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

The fair is a gathering of exhibitors from diverse fields of activity. In the Vendée region in the early 1900s, this event was eagerly anticipated all year round by farmers and landowners, who disregarded their social status to come together with a shared desire: to take advantage of the market and find good deals. In the region known as "Beef Country," the fair holds a special place.

Traditional fairs in Challans, organized every year just like in the old days

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

• The Old-Fashioned Fair offers a journey back to 1910 with period costumes, bygone traditions, dances, and the skills of our ancestors. Travel through time with the pig and poultry market, cart rides, an exhibition of vintage cars and agricultural machinery, before watching the brass band parade in period attire.
  These fairs take place on Thursdays in the summer in Challans.
• The Foire des Minées, whose first edition was a great success on September 12, 1954, has become an unmissable agricultural event that continues to this day. With around a hundred exhibitors, it's three days of festivities, carnival games, and fireworks that bring the town of Challans to life every year.

The fair takes place in September every year in Challans.

Traditional fairs in the south of the Vendée not to be missed

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

• The Old-Fashioned Fair in Hermenault offers a step back into the 1900s with a gathering of local producers, artisans, animals, demonstrations of traditional crafts, music, and a traditional meal. Each year, a departmental cattle competition for the Parthenaise breed is held, evoking the atmosphere of fairs of yesteryear.
  The Old-Fashioned Fair in Hermenault takes place in early September.
• The Lark Fair, which has existed since 1982, was originally a demonstration of the nocturnal hunting methods used for this small bird, with 70 different species participating and the use of mirrors to attract them. Every third weekend of November, this tradition is upheld in the Marais Poitevin region, in Bénet, with a large craft market, music for dancing for all ages, and a traditional meal featuring local produce.

The traditional fairs of the Vendée are renowned and important to preserve, passing on the customs and skills of the past and fostering social cohesion. Of course, they are also a great excuse to have fun and get together around a good meal, entertainment, and villagers happy to be reunited. Don't miss the agricultural shows and village festivals either!

Did you enjoy our article? Find more in our Top Experiences section.

Follow us on the Guide Vendée Facebook page and on Instagram @guidedelavendee