Cherry Fritter Fair

Cherry Fritter Fair: Fougerolles' Gourmet Tradition

Every third Sunday in September, the town of Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert celebrates one of its most emblematic specialties: the cherry fritter. For over thirty years, this fair has perpetuated a gourmet tradition deeply rooted in the Fougerolles terroir, in the land of AOC kirsch. The Cherry Fritter Fair is much more than just a market: it's a full day of festivities combining gastronomy, craftsmanship, and confraternal traditions.

The Confraternity of Kirsch Tasters

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the parade of the Confraternity of Kirsch Tasters of Fougerolles. Dressed in their traditional costumes, the brothers and sisters parade through the town's streets before heading to the Château Bresson for the induction chapter. This solemn ceremony welcomes new members into the confraternity, guardians of the ancestral know-how of kirsch distillation. Many guest confraternities from all over France participate in this colorful gathering.

The program for a festive day

The day begins with the welcome of the confraternities at the Fougerolles town hall at 8:30 AM, followed by a confraternities' mass at 10 AM and the parade at 11 AM. The induction chapter takes place at 11:30 AM at Château Bresson. From noon onwards, the fair is in full swing with its catering service: barbecue, fries, and of course, the famous cherry fritters available all day. A gourmet meal with a dance is offered by reservation at the community hall.

Artisans and Producers Market

About fifty exhibitors set up for the occasion, offering local products, handmade creations, and local specialties. Fruits, vegetables, jams, kirsch, honey, and cheeses are displayed alongside art and craft stands. Musical and folk entertainment accompanies visitors throughout the day, while exhibitions highlight Fougerolles' cherry heritage.

A Living Heritage

The Cherry Fritter Fair is part of Fougerolles' long cherry tradition, a town with over 10,000 cherry trees and whose kirsch has been protected by an AOC since 2010. This fair is an opportunity to discover an exceptional terroir, classified as a remarkable site of taste, where the cherry is more than just a fruit: a true art of living.