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2026 events

Rendez-vous de l’histoire 2026 in Blois: dates and programme

The 29th edition of Rendez-vous de l’histoire takes place in Blois from 7 to 11 October 2026. Its theme is “Les Marchands” (Merchants). An opportunity to combine historical discoveries, encounters and a walk around the city.

Non-exhaustive selection checked on 9 October 2026. All times are Paris time. Check admission requirements and availability before travelling.

Your programme for 10 and 11 October

Non-exhaustive selection checked on 9 October 2026. All times are Paris time. Check admission requirements and availability before travelling.

Official Rendez-vous de l’histoire 2026 visual
Official Rendez-vous de l’histoire 2026 visual · © Les Rendez-vous de l’histoire

The book fair

Place de la République: Friday 9 and Saturday 10, 10:00–19:30; Sunday 11, 10:00–18:30. Find the layout and signing schedule on the official page.

Book fair and signings

Selected events

Families

Discovering historic household objects

10/10/2026 · 11:00–11:45

Maison de la BD · 3 rue des Jacobins

Age 6+ · Cécile Jugla

Official information

Families

Musical reading with Laure Grandbesançon

10/10/2026 · 14:00–15:30

Maison de la magie · 1 place du Château

A reading featuring musketeers and Captain Nemo

Official information

Families

Write your name in hieroglyphs

11/10/2026 · 10:00–10:45

Maison de la BD · 3 rue des Jacobins

Age 7/8+ · Pierre Gemme

Official information

Talks

Benjamin Franklin between two worlds

10/10/2026 · 13:30

Bibliothèque Abbé-Grégoire · Bibliothèque universitaire

Official information

Talks

Souvenir trading in antiquity

10/10/2026 · 14:15

Hôtel de ville · Salle du conseil municipal

Official information

Talks

Trade in the Soviet world

10/10/2026 · 16:00

INSA · Bâtiment principal, petit amphi

Official information
The Royal Château of Blois, one of the festival venues
The Royal Château of Blois, one of the festival venues · © Château royal de Blois

Plan your day

Choose two or three events, allow for queues and leave time between venues. For children, check the recommended age and adult accompaniment requirements. Booking availability is not guaranteed.

Blois and the Loire: a break between talks
Blois and the Loire: a break between talks · © Campings.nl

Dates and theme of the 2026 edition

Les Rendez-vous de l’histoire 2026
Les Rendez-vous de l’histoire 2026 · © Les Rendez-vous de l’histoire

The festival announces five days, from Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 October 2026. The theme “Les Marchands” (Merchants) runs through this 29th edition. Consult the official programme to find the events that interest you and their exact locations in Blois.

Talks, books and cinema: plan your programme

Rendez-vous de l’histoire offers debates and talks, a book fair, a film season and other ways to engage with history. The 2026 programme is available on the festival website. Choose a few highlights each day and leave time to move between venues.

Architecture of the François I wing at the Château royal de Blois
Architecture of the François I wing at the Château royal de Blois · Photo: Château royal de Blois

Check booking requirements before you come

Check each session’s details for admission arrangements and any booking requirements. A booking portal is available from the official website. Rules may vary between activities: check the conditions for your chosen event rather than assuming admission is the same everywhere.

Organise your stay in Blois

Blois and the Loire
Blois and the Loire · © Campings.nl

Locate your accommodation, station or parking and event venues before departure. Staying in the centre also makes it easy to plan a walk or château visit between festival days. Check accommodation availability directly for your chosen dates.

Practical questions

When is Rendez-vous de l’histoire 2026?

From 7 to 11 October 2026 in Blois, according to official festival information.

What is the theme for 2026?

The theme of the 29th edition is “Les Marchands” (Merchants).

Where can I find the programme and book?

At rdv-histoire.com, where you can access the programme, practical information and booking portal.

A room at Hôtel Le Monarque
A room at Hôtel Le Monarque · © Hôtel Le Monarque

A place to stay

Discover Hôtel Le Monarque.

Check rooms and availability directly with the hotel in central Blois.

View rooms in Blois ↗

Sources and information to check

Check opening hours, prices and conditions on official websites before your visit.