RETTEL: Curtain falls on the 2026 Book Fair – a look back at a fine edition

A day devoted to culture.

On Sunday 4 October, Rettel's multi-purpose hall was alive with books and encounters. For this sixth edition, 60 authors took part, with a programme aimed at all audiences: novels, comics, manga, children's literature, history, fantasy, crime fiction, personal accounts and books on well-being.

Yet the event was about more than book signings. Once again, the Salon du Livre gave the public the chance to take their time and talk directly with authors, discover their worlds and sometimes leave with a new book to read or a genuine favourite.

Local figures in attendance.

Following words of welcome from Rémi Schwenck, Mayor of Rettel, several elected officials and local representatives came along to show their support for this cultural event.

Among those present were Christine Herzog, Senator for Moselle, Estelle Bohr, departmental councillor for the canton of Bouzonville, and Roland Balcerzak, President of the Communauté de communes de Cattenom et Environs (CCCE).

Armel Chabanne, President of the Communauté de communes de Bouzonville – Trois Frontières (CCB3F), also came to meet the organisers and participants during the day.

Their presence illustrates the interest shown in this kind of initiative in an area where culture is also a way of building ties between communities and their residents.

Young people at the heart of the event.

Another highlight of this edition was the place given to younger visitors. Activities centred on making bookmarks and comics were on offer, including a comics workshop run as part of the sponsorship of Régis Hector, press cartoonist and member of Cartooning for Peace.

For several years now, the association Lire en fête has also been running initiatives with local schools. Once again this year, a bookmark competition brought schools into the event and helped bring children closer to the world of books.

An edition focused on encounters.

Beyond the number of authors present, it is ultimately the atmosphere that stands out from the day: conversations, discussions about books, signings and meetings between writers and a public who had sometimes come along simply out of curiosity.

With this sixth edition, the Rettel Salon du Livre has thus confirmed its place in the local cultural calendar. A modest-sized event, but one that manages to bring together authors, families, readers and local stakeholders around a single idea: keeping books alive and making people want to read.

This latest edition is also an opportunity to pay tribute to the work of Mrs Béatrice Long and the association Lire en fête, who organised the Salon du Livre. The commitment of the volunteers and organisers made for a friendly day, rich in encounters and discoveries.

Radio Tripoint congratulates the whole team on this fine 2026 edition and on their commitment to promoting culture and reading in the area.