Fête du Cresson de Méréville

The Méréville Watercress Fair: The Green Gold of Mérévillois

Méréville is to watercress cultivation what Arpajon is to the "haricot chevrier": a town whose gastronomic identity is inseparable from an exceptional local vegetable. The Méréville watercress beds, fed by the natural springs of the Juine river, have produced watercress for centuries, renowned for its quality and flavor. Every spring, the Foire au Cresson celebrates this living heritage with enthusiasm.

Méréville Watercress, an Exceptional Product

The watercress (Nasturtium officinale) grown in the Méréville watercress beds benefits from ideal natural conditions: clear and abundant spring water, constant temperature, and rich silty soils. Rich in vitamins C, K, B9, and iron, this aquatic vegetable is one of the most nutritious available.

Watercress cultivation in Méréville dates back to the 18th century. In the 19th century, the commune was the leading producer of watercress in France, supplying Parisian tables via the "route du cresson" (watercress route). The Mérévillois watercress beds are today labeled Site Remarquable du Goût (Remarkable Taste Site), recognizing their heritage and gastronomic value.

A Popular and Friendly Fair

The Foire au Cresson is held every spring – generally in April – over a three-day weekend. It takes over the Méréville castle park and the town center streets to offer:

• 45 exhibitors of all kinds: local producers, artisans, delicatessens
• Watercress tastings in all its forms: in soup, salad, on toast, as a velouté
• A producers' market with vegetables, fruits, cheeses, honey, and cured meats
• Culinary activities and cooking demonstrations featuring watercress
• Guided tours of the Méréville Estate during the fair
• Shows and activities for children
• A funfair and attractions for the whole family

The Méréville Estate: A Historic Park

The Méréville Estate is a jewel of Essonne's heritage. Its park, designed in the late 18th century in the English picturesque style by the Marquis de Laborde, is one of the most beautiful historic parks in the Île-de-France region. The fair offers an opportunity to visit this remarkable estate, a listed Historic Monument.

2025 Edition — 36th Foire au Cresson

The 36th Foire au Cresson in Méréville was held from April 19 to 21, 2025, in the castle park and the town center streets. This edition brought together 45 exhibitors and offered tastings, gastronomic activities, and guided tours of the estate over a very popular spring weekend.

2026 Edition — 37th Foire au Cresson

The 37th Foire au Cresson is scheduled for spring 2026, again over a three-day weekend in April. It will continue the tradition of this gastronomic and popular celebration of Méréville's watercress, a Site Remarquable du Goût.