Silverstone Mushroom Fair

The benchmark mycological exhibition in the Indre

The Silverstone Mushroom Fair is the major mycological event in the Indre department. Organized every late October by the mycological section of the Cercle Laïque Culturel (CLC) of Argenton-sur-Creuse, this fair brings together mushroom enthusiasts and nature lovers in a friendly and educational setting. The Espace Jean Frappat, a large community hall in Argenton-sur-Creuse, hosts this exhibition for an entire weekend.

Hundreds of species on display

The heart of the fair is the exhibition of fresh mushrooms, collected in the woods, meadows, and forests of the Indre and neighboring departments in the days preceding the event. Hundreds of species are presented on tables, carefully classified and labeled: boletes, porcini, chanterelles, amanitas, russulas, milk-caps, cortinarius, oyster mushrooms, and many more. Each specimen is accompanied by its identification sheet with its characteristics, habitat, and edibility.

Advice from experienced mycologists

Experienced volunteer mycologists from the CLC's mycological section are present throughout the fair to welcome visitors and answer their questions. They provide identification of mushrooms that visitors bring from their own foraging trips. These experts offer valuable advice on edible species, the risks of confusion with toxic or deadly mushrooms, and good foraging practices in the forest.

An educational and friendly event

The Mushroom Fair is also an educational event that raises public awareness of the rich fungal biodiversity of Berry. Explanatory panels and informational documents are made available to visitors. Admission is free, making it accessible to everyone. The fair is open on Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday, allowing as many people as possible to enjoy this unique exhibition.

Argenton-sur-Creuse, land of nature and heritage

Argenton-sur-Creuse, nicknamed the "Venice of Berry" for its ancient houses overlooking the Creuse river, offers a charming setting for this fair. The town is ideally located at the gateway to the Creuse Valley, rich in forests and natural sites suitable for mushroom foraging. The Mushroom Fair is an opportunity to discover this picturesque town while learning about mycology in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.