Fête des Escargots

The Fête des Escargots: a popular tradition in the Haut-Doubs since 1978

Every year in June, the small village of La Rivière-Drugeon, nestled in the heart of the Haut-Doubs, transforms into the snail capital for a festive weekend. The Fête des Escargots, organized by the association Le Foyer, is one of the most popular and oldest events in the department. Since its creation in 1978, it has attracted thousands of visitors each year to celebrate this emblematic product of Franche-Comté gastronomy.

A gourmet and friendly festival

The DNA of the Fête des Escargots is based on promoting local consumption. The snails tasted at the event come from the Romanzini farm, located a short distance from the festival site. Many other local businesses are involved: wine merchants, bakers, butchers, and the village grocery store actively participate in this gastronomic celebration. Visitors can taste snails prepared in multiple ways, accompanied by regional specialties.

The famous snail derby

The most anticipated moment of the festival is undoubtedly the snail derby. Ten snails compete in their "escargodromes" over a distance of 50 centimeters. Spectators bet on the gastropods they believe to be the fastest and estimate the time it will take the winner to cross the finish line. A spectacle as amusing as it is unpredictable, bringing joy to young and old alike.

Three days of festivities for the whole family

The Fête des Escargots takes place over three days under a marquee set up at the football stadium, rue des Lilas. The program includes: live concerts, popular dances, inflatable structures for children, dances by the village children, and various activities. The association Le Foyer offers accessible prices - free on Friday and Sunday, €10 on Saturday - to allow everyone to participate in this great popular festival.

A village in the heart of the Haut-Doubs peat bogs

La Rivière-Drugeon is located in the heart of the Drugeon peat bogs nature reserve, a remarkable natural site classified under Natura 2000. The commune benefits from an exceptional natural setting between fir forests, wet meadows, and rivers, making the Fête des Escargots an opportunity to discover this preserved region of the Jura massif.