Beaucroissant Agricultural Fair
The oldest fair in France, since 1219
About Beaucroissant Fair
Founded in 1219, the Beaucroissant Fair is the oldest fair in France. Every year in September, this unmissable event for the agricultural world covers over 30 hectares and 15 km of aisles in Beaucroissant, Isère. With over 1,500 exhibitors, 700 head of livestock, 80 bars and restaurants, a funfair, and a huge market, the fair attracts nearly 300,000 visitors over three days. Free admission.
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Eight centuries of history in the heart of Isère
The Beaucroissant Fair is an exceptional event whose origins date back to 1219, making it the oldest fair in France still in operation. Its history is intimately linked to a founding tragedy: on the night of September 14, 1219, the natural lake of Saint-Laurent, held back by a landslide in the gorges of l'Infernet, suddenly gave way. The devastating wave submerged Grenoble and caused the death of nearly 5,000 people. The following year, on September 14, 1220, under the leadership of the Bishop of Grenoble, the survivors commemorated the catastrophe by making a pilgrimage to Parménie, the bishops' residence perched at an altitude of 749 meters. The gathering attracted such a crowd that a village was formed to accommodate them, and merchants naturally flocked: the Beaucroissant fair was born.
Origins perhaps even older
Medieval chroniclers mention gatherings prior to 1219, dating back to the construction of the Parménie chapel in 877. As early as 977, Bishop Isarne organized a "vaude" (fair) to commemorate his victory over the barbarians, every September 14, the day of the Feast of the Holy Cross. In 1836, King Louis-Philippe I authorized by ordinance a second fair in the spring, thus creating the double tradition that continues to this day.
An agricultural event of national importance
The September fair is the larger of the two annual editions. It covers over 30 hectares, equivalent to 42 football fields, with 15 kilometers of aisles to explore. More than 1,500 exhibitors gather there, including about 220 professionals in agricultural and public works machinery, who present the latest innovations in tractors, harvesting machines, livestock equipment, and forestry equipment. The market fair brings together over 700 traders offering food, crafts, tools, housing, furniture, automobiles, and many other sectors.
Livestock, the beating heart of the fair
True to its agricultural vocation, the Beaucroissant Fair traditionally hosts nearly 700 head of livestock on Friday, the day dedicated to breeders. Cattle, horses, sheep, and goats are presented by breeders from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Animal competitions and presentations highlight the expertise of breeders from Isère and neighboring departments.
Dog, poultry, and pet fair
The dog fair brings together about twenty breeders presenting various breeds, while the poultry and small animal sector gathers more than 50 exhibitors. Lovers of local breeds, ornamental chickens, rabbits, and birds will find a wide selection here. These areas delight families and animal lovers.
Funfair and conviviality
A large funfair with about 70 attractions (rides, games) accompanies the fair from 10 am to midnight. With 80 bars and restaurants spread across the entire site, there is no shortage of food: Isère specialties, grills, local Dauphiné products, and a festive atmosphere are available from 8:30 am to 11 pm. The Beaucroissant Fair is more than just a commercial event: it is a true popular festival that brings together all generations.
Beaucroissant Fair — edition 2026
The 805th edition of the Beaucroissant Fair will be held from September 11 to 13, 2026. An unmissable event for the agricultural world in Isère, the oldest fair in France will once again bring together over 1,500 exhibitors, agricultural machinery, a huge market fair, livestock, a funfair, and 80 bars and restaurants on 30 hectares.
805th Beaucroissant Fair - September 2026
The 805th edition of the Beaucroissant Fair will take place from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13, 2026, on the Beaucroissant fairgrounds in Isère. Eight centuries after its creation, the oldest fair in France continues to bring together farmers, breeders, traders, and visitors in a spirit of conviviality and tradition.
More than 1,500 exhibitors are expected on the 30 hectares of the site: 220 professionals in agricultural and public works machinery, 700 traders at the market fair, breeders presenting cattle, horses, poultry, dogs, and small animals. The funfair, with its 70 rides, and the 80 bars and restaurants will complete this exceptional program.
Friday will, as always, be the day dedicated to livestock, with animal presentations and competitions. Saturday and Sunday will allow visitors to explore all the aisles, discover new agricultural equipment, browse the market fair, and enjoy the festive atmosphere that has made this centuries-old event renowned.
Highlights Beaucroissant Fair 2026
What awaits you in September 2026
- 805th edition of the oldest fair in France
- 30 hectares of fairgrounds and 15 km of aisles
- 1,500+ exhibitors expected
- 220 professionals in agricultural and public works machinery
- 700+ traders at the market fair
- Livestock on Friday: cattle, horses, sheep, goats
- Dog, poultry, and small animal fair
- Funfair with 70 rides and attractions
- 80 bars and restaurants
- Free admission
- SNCF TER access with special stop and reduced fares
Prices Beaucroissant Fair 2026
Practical information — Beaucroissant Fair
Access
The fair is located in Beaucroissant, in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, at the crossroads of major roads. The fairgrounds are accessible via the Route du Champ de Foire, 38140 Beaucroissant.
- By car from Lyon: A48 motorway, exit Rives toll, then follow signs for Beaucroissant via RD 1085.
- By car from Grenoble (30 km): A48 exit Rives or RD 1085 towards Voiron then Beaucroissant.
- By car from Valence: RD 1092 or A7 exit Tullins, then towards Beaucroissant.
- By car from Annonay/Beaurepaire: RD 519 towards Beaucroissant.
- By train (September only): SNCF TER Lyon-Grenoble line with a special stop near the fairgrounds. SNCF offers reduced fares (up to 40% discount on Saturdays). The station is located very close to the center of the fair.
- Airport: Grenoble-Isère Airport (Saint-Geoirs) just 10 km away.
Parking
About 25 parking lots are available in September, managed by local associations. Each parking lot is numbered with the price displayed at the entrance. Expect about €4.50 per vehicle. Specific parking is available for motorhomes and people with reduced mobility.
Opening Hours
- Fairgrounds: 8:30 am to 7:00 pm (traffic prohibited on site during these hours)
- Livestock: Friday only
- Restaurants and snack bars: 8:30 am to 11:00 pm
- Funfair: 10:00 am to midnight
Prices
Free admission for all visitors. Only parking is charged.
On-site services
- First aid station (maternity school)
- Gendarmerie (wedding hall)
- ATM (Crédit Agricole)
- Radio Foire FM 94.8
Contact
- Organizer: Mairie de Beaucroissant
- Address: 120 rue Louis Durand, 38140 Beaucroissant
- Phone: 04 76 65 34 97
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.foirebeaucroissant.fr
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Beaucroissant Fair at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Beaucroissant Fair
Champ de Foire de Beaucroissant
Route du Champ de Foire, Beaucroissant, 38140 Beaucroissant