Fête du Cidre

A traditional festival in the heart of Haut Anjou

Since 1977, the Fête du Cidre in L'Hôtellerie-de-Flée has celebrated the emblematic drink of the Anjou region every February. Created to invite city dwellers to rediscover the ancestral traditions of the countryside and restore the prestige of local cider, this popular event has become a must-attend on the festive calendar of Haut Anjou, attracting between 4,000 and 5,000 visitors each year.

The cider competition: tradition and know-how

The highlight of the festival is the cider, apple juice, and pommeau competition, which brings together professional and amateur producers to present their best vintages. A jury of tasters evaluates the products based on strict criteria of quality, taste, and typicity. This competition perpetuates the cider-making tradition of Haut Anjou and rewards the know-how of local apple growers, some of whom still use old presses to make their cider artisanally.

Skill trail and producers' market

The Fête du Cidre offers a 7-kilometer trail through the surrounding countryside, punctuated by skill games and riddles for the whole family. Walkers can take a lunch break with traditional cider-based dishes, showcasing the specialties of the Anjou region. A local producers' market allows visitors to discover and purchase products from Haut Anjou: cider, apple juice, pommeau, as well as honey, cheeses, charcuterie, and jams.

Entertainment and conviviality

The afternoon is filled with musical entertainment and shows that contribute to the festive and convivial atmosphere of the event. Entry and parking are free, in keeping with the popular and accessible spirit of the festival. The Association la Fête du Cidre mobilizes many volunteers each year to organize this day that perpetuates the rural traditions of Haut Anjou while introducing them to an ever-wider audience.