Fair of Garlic, Wine and Flea Market
The great pink garlic festival in the medieval city of Billom
About Garlic Fair of Billom
Fair of Garlic, Wine and Flea Market: over forty years of tradition in Billom
Every second weekend in August, the small medieval city of Billom, in the Puy-de-Dôme, vibrates to the rhythm of its famous Fair of Garlic, Wine and Flea Market. This popular event pays tribute to Billom pink garlic, an exceptional product cultivated in the Limagne plain since the return from the Crusades and recognized as a Remarkable Site of Taste.
Billom pink garlic, a treasure of the Auvergne terroir
Billom pink garlic benefits from a unique terroir: the clay-limestone soils of Limagne and the continental climate give it a sweet and subtle flavor, prized by gourmets. The Federation of Billom Pink Garlic brings together thirty-five producers who cultivate about fifty hectares, perpetuating ancestral know-how passed down from generation to generation.
A program rich in activities
The fair offers a dense program over two days:
- Producers' market: about twenty pink garlic producers offer direct sales of their first bulbs of the year, accompanied by merchants of wine, cheese, honey, and other products from the Auvergne region
- Pink garlic competition: a jury evaluates the most beautiful specimens according to their physical characteristics, rewarding the excellence of local production
- Braiding championship: open to all, this competition highlights a traditional technique that allows garlic to retain its flavor and freshness throughout the year
- Inductions: the Confrérie des Grands Goussiers d'Auvergne welcomes new members in a festive ceremony
- Musical entertainment: bands and folk groups liven up the streets of the medieval city throughout the weekend
- Flea market and garage sale: about two hundred exhibitors and sixty merchants take over the squares and alleys of Billom
A popular and family-friendly festival
Free and open to all, the Billom Garlic Fair is a friendly event that attracts around twenty-five thousand visitors each year. Families enjoy the street entertainment, tastings, and the warm atmosphere of this city with its rich medieval heritage. On Saturday evening, a fireworks display concludes the first day of festivities.
Billom, medieval city and Remarkable Site of Taste
Billom is a city steeped in history, known for its remarkably preserved medieval quarter, its half-timbered houses, and its former university founded in the 13th century. The recognition of pink garlic as a Remarkable Site of Taste testifies to the importance of this product in the local identity and economy.
Garlic Fair of Billom — edition 2026
42nd Edition — August 8 and 9, 2026
The Garlic, Wine, and Flea Market Fair returns for its 42nd edition on the weekend of August 8 and 9, 2026, in the historic center of Billom. This fair celebrates Billom's pink garlic through direct sales, the pink garlic competition, and the braiding competition — a technique that allows garlic to retain its taste and freshness for a whole year.
On site: 160 stands (artisan-creators, food, pottery, jewelry, candles, etc.), refreshment stands run by Billom associations, food trucks, picnic areas, musical entertainment, an Auvergne wine competition, and a flea market.
Program
Saturday, August 8: 10 AM pink garlic competition, 12 PM awards ceremony, 4 PM garlic braid competition and demonstration, 6 PM chapter of the Confrérie des Grands Goussiers d'Auvergne.
Sunday, August 9: from 10 AM wine competition at the town hall, 12 PM awards ceremony, 12:30 PM reception, in the afternoon parade by the Vertaizon Brass Band.
Programme Garlic Fair of Billom 2026
Saturday, August 8, 2026
- 10:00 AM — Pink Garlic Competition
- 12:00 PM — Pink Garlic Competition Awards Ceremony
- 4:00 PM — Garlic Braid Competition and Demonstration
- 6:00 PM — Chapter of the Confrérie des Grands Goussiers d'Auvergne
Sunday, August 9, 2026
- From 10:00 AM — Auvergne Wine Competition at the Town Hall
- 12:00 PM — Wine Competition Awards Ceremony
- 12:30 PM — Reception
- Afternoon — Parade by the Vertaizon Brass Band
Throughout the weekend: 160 stands (artisan-creators, food, pottery, jewelry, candles…), direct sale of pink garlic, refreshment stands run by Billom associations, food trucks, picnic areas, musical entertainment, and a flea market.
Highlights Garlic Fair of Billom 2026
- 42nd edition of the great pink garlic fair in the medieval city of Billom, on August 8 and 9, 2026
- Pink garlic competition and garlic braid competition (traditional preservation technique)
- Chapter of the Confrérie des Grands Goussiers d'Auvergne on Saturday at 6 PM
- Auvergne Wine Competition and parade by the Vertaizon Brass Band on Sunday
- 160 stands, direct sale of pink garlic, flea market, refreshment stands and food trucks — free admission
Prices Garlic Fair of Billom 2026
Practical information — Garlic Fair of Billom
Practical Information
Access and transport
By car: Billom is located 30 km east of Clermont-Ferrand via the D997. Free parking available on the outskirts of the city center.
By bus: Bus line from Clermont-Ferrand (Transdôme network).
Location
Place de la Fontaine and historic center of Billom, 63160 Billom. The fair takes place in the streets and squares of the medieval center.
Opening hours
From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Musical entertainment from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fireworks on Saturday evening at 10:30 p.m.
Prices
Free entry.
Catering
On-site catering with local products: pink garlic, charcuterie, Auvergne cheeses, regional wines.
Contact
Federation of Billom Pink Garlic. Billom Town Hall: www.billom.fr. Federation website: ail-rose-de-billom.fr
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Where does it take place — Garlic Fair of Billom
Centre historique de Billom
Place de la Fontaine, 63160 Billom