Montreuil Book and Children's Press Fair (Seine-Saint-Denis, 93): the free program for the 2026 festival

The Salon du livre et la presse jeunesse de Montreuil is making its comeback this winter, to the delight of devoted readers. The 42nd edition of the fair dedicated to littérature jeunesse will run from 25 to 30 November 2026. Open to the general public, this event will welcome nearly 400 exhibitors, publishing houses and authors—French and international—centred on children’s literature and this year’s theme "At the Frontiers of Reality."

It used to charge admission a few years ago, but the fair is now 100% free for everyone and accessible, with comfortable facilities, sign-language readings, and audio description. It aims to welcome all audiences, even beyond the walls, including an off-site exhibition of children’s book illustrations and professional sessions that will accompany the literary festival in partner venues at national and international levels.

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Bookshops, libraries and cultural centers partnering the Montreuil Fair will be showcasing the Pépites, the Fair's literary prizes, to enable readers to meet up with their favorite authors of books and albums, and make literary discoveries. The Pépites awards recognize the best children's books of the year, in four categories: illustrated books, comics, junior fiction and teen fiction. Young readers are invited to apply to become judges!

In recent years, the Montreuil Book Fair has launched its own TV channel! The program includes literary programs, drawing lessons, events focusing on children's literature, publishing news flashes, animated exhibitions, and more. Two stages (literary, comics, vocal, and decoding) will host conferences, debates, activities, and readings, and you can meet your favoriteauthors at their publishers' stands. 

As every year, there are many activities planned at the fair forchildren, but also for older visitors, with an area reserved for professionals and students interested in the world of publishing. Although admission is free, you still need to get a ticket, and be warned, the place gets crowded quickly, so if you don't like crowds, you're better off going to a bookstore!