Cherry Festival
Fougerolles celebrates its cherry heritage and AOC kirsch
About Cherry Festival
Cherry Festival: Fougerolles, capital of kirsch, honors its king fruit
Each year, on the last Saturday of June, the commune of Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert turns red to celebrate the cherry, the fruit that has forged its identity and fame. The Cherry Festival is much more than a simple local event: it is the living expression of a centuries-old cherry heritage that earned Fougerolles the title of "capital of kirsch" and its classification as a remarkable site of taste.
An exceptional terroir inscribed in intangible heritage
Fougerolles is home to over 10,000 cherry trees, producing 500 tons of cherries and 35,000 liters of eau-de-vie annually. Fougerolles kirsch became the first fruit spirit to obtain an AOC in France in 2010. In 2018, the cultivation and production of Fougerolles kirsch were inscribed in the inventory of intangible cultural heritage of France. This recognition testifies to a know-how dating back to the 18th century, when Fougerolles' "bouilleurs de cru" (local distillers) developed the art of cherry distillation.
A day of festivities for everyone
The Cherry Festival opens in the morning with a producers' market where local artisans offer jams, syrups, kirsch, and other cherry-based delights. At noon, a convivial meal brings participants together for regional specialties, fried carp, and barbecue grills.
The Orchard Hike
In the afternoon, a 10-kilometer hike takes walkers through the characteristic landscape of Fougerolles' "prés-vergers" (orchards), vast meadows dotted with ancient cherry trees. The route includes a complimentary cocktail and a visit to a distillery for a complete immersion in the terroir. A cherry trail specially designed for children under 10 allows them to discover the fruit in a fun way.
Miss Cherries and Concerts
The evening is the highlight of the festival: after a festive dinner, the election of Miss Cherries crowns the day, followed by concerts by regional and national bands that get the audience dancing until the early hours. This blend of gourmet tradition and festive conviviality makes the Cherry Festival an unmissable event at the beginning of summer in Haute-Saône.
Cherry Festival — edition 2026
The Cherry Festival 2026, 59th edition, takes place on Saturday, June 27, 2026 in Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert, around Maison Bresson. On the program: 10 km meadow-orchard hike, local market, bal musette, children's activities, country meal, election of Miss Cerises 2026 and free evening concerts (Nadamas, The Celtic Tramps). Free admission.
2026 Edition
The Cherry Festival returns for its 59th edition on Saturday, June 27, 2026 in Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert, for another day celebrating the cherry heritage and AOC kirsch.
The day begins with the Fougerolles hike of 10 km (from 10 AM to 4 PM, 2 € with a complimentary cocktail) through the meadow-orchards, followed by the local market at 11 AM. At noon, food trucks and catering from the festival committee (tartines, fried carp). The afternoon continues with a bal musette with Alexis Balandier (1 PM) and family activities (3 PM): Râpe-Mousse course, pony rides, Mirage cockpit exhibition, and guided tours.
The evening offers a country meal with cherry flan, the election of Miss Cerises 2026 at 8 PM (10 candidates), followed by two free concerts: Nadamas and The Celtic Tramps. New for this edition: the cherry beer « Folle Rouge », specially created for the festival.
Programme Cherry Festival 2026
The 59th Cherry Festival takes place on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Maison Bresson (Cité des Cerises) in Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert. Free admission. Official program from the Fougerolles Festival Committee.
Saturday, June 27, 2026
- 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM — Fougerolles 10 km hike (2 € / participant, cocktail offered by SICA Kirsch)
- 11:00 AM — Opening of the local market: local products and cherries
- Noon — On-site catering: food trucks (tartines, fried carp), festival committee meal
- 1:00 PM — Bal musette animated by Alexis Balandier
- 3:00 PM — Activities for children and adults: Râpe-Mousse course, pony rides, Mirage cockpit exhibition, guided tours of Fougerolles; activities by La Roue d'Abondance, l'Union musicale and Foug'Art Loisirs
- Evening — Country meal with cherry flan for dessert
- 8:00 PM — Election of Miss Cerises 2026 (10 candidates)
- Evening — Two free concerts: the group Nadamas, then The Celtic Tramps
New for 2026: a cherry beer named « Folle Rouge », specially created for the event.
Highlights Cherry Festival 2026
- Election of Miss Cerises 2026 at 8 PM (10 candidates), an anticipated highlight of the festival.
- Free evening concerts: the group Nadamas, followed by The Celtic Tramps.
- Fougerolles 10 km hike (10 AM-4 PM, 2 €, cocktail offered) through the meadow-orchards.
- New for 2026: the cherry beer « Folle Rouge », specially created for the event.
- Local market, bal musette with Alexis Balandier, children's activities (Râpe-Mousse, ponies), Mirage cockpit, and guided tours.
Prices Cherry Festival 2026
Practical information — Cherry Festival
Access
By car: Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert is located 25 km north of Luxeuil-les-Bains and 55 km north of Vesoul, in the Ballons des Vosges Regional Natural Park. Follow the D83 or D434.
Location: Maison Bresson — Cité des Cerises, 22 rue du Bas de Laval, 70220 Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert.
Prices
- Entry: free
- Hike: €2 (cocktail and distillery visit included)
- Evening meal: approximately €18 (aperitif, main course, cheese, cherry éclair, and coffee)
- Barbecue: available all day
Contact
Comité des Fêtes de Fougerolles
Tel: 03 84 49 13 92
Website: cerise-fougerolles.org
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Where does it take place — Cherry Festival
Maison Bresson — Cité des Cerises
22 rue du Bas de Laval, 70220 Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert