Books, debates and encounters: the Geneva Salon du Livre 2026

From 18 to 22 March 2026, Palexpo will once again become a meeting place for literature enthusiasts: the Salon du Livre de Genève celebrates its 40th edition. The Geneva Book Fair takes place every spring and regularly attracts up to 100,000 visitors.

The anniversary edition focuses on the diversity of voices and forms. Literature is not only meant to be presented, but also discussed and experienced – with particular attention to contemporary topics and social debates. In doing so, the Salon du Livre also underlines its role as a democratic space where ideas, perspectives and stories come together.

A stage for the literary world

Over the course of five days, authors, publishers, booksellers and journalists from across the francophone worldgather in Geneva. Alongside new releases from various genres, the fair also presents travel writing, illustrations, photography and historical prints.

An extensive supporting programme turns the fair into a vibrant cultural festival: readings, interviews, book signings, panel discussions and workshops offer numerous opportunities for the public to experience literature directly. Exhibitions, shows and interdisciplinary formats further broaden the traditional concept of literature and connect books with music, film and visual arts.

A look at the programme

The 40th edition offers a diverse programme that deliberately links literature with other art forms. On 19 March at 4:30 pm, Julie Depardieu reads texts by Marguerite Duras, accompanied on the piano by Juliette Granier.

On 20 March at 6 pm, American bestselling author Douglas Kennedy meets jazz pianist Laurent de Wilde for a conversation between literature and jazz about myths and fractures of American identity.

Further literary encounters follow on 21 March: at 4 pm, writer Agnès Desarthe discusses literature with Laura Ulonati, accompanied by the oud playing of musician Ahmed Khorshid. On the same evening at 6 pm, the successful French author David Foenkinos speaks with actress Eleonora Galasso about the musical sources of inspiration behind his novels.

The final day of the fair also offers special moments: on 22 March at 11 am, poems by Canadian poet Hélène Dorionwill be interpreted in a musical reading. The festival concludes at 4 pm with a poetic and musical performance by writer and musician Mathias Malzieu, who will read a text chosen spontaneously by the audience and interpret it musically together with Mike Ponton from the band Dionysos.

Meeting place of the francophone cultural scene

The Salon du Livre is considered one of the most important literary events in French-speaking Switzerland. For many visitors, it is not only a place to discover new books but also a platform for encounters between authors, readers and cultural professionals.

Especially in an age of digital media, the Geneva Book Fair demonstrates that books continue to play a special role: as a medium for stories, as a starting point for discussions – and as a cultural space where different voices come together.

Facts about the Geneva Book Fair 2026

• Date: 18 – 22 March 2026
• Location: Palexpo, Geneva
• Edition: 40th edition
• Visitors: up to 100,000 per year
• Programme: readings, book signings, debates, workshops and exhibitions

With its anniversary edition, the Geneva Book Fair once again confirms its status as a central meeting place for the literary world in Switzerland – and as a place where books become the starting point for exchange and new perspectives.

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