Fête de la Bague

The oldest horse race in France

The Course de la Bague (Ring Race) of Semur-en-Auxois is the oldest horse race in France, created in June 1639 to enhance the Pentecost fair festivities. As early as 1652, the winning rider received a gold ring engraved with the city's coat of arms, the second a fringed scarf, and the third fringed gold gloves. This equestrian tradition has been perpetuated over the centuries, making Semur-en-Auxois a major site in French equestrian history.

Three emblematic races

The Fêtes de la Bague feature three main races on May 31st each year:

• La Course des Chausses (Foot Race): a foot race through the cobbled streets of the town. Runners, men ("Chausses") and women ("Damoiselles"), start from Place Notre-Dame and complete four laps around the collegiate church.
• La Course de la Bague (Ring Race): the main event, a horse race on the Cours Charles de Gaulle, a wide pedestrian avenue that transforms into a racecourse for the occasion.
• La Course à la Timbale (Trot Race): a team trot race on the Cours Charles de Gaulle.

Fair, funfair, and traditions

Beyond the races, the Fêtes de la Bague are accompanied by a traditional trade fair bringing together regional merchants and producers, a lively funfair, and a torchlight procession the evening before. All the festivities extend over several days and attract thousands of visitors to the medieval town. The Fêtes de la Bague, along with the Medieval Festivals, constitute the highlight of the festive month of May in Semur-en-Auxois.