Festival of Saint-Marcellin and Grenoble Walnut
Celebration of two gastronomic treasures of the Dauphiné
About Festival of Saint-Marcellin
Two exceptional products in the spotlight
The Festival of Saint-Marcellin and Grenoble Walnut celebrates two jewels of Dauphiné gastronomy. Saint-Marcellin IGP, a small cow's milk cheese with a melting and creamy texture, has been produced in a restricted geographical area around the town of the same name since the 15th century. Grenoble Walnut AOP, the first walnut to obtain an appellation of origin in France as early as 1938, is grown in the valleys of the Isère and Drac rivers. Together, these two products embody the richness of the Isère region.
A large producers' market
At the heart of the festival, a large market of local producers is set up in the main square. Visitors can discover and buy directly from producers: Saint-Marcellin in all its forms (fresh, dry, creamy), walnut kernels, walnut oil, walnut wine, as well as charcuterie, honey, jams, and other specialties from the Saint-Marcellin Vercors Isère territory. Breeders and artisans are present to share their passion and know-how.
Culinary workshops and demonstrations
Throughout the day, culinary workshops allow visitors to learn how to cook with Saint-Marcellin and walnuts: open-faced sandwiches, salads, walnut-based desserts, creative recipes with the cheese. A demonstration of traditional walnut oil pressing and a walnut cracking contest are among the most popular events of the festival. The walnut cake contest, open to all, is judged by local juries on Saturday afternoon.
Festive entertainment and brotherhoods
Musical entertainment, parades of gastronomic brotherhoods, and shows punctuate the day, creating a festive and friendly atmosphere. The brotherhoods of Saint-Marcellin and Grenoble Walnut participate in the festival, bringing their historical and heritage dimension. Farm visits in the Beaulieu district allow visitors to meet the producers on their farms.
A traveling event labeled Vallée de la Gastronomie
The originality of this festival: it alternates each year between the communes of Saint-Marcellin and Vinay, the two main towns in the area. The first edition was held in Saint-Marcellin in 2024, the second in Vinay in 2025, and the third will return to Saint-Marcellin in 2026. The event is labeled Vallée de la Gastronomie – France, a network that promotes the culinary heritage of the Rhône Valley. The Grand Séchoir, a museum dedicated to the walnut region located in a former 17th-century walnut drying facility in Vinay, is accessible to visitors during the festival.
Festival of Saint-Marcellin — edition 2026
The 3rd edition of the Saint-Marcellin and Noix de Grenoble Festival will take place on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at the Champ de Mars in Saint-Marcellin, from 9 AM to 8 PM. After Vinay in 2025, the festival returns to the town that gave its name to the famous IGP cheese, for a gourmet day dedicated to the two gastronomic jewels of Dauphiné: Saint-Marcellin IGP and Noix de Grenoble AOP. On the program: a large market of producers and artisans, culinary demonstrations by chefs Lionel Bourgeon, Stéphane Froidevaux, and Jean-Jacques Gallifet, a parade of brotherhoods, a walnut cracking competition, an educational mini-farm, and a blues aperitif-concert to close the day. Free admission.
3rd Edition — Sunday, June 14, 2026 in Saint-Marcellin
The 3rd edition of the Saint-Marcellin and Noix de Grenoble Festival will take place on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at the Champ de Mars in Saint-Marcellin, from 9 AM to 8 PM. After a 1st edition in Saint-Marcellin in 2024 (at Place d'Armes) and a 2nd edition in Vinay in 2025, the itinerant festival returns this year to the town that gave its name to the famous IGP soft cheese.
A gourmet day centered around Saint-Marcellin and Noix de Grenoble
The event, organized by Saint-Marcellin Vercors Isère Communauté with the towns of Saint-Marcellin and Vinay, is labeled Vallée de la Gastronomie – France. It highlights the two emblematic products of the region: Saint-Marcellin IGP, a small cow's milk cheese with a melting texture produced around the town since the 15th century, and Noix de Grenoble AOP, the first French walnut to obtain an appellation of origin in 1938.
Producers' market, culinary demonstrations, and brotherhoods
At the heart of the festival, a large market of local artisans and producers opens at 9 AM, allowing visitors to meet breeders, cheesemakers, walnut growers, and local artisans, and to buy directly Saint-Marcellin, walnut kernels, walnut oil, walnut wine, cured meats, honeys, jams, and other local specialties.
Three renowned chefs lead the day's culinary demonstrations: Lionel Bourgeon, Stéphane Froidevaux, and Jean-Jacques Gallifet offer recipes highlighting Saint-Marcellin and walnuts, with tastings included.
The gastronomic brotherhoods of Saint-Marcellin and Noix de Grenoble parade in traditional costume at 10:30 AM and organize their enthronements at 11:15 AM, bringing a strong heritage dimension to the event. The walnut brotherhood hosts a demonstration of traditional walnut oil pressing at 2 PM.
Activities for the whole family
The festival aims to be family-friendly and convivial. Throughout the day, the public can enjoy an old trades village, an educational mini-farm, a wooden games area, exhibitions on local heritage, and sheepdog demonstrations at 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:30 PM. The traditional walnut cracking competition takes place at 4:30 PM (mandatory registration). Zero-waste snacks are offered at 2 PM and 4 PM.
The day concludes with a blues aperitif-concert by the Joharpo group from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Programme Festival of Saint-Marcellin 2026
Sunday, June 14, 2026 — Champ de Mars, Saint-Marcellin
- 9 AM — Opening of the local artisans' and producers' market
- 10 AM — Opening speeches by elected officials and official presentation
- 10:30 AM — Parade of the Saint-Marcellin and Noix de Grenoble brotherhoods
- 11 AM-11:45 AM — Culinary demonstration: Saint-Marcellin cromesquis, by chef Lionel Bourgeon
- 11:15 AM — Enthronement ceremony by the brotherhoods
- 12:30 PM — Sheepdog demonstration
- 2 PM — Demonstration of traditional walnut oil pressing, by the walnut brotherhood
- 2 PM — Zero-waste snack
- 2:30 PM — Culinary presentation by chef Stéphane Froidevaux
- 3:30 PM — Sheepdog demonstration
- 4 PM — Zero-waste snack
- 4:30 PM — Walnut cracking competition (mandatory registration)
- 5:30 PM — Sheepdog demonstration
- 6:30 PM-7:30 PM — Aperitif-concert with the Joharpo group (blues)
All day long (9 AM-8 PM)
- Local artisans' and producers' market
- Old trades village
- Educational mini-farm
- Wooden games area for children
- Exhibitions on local heritage
- Culinary demonstration by chef Jean-Jacques Gallifet
- Demonstrations and workshops around Saint-Marcellin IGP and Noix de Grenoble AOP
Highlights Festival of Saint-Marcellin 2026
- 3rd edition returning to Saint-Marcellin (after Vinay in 2025)
- Market of producers and artisans from Dauphiné
- Culinary demonstrations by chefs Lionel Bourgeon, Stéphane Froidevaux, and Jean-Jacques Gallifet
- Parade of the Saint-Marcellin and Noix de Grenoble brotherhoods
- Demonstration of traditional walnut oil pressing
- Walnut cracking competition at 4:30 PM
- Educational mini-farm and sheepdog demonstrations
- Blues aperitif-concert by the Joharpo group to close the day
- Event labeled Vallée de la Gastronomie – France
- Free admission, from 9 AM to 8 PM
Prices Festival of Saint-Marcellin 2026
Practical information — Festival of Saint-Marcellin
Practical information
Location
The festival alternates between Saint-Marcellin (Place d'Armes) and Vinay (Champ de Mars). In 2026, the festival will be held in Saint-Marcellin.
Dates and times
A weekend in mid-June. In 2026: Sunday, June 14, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Prices
Free admission for all visitors. Some farm visits require prior registration (limited capacity).
Car access
- From Grenoble (60 km): A49 towards Valence, exit 9 Saint-Marcellin (approx. 45 minutes)
- From Valence (55 km): A49 towards Grenoble, exit 9 (approx. 40 minutes)
- From Lyon (100 km): A7 then A49 towards Grenoble, exit 9 (approx. 1h15)
Public transport
Saint-Marcellin and Vinay are served by the TER Lyon-Grenoble-Valence line (Saint-Marcellin SNCF station). Région Isère bus lines from Grenoble and Valence.
Nearby attractions
The Grand Séchoir – Maison du pays de la noix (chemin de Champ Morin, Vinay) offers permanent and temporary exhibitions on the history and culture of the Grenoble walnut.
Contact
Communauté de communes Saint-Marcellin Vercors Isère
Tourist Office: 04 76 36 16 93
Website: tourisme.saintmarcellin-vercors-isere.fr
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Where does it take place — Festival of Saint-Marcellin
Champ de Mars de Saint-Marcellin
Champ de Mars, 38160 Saint-Marcellin