Fête du Biou d'Arbois
Age-old wine tradition in the heart of the Jura vineyard
About Biou d'Arbois
The Fête du Biou d'Arbois is an ancestral wine tradition celebrated every first Sunday of September in the wine-making town of Arbois, in the Jura region. Winegrowers craft a 'Biou', a giant bunch of grapes weighing 80 to 100 kg made from the finest harvest grapes, which is carried in procession to the Saint-Just church where it is offered during a solemn mass. This ceremony, whose first written records date back to the 17th century, is France's candidate for inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2026.
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A centuries-old tradition
The Fête du Biou d'Arbois is one of the oldest wine traditions in France. The first written records of this ceremony date back to the 17th century, but its origins are likely much older. The word Biou refers to a giant bunch of grapes weighing between 80 and 100 kg, made from the finest harvest grapes, offered by the winegrowers of Arbois to their patron saint.
Crafting the Biou
The day before the ceremony, the winegrowers of Arbois gather at the Maison Vercel, rue de Courcelles, to craft the Biou and the vine crown:
- Grape selection: each winegrower from the Arbois AOC appellation brings the finest bunches from their harvest, symbolizing the unity of the winegrowing community.
- Assembly: the bunches are assembled on a wooden frame to form a spectacular giant bunch, representing the five Jura grape varieties.
- The crown: a crown of vine leaves is also made to accompany the Biou.
The procession and the mass
On Sunday morning, the Biou procession winds through the streets of Arbois in a solemn and festive atmosphere:
- 9:40 AM: departure of the procession from Maison Vercel, the Biou carried by the winegrowers.
- 10:00 AM: solemn mass at the Saint-Just church, during which the Biou is hung from the nave ceiling as an offering.
- 11:30 AM: departure of the crown procession with a brass band and invited orchestra.
Popular festivities
The Fête du Biou is also a major popular festival:
- Saturday evening: torchlight procession with the firefighters and musical entertainment in the streets of Arbois.
- 10:00 PM: spectacular fireworks display over the Cuisance river.
- Sunday: after the procession, festive meal, ball, and entertainment in the town center.
Towards UNESCO
The Fête du Biou has been selected as France's candidate for inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2026. This international recognition would celebrate a living tradition that has united the Arbois winegrowing community for centuries through a symbolic gesture of sharing and gratitude towards the land.
Biou d'Arbois — edition 2026
Fête du Biou d'Arbois 2026. Age-old wine tradition with procession, mass, torchlight procession, and fireworks.
Biou Festival 2026
The Fête du Biou d'Arbois returns on September 5 and 6, 2026 to celebrate this age-old wine tradition. Crafting of the Biou by winegrowers, torchlight procession, fireworks, procession, and mass at Saint-Just church.
Highlights Biou d'Arbois 2026
- Age-old wine tradition
- Procession of the 80 to 100 kg Biou
- Candidate for UNESCO Intangible Heritage
- Torchlight procession and fireworks
Prices Biou d'Arbois 2026
Practical information — Biou d'Arbois
Practical information
Location
The Fête du Biou takes place in the Arbois town center (39600), from Maison Vercel to Saint-Just church.
Dates
The Fête du Biou takes place every year on the first weekend of September, during the feast of Saint-Just, patron of the parish.
Typical program
- Saturday 2:00 PM: crafting of the Biou and the crown at Maison Vercel.
- Saturday 8:45 PM: torchlight procession.
- Saturday 10:00 PM: fireworks.
- Sunday 9:40 AM: Biou procession.
- Sunday 10:00 AM: mass and offering of the Biou at Saint-Just.
- Sunday 11:30 AM: crown procession.
Prices
Free admission.
Access
- By car: Arbois is located on the N83 between Besançon (45 km) and Lons-le-Saunier (40 km). Free parking at the entrance of the town.
- By train: Mouchard station (10 km).
Contact
Arbois Town Hall. Website: www.arbois.fr.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Biou d'Arbois at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Biou d'Arbois
Centre-ville d'Arbois - Église Saint-Just