À Cor et à Cri

Hunting traditions celebrated in Carrouges

À Cor et à Cri celebrates the traditions of hunting and the Norman countryside within the grounds of the Château de Carrouges. This medieval and Renaissance castle, a listed historic monument managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux, provides a majestic backdrop for a festival that brings together riders, horn players, artisans, and lovers of tradition.

The monument was once the property of the Le Veneur family, a Norman dynasty whose name derives from the role of "Grand Veneur" (Master of the Hunt) of France held by their ancestors. This history is deeply linked to the Écouves Forest, where these lords hunted for centuries.

In 2026, À Cor et à Cri joins the Fête de la Guibray

After three successful editions, this celebration of tradition and hunting takes a new turn in 2026 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the estate's acquisition by the State. On Saturday, August 29th, the entire town of Carrouges will come alive from the village to the castle, including the Maison du Parc et du Géoparc, for the traditional Fête de la Guibray, a centuries-old local tradition that once stretched from the village to the castle.

Focus on hunting traditions

With the Kermaingant pack and the Vautrait du Perche, the day reveals the codes of traditional hunting: open kennels along the Allée des Chanoines, a presentation of the packs on the main lawn, and the traditional Saint-Hubert mass celebrated outdoors in the park. The hunting horn competition will occupy the castle courtyard, the small parterre, and the Châtelet lawn all day, leading up to the final of the Coupe de Carrouges and the awards ceremony with all the horn players. The castle's hunting rooms and the Falandre collection—unique in Europe—can be visited freely or via guided tour, alongside an exhibition of vintage hunting postcards.

Equestrian shows and family entertainment

The Amazones de France will perform "Toutes en selle," a show blending equestrian art, humor, and history. The Haras national du Pin will present horses and carriages, the National Gendarmerie's equestrian brigade will parade on the main lawn, and Le Domaine des Écuyers will perform "Puss in Boots," a show combining fencing, French-style dressage, and Doma Vaquera. In the late afternoon, the grand parade will lead packs, horses, carriages, and vehicles from the castle to the town center. Carriage rides, antique wooden games crafted by the Giel Don Bosco high school woodworking department, and awareness stands (SDIS 61 on forest fire prevention, road safety from the Orne prefecture, and SITCOM Région d'Argentan) will round out the day.

Flea market, local market, and artisan village

The Carrouges flea market will be set up in the town center and along the driveway leading to the castle entrance. A local farmers' market will take place in the courtyard of the Maison du Parc et du Géoparc. On the meadow, the "prairie des métiers" will bring together a taxidermist, a blacksmith, a leather worker, a mobile knife sharpener, and the Orne Beekeepers' Union; a dozen vintage tractors will be on display in the Allée de la Bouvardière.

"Partie de campagne": Dining in the orchard

A Norman spit-roast lunch, prepared by master artisan Yannick Coulbault of Carrouges, will be served in the castle orchard. In the evening, the festivities continue with a wood-fired dinner, followed by a public dance and fireworks. Both meals require advance booking.