From October 7 to 11, 2026, Blois will host the 29th edition of the Rendez-vous de l'histoire (History Festival). For five days, nearly 600 events will take place throughout the city, all centered around the theme of "Merchants." Conferences, debates, screenings, performances, and digital experiences will bring together historians, researchers, writers, filmmakers, journalists, and prominent figures in public discourse. Admission is entirely free.
Created in 1998, the Rendez-vous de l'histoire has become one of the major events dedicated to history in France and Europe . The festival attracts more than 55,000 visitors each year throughout the city of Blois and also presents itself as the largest festival of ideas in France.
From bartering to cryptocurrencies, from the Hanseatic League to Elon Musk
For this 29th edition, chaired by Thierry Breton , the festival will explore the role of merchants across centuries and continents: from barter to cryptocurrencies, from the spice route to artificial intelligence, and from Hanseatic merchants to Elon Musk.
This theme will notably allow us to revisit the now considerable influence of large technology companies and their leaders, a subject that Thierry Breton himself has directly faced in relation to Elon Musk.
Jean-Noël Jeanneney, president of the scientific council, explains the philosophy of this edition: "We will see what they [the Merchants] have been able to contribute to human relations, from bartering to cryptocurrency, whether in the most everyday aspects or in the adventures that once led their audacity from one continent to another."
War, AI, Elon Musk, Trump, Putin and Xi Jinping among the topics
Several announced events demonstrate the breadth of the program. Antiquity will be explored with "Places for the Merchants! Women Merchants in Public Spaces in Antiquity ." The relationship between economics and conflict will be at the heart of "Do Markets and Merchants Love War? "
Economic power will also be the subject of the meeting "From the Hanseatic League to Elon Musk: are merchants stronger than states ?" , while another will ask the question "Do merchants make revolutions?".
Artificial intelligence will also be on the agenda with "AI: A Powerful Lever for Growth or a Risk to Employment?" . International power dynamics will be addressed in "Facing Trump, Putin, and Xi Jinping : What is Europe Doing?" . Finally, the United States will be examined through "Democracy in America from Yesterday to Today: Tocqueville's Legacy".
These meetings are just a few examples among the approximately 600 meetings planned during the five days of the festival.
Thierry Breton, president; Michel-Édouard Leclerc, head of the economic cycle
Six personalities from the political, economic, cultural, academic and judicial spheres will lead this 29th edition dedicated to "Merchants".
Thierry Breton , a French engineer, entrepreneur, and politician, will preside over the 29th edition. The former European Commissioner has notably been at the center of several disputes surrounding the regulation of digital platforms. He was also targeted by a ban on entering the United States at the end of 2025.
Michel-Édouard Leclerc , president of E.Leclerc, will preside over the economic cycle.
Laure Grandbesançon , author, storyteller, producer and director of podcasts for young audiences, will be president of the Book Fair.
French filmmaker Rebecca Zlotowski will preside over the film series.
Information as a commodity to open the festival
The opening lecture will be given by Nathalie Sonnac , professor at Paris Panthéon -Assas University and specialist in the economics of media, culture, and digital technology. She will address a question directly related to the theme of this edition: "Is information a commodity like any other?"
The festival will conclude with Vanessa Perrée , a French magistrate specializing in the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking. Her closing lecture will focus on drug trafficking in France.
This has become a central issue in public debate, as drug trafficking in France now represents several billion euros and relies on criminal organizations established over a large part of the territory.
250 publishing houses gathered for three days
The Rendez-vous de l'histoire also hosts what they present as the largest history book fair in France. 250 publishing houses will be present over three days, from Friday to Sunday.
Authors will be on hand to present their books, sign copies, and meet their readers. The Book Fair will also offer the opportunity to discover the books and authors poised to make their mark on the historic literary season. Several literary prizes will be awarded during the event.
Blois transformed for five days
Beyond the conferences, the entire city of Blois will participate in the event from October 7th to 11th. The Rendez-vous de l'histoire aims to be a true people's university open to all, combining historical research, publishing, film, public debates, performances, and digital experiences.
With 600 meetings , more than 55,000 visitors usually welcomed , 250 publishing houses and a completely free program, this 29th edition intends to use the theme of "Merchants" as a way to reread both ancient history and major contemporary economic, technological and geopolitical issues.
Useful information: The Rendez-vous de l'histoire will take place in Blois from October 7 & 11, 2026Entry is free.
www.rdv-histoire.com
