Festival d'Automne de Thiron-Gardais

The Festival d'Automne de Thiron-Gardais: A Celebration of the Colors and Flavors of Perche

Every year in October, the Domaine de l'Abbaye de Thiron-Gardais opens its doors for the Festival d'Automne, a warm event celebrating the harvest season, crafts, and nature in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche. This free, family-friendly event has become a must-attend for locals and visitors seeking authenticity.

A Craft Market with Over Sixty Exhibitors

The heart of the Festival d'Automne is its large craft market, which brings together over sixty exhibitors in the alleys and courtyards of the Domaine de l'Abbaye. Potters, basket makers, wood sculptors, jewelry designers, and producers of honey, cider, jams, and local cheeses offer their creations and products in a friendly and colorful atmosphere. This market showcases the artisanal know-how of the Perche and neighboring regions.

Rando Thi'Perche: Mountain Biking and Hiking

The Festival d'Automne hosts the Rando Thi'Perche, a sports and nature event offering mountain bike routes (20, 33, 40, or 50 km) and walking routes (15 or 19 km) through the hills and forests of Perche. Free departure is between 8 AM and 9 AM, allowing walkers and cyclists to explore the autumnal landscapes of Perche in all their splendor, amidst hedgerows, forests, and charming villages.

Nature and Family Activities

The festival offers a full program of activities for all ages. Children can participate in natural dyeing workshops, discover nature through a nature rally, enjoy giant wooden games set up in the park, or take pony rides. The apple juice pressing is a convivial moment where young and old can watch apples from the orchard being transformed into fresh juice before their eyes. Musical entertainment punctuates the day, adding a festive touch to the event.

The Abbey Gardens: Open for Free Visits

The Festival d'Automne is also an opportunity to discover or rediscover the gardens of the Domaine de l'Abbaye, accessible free of charge throughout the day. These gardens, among the most beautiful in Perche, offer a remarkable green setting during this season when autumn colors are at their peak. The plant exchange, where visitors can swap seeds, cuttings, and plants, complements this immersion into the plant world.

An Event Rooted in the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche

The Festival d'Automne de Thiron-Gardais is fully integrated into the dynamic of the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche, of which Thiron-Gardais is one of the emblematic communes. The event promotes local products, traditional know-how, and the natural and built heritage of this preserved territory, contributing to the tourist and cultural influence of the Perche region.