Verdun History Fair

History at the Heart of the City of Peace

The Verdun History Fair is a major intellectual and cultural event held every autumn in the Hall of Audiences of the World Centre for Peace, the former episcopal palace of Verdun. In this city symbolizing memory and reconciliation, the fair offers a space for reflection and sharing on history, geopolitics, and international relations.

Around Forty Authors

Each edition brings together around forty authors to present their latest works covering all periods of history: from prehistory to contemporary times, including world wars, geopolitics, and international relations. Authors of historical comics and children's literature are also present, offering an approach to history accessible to all audiences.

Conferences and Screenings

The fair offers a rich program of conferences and screenings led by historians, researchers, and experts. These meetings allow the public to deepen their knowledge, debate with specialists, and discover the latest historiographical research. The topics covered are varied and reflect current historical research.

Two Prestigious Literary Prizes

The fair awards two literary prizes each year: the "Mondes en guerres, mondes en paix" (Worlds at War, Worlds at Peace) prize, which rewards a work dealing with the issues of war and peace, and the "Sergent Maginot" prize, which distinguishes the best book dedicated to the First World War published during the year. These prizes contribute to the fair's influence and the promotion of historical publishing.

Antique and Second-hand Bookstores

Antique and second-hand booksellers offer the public rare, old, and collectible books, giving bibliophiles and history enthusiasts the opportunity to find treasures. Specialized publishing houses like OREP and Edhisto are also present with their catalogs.

A Free Fair Open to All

Admission to the Verdun History Fair is completely free. The fair is organized in partnership with the Meuse department, the World Centre for Peace, and the Ducher bookstore in Verdun, ensuring the quality and sustainability of this essential cultural event.