Fête du Coing Gourmand at the Château d'Argy

The only quince festival in France

The Fête du Coing Gourmand is a one-of-a-kind event in France, entirely dedicated to the quince, an autumnal fruit with a lingering fragrance. Held every year in early October in the courtyard of the Château d'Argy—a monument listed as a historic site since 1930—this gourmet festival has been celebrating the quince in all its forms since 2009. Around 5,000 visitors flock to the event each year.

A gourmet market

More than 50 exhibitors gather in the castle courtyard to offer a rich and varied gourmet market: jams, jellies, ice creams, macarons, croquets, herbal teas, and many other quince-based specialties, alongside artisanal charcuterie, regional cheeses, honey, and ancient wheat pasta. A quince-themed lunch is available for the most enthusiastic foodies.

The quince conservatory orchard

The association has planted a conservatory orchard of quince trees in the castle gardens: over twenty trees were planted in February and March 2015, including five commercial varieties—the Champion being the most common—and two rare varieties: the Aromatnaya, the only tree in the world to produce quinces that can be eaten raw, and the Constantinople, renowned for its flavor. The orchard serves to preserve ancient varieties that have fallen into oblivion.

Artisanal crafts and musical entertainment

Beyond gastronomy, the festival honors fine craftsmanship with the presence of ceramicists, cutlers, engravers, and basket makers. Musical performances roam the market aisles, while children's culinary workshops and guided tours of the castle round out the program.

A festival for the benefit of the castle

The Association des Amis du Coing d'Argy organizes the festival to showcase the site and raise funds for the restoration of the castle. The proceeds from each edition finance renovation projects and heritage preservation efforts.