Fête du Charolais

An emblematic event of Charolais breeding

The Fête du Charolais is an unmissable event for breeders and lovers of the Charolais breed in Burgundy. Organized since 1950 by the Association Agricole du canton de Saulieu, this festival brings together each year about fifty farms from all over Bourgogne-Franche-Comté which present their finest animals: around 150 Charolais cattle and a hundred sheep of all breeds and categories are exhibited and judged in rigorous breeding competitions.

Three days of celebration around local produce

The Fête du Charolais takes place over three days at the Espace Jean Bertin in Saulieu. The program includes:

• Cattle and sheep competitions: judging of animals by category, with awards for the best breeders.
• Exhibition of old agricultural machinery: machines and tools from the past showing the evolution of agriculture in the Morvan.
• Meals featuring Charolais beef: tastings and meals highlighting Charolais meat, a jewel of Burgundian gastronomy.
• Local producer stands: cheeses, cured meats, honey, and other specialties from the Morvan.
• Folk entertainment: traditional music, dances, and shows.
• Dancing evening: popular ball on Saturday evening.

Saulieu at the heart of Charolais country

Saulieu, the gateway to the Parc naturel régional du Morvan, is historically linked to cattle breeding and gastronomy. The Fête du Charolais perpetuates this tradition by celebrating the link between agriculture, local produce, and the table. The event contributes to the promotion of the Charolais breed, an emblem of French livestock farming, and to the influence of the Morvan as a land of agriculture and gastronomy.