Photo : © Christophe Labarde
International Rare Book & Graphic Arts Fair, new edition at the Carreau du Temple
Trade your phone screen for the intoxicating scent of antique paper nestled within a historic industrial landmark. Whether you're a seasoned bibliophile or just wandering, you'll encounter rare manuscripts and exquisite prints hand-picked by the world's top specialists. Take an afternoon to wander through these aisles and brush up against centuries of history.
Le Carreau du Temple (Paris 3rd)
About
The International Rare Book & Graphic Arts Fair returns to the Carreau du Temple in the 3rd arrondissement from December 4 to December 6, 2026. This prestigious gathering brings together international experts in antiquarian books, manuscripts, prints, and engravings. Whether you are a dedicated collector or a history enthusiast, this event offers a unique encounter with our collective memory through authenticated works of art. The venue is fully accessible, welcoming visitors in wheelchairs as well as those with hearing or visual impairments, ensuring an inclusive experience for all who wish to explore these rare historical treasures.
The International Rare Book and Graphic Arts Fair is the unmissable event for collectors and enthusiasts of rare manuscripts, printed works, prints, and engravings. It brings together the best experts in old books and drawings from December 4 to 6, 2026, at the Carreau du Temple. Exhibitions highlight heritage collections, private holdings, and a selection of bookbindings. Also on the program: workshops and demonstrations on bookbinding, restoration, or typographic composition.
This fair stands for excellence: all exhibitors are members of the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) and, for French exhibitors, affiliated with the Syndicat de la Librairie Ancienne et Moderne (SLAM). This century-old professional association brings together the best specialists in the field of rare and collectible books, adhering to a strict code of ethics and offering collectors and enthusiasts the best guarantees of authenticity as well as the most precise expertise in their respective fields.
Of the 230 members, nearly half will be present at this fair, which aims to be one of the most important in the world. It highlights the exceptional cultural heritage of a collective memory, through the traces left by the human spirit over the centuries, from the oldest works to contemporary artistic avant-gardes.
It is today the most beautiful event of its kind in France and one of the most important in the world for old books, autographs & manuscripts; traditionally associated with the Rare Book Fair, the galleries of drawings, prints, and engravings demonstrate the variety of printmaking, from old masters to modern and contemporary artists. All are subject to a control commission that guarantees the authenticity of the works and the accuracy of the descriptions of the documents presented.
Exceptional provenances, intimate manuscripts, prints and drawings from all periods, resplendent bindings… Booksellers and gallerists highlight an invaluable written and iconographic heritage, and this exceptional cultural event is a unique opportunity to become familiar with our collective memory.
A benchmark fair, a sensual encounter with documents of all styles and all eras, the alliance of the book and the work on paper.
Schedule:
- Thursday, December 3, 2026: Invitations and VIP passes only
- Friday, December 4, 2026: 11 am to 8 pm – Public opening
- Saturday, December 5, 2026: 11 am to 8 pm
- Sunday, December 6, 2026: 11 am to 6 pm
Fair accessible to the hearing impaired
Our take on this event
Housed within the Carreau du Temple, this event presents a curated selection of rare manuscripts, ancient prints, and unique graphic works. Visitors can explore a vast array of items ranging from historical documents to contemporary artistic avant-gardes. The program features specific exhibitions on heritage collections and fine bindings, alongside practical demonstrations focusing on restoration, typography, and bookbinding techniques.
Quality and authenticity are paramount, as all exhibitors are members of the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB) or the French SLAM syndicate. A dedicated committee reviews every item to guarantee its provenance and description accuracy. Please note that tickets must be purchased directly on-site, as there is no online booking system.
The fair welcomes the general public on Friday, December 4, and Saturday, December 5, from 11:00 to 20:00, and on Sunday, December 6, from 11:00 to 18:00. Note that Thursday, December 3, is reserved for VIP pass holders and invited guests only. The venue is equipped to welcome visitors with reduced mobility, as well as those who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired.
