Traditional fairs in Vendée, a custom that has endured over the years

The fair is a meeting of exhibitors belonging to diversified fields of activity. In Vendée in the 1900s, this gathering was expected all year round by farmers and owners, who ignored their social status to come together all together under the same desire, take advantage of the market and do good business. In the region known as “the Country of Beef”, the fair holds an exceptional place.

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Traditional fairs in Challans, organized every year as before

In the 1900s, when women's place was at home, men took care of the fields and the animals. Regularly, fairs were scheduled to bring together farmers and owners who could be nobles, bourgeois or lords. Today these traditional festivals continue (but not with the same social context!) as in Challans, where two major events are organized:

• La Foire d'Autrefois, to immerse yourself in 1910 with the costumes of the time, the traditions of yesteryear, the dances and the know-how of our ancestors. Travel back in time between the pig and poultry market, cart rides, an exhibition of vintage cars and agricultural machinery, before watching the marching band parade in disguises as in the past.
  These fairs take place on Thursdays in summer in Challans.
• The Foire des Minées, the first of which was a great success on September 12, 1954, has become an unmissable agricultural event that continues to this day. With around a hundred exhibitors, there are 3 days of celebrations, fairground games and fireworks that enliven the town of Challans every year.

The fair takes place in September each year, in Challans.

Traditional fairs in the south of Vendée not to be missed

At the time, only men were allowed to participate in the annual fairs, with women simply tending to the poultry sold in the markets. Today, this custom has changed (!!!) to prepare traditional fairs where everyone is invited. In the south of Vendée, two are famous:

• The Old Fashioned Fair in Hermenault, a throwback to the 1900s with a meeting of local producers, designers, animals, demonstrations of old crafts, music and a traditional meal. Each year, a departmental cattle competition of the Parthenaise breed is organized, in an atmosphere of the fairs of yesteryear.
  The Old Fashioned Fair in Hermenault takes place at the beginning of September.
• La Foire aux Alouettes which has existed since 1982. At the time, it was a question of putting into practice the nocturnal hunting method of this small bird, with 70 species and the use of mirrors to attract them. Every 3rd weekend of November, this custom is maintained in the Marais-Poitevin in Bénet, with a large craft market, music to make young and old dance, closed with a traditional meal made up of local products.

The traditional fairs of Vendée are renowned and important to continue, to transmit the customs and know-how of the time, and to create social cohesion. Of course, it's also a good excuse to have fun and gather around a good meal, entertainment and villagers happy to meet. Don't miss the agricultural shows and village festivals! Consult the agenda of the Guide de la Vendée to find festivities during your stay.

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