Fête du Coing Gourmand at the Château d'Argy

France's only quince festival

The Fête du Coing Gourmand celebrates the quince, an autumn fruit known for its distinctive, lingering fragrance. It takes place on a Sunday in October in the park of the Château d'Argy, a monument that has been classified as a historic site since 1930. As the only festival in France dedicated to this fruit, it draws approximately 5,000 visitors each year.

A gourmet market

More than 50 exhibitors set up shop at the château. Visitors can sample and purchase quince-based jams, jellies, ice creams, macarons, and pastries. Local producers also offer artisanal charcuterie, regional cheeses, and honey. A lunch menu featuring quince in every dish is served on-site at midday.

The quince orchard

The association has planted a conservation orchard in the château's gardens, featuring over twenty trees planted between February and March 2015. This includes 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 grafts were taken from gardens in the Berry region, selected for their rarity and taste. The trees are maintained using natural and organic methods. The orchard serves to preserve ancient varieties that have otherwise been forgotten.

Artisanal crafts and music

Ceramists, cutlers, and basket weavers display their work alongside the gourmet stalls. Musicians perform throughout the market; past acts include the group Cat J Swing, playing everything from New Orleans jazz to Balkan music in 2023, and the Banda du Poing'çonnet in 2025. Quince-based cooking demonstrations are led by guest chefs: in 2025, pizzaiolo Simon Courret in the morning and pastry chef/chocolatier Auroy-Villatte in the afternoon.

A festival supporting the château

The Association des Amis du Château d'Argy organizes the festival to raise awareness of the site and fund its restoration. Proceeds from meals, the aperitif, the tea room, and merchandise go directly toward specific renovation and preservation projects.