Nearly 600 events
Round tables, conferences, book fair, autograph sessions, cafés and literary encounters, film projections with previews, economic forums, and so much more… The diversified program of the history rendezvous renders it the largest popular university in Europe.
More the 1,000 persons invited
More than 1,000 renowned individuals, specialists in history, literature, pedagogy, cinema, philosophy, politics and information will confront their views and respond to questions from the public. The festival represents a rare occasion to encounter the persons who, day in and day out, write and comment on history.
History book fair
A gigantic temporary bookstore (2,800 m²), the salon du Livre d’histoire is conducive to discovery of the latest and most noteworthy publications. The fair includes more than 200 publishers’ stands and welcomes a sizable number of authors, of whom 300 will autograph their works.
Cinema cycle
Each year, sixty films are projected during the festival. Whether you are a film buff or a novice, you will discover movies compatible with your tastes: fiction, documentaries, period films, recent productions, encounters with directors, etc. All gatherings will be chaired by a person having made his or her reputation in the 7th art. During the rendezvous with history, cinema is tantamount to exchange.
Festival prizes
Numerous prizes are awarded during the festival:
- the Augustin-Thierry prize, for work on contemporary history;
- the top prize of the rendezvous with history, for work on history having outstandingly contributed to progress in historical research;
- the prize for historical novels addressed to young people, a prize awarded following the vote of more than 1,500 schoolchildren, from approximately 11 to 16 years of age.
- the Château-de-Cheverny prize for history-orientated comic strips;
- the prize for the historical novel.
Economics at the history rendezvous
Economics is a major area of concern in our societies. Given that a decompartmentalized approach to economics is more necessary than ever, since 2014 the rendezvous with history has been organizing a cycle of encounters bringing together not only prominent economics thinkers and actors, but also a wide array of specialists in history, geography, sociology and philosophy. The key worldwide economic equilibriums and sources of disequilibrium are analyzed, decoded and rendered intelligible in their daunting complexity.
“History cafés” throughout the year
In Blois and the rest of the Centre-Val de Loire region, throughout the year history cafés prolong pursuit of the “rendezvous with history” objectives by affording an opportunity to meet a historian in the convivial environment of a café or a bar. Curious “laypersons” as well as specialists in history are welcome to discuss at length and in depth.
History rendezvous… in the rest of the world
Blois’ international twinning programs have rendered it possible to export the history rendezvous to different countries. For example, in 2018 the history rendezvous of Weimar celebrated its 10th edition, and similar events have brought together history enthusiasts in other parts of France, Germany, Poland, Morocco and Quebec.
