books from the authors
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Salon AGORA at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Salon AGORA
Centre communautaire Philippe de Chennevières