Cherry Festival

Cherry Festival: Fougerolles, capital of kirsch, honors its king fruit

Each year, on the last Saturday of June, the commune of Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert turns red to celebrate the cherry, the fruit that has forged its identity and fame. The Cherry Festival is much more than a simple local event: it is the living expression of a centuries-old cherry heritage that earned Fougerolles the title of "capital of kirsch" and its classification as a remarkable site of taste.

An exceptional terroir inscribed in intangible heritage

Fougerolles is home to over 10,000 cherry trees, producing 500 tons of cherries and 35,000 liters of eau-de-vie annually. Fougerolles kirsch became the first fruit spirit to obtain an AOC in France in 2010. In 2018, the cultivation and production of Fougerolles kirsch were inscribed in the inventory of intangible cultural heritage of France. This recognition testifies to a know-how dating back to the 18th century, when Fougerolles' "bouilleurs de cru" (local distillers) developed the art of cherry distillation.

A day of festivities for everyone

The Cherry Festival opens in the morning with a producers' market where local artisans offer jams, syrups, kirsch, and other cherry-based delights. At noon, a convivial meal brings participants together for regional specialties, fried carp, and barbecue grills.

The Orchard Hike

In the afternoon, a 10-kilometer hike takes walkers through the characteristic landscape of Fougerolles' "prés-vergers" (orchards), vast meadows dotted with ancient cherry trees. The route includes a complimentary cocktail and a visit to a distillery for a complete immersion in the terroir. A cherry trail specially designed for children under 10 allows them to discover the fruit in a fun way.

Miss Cherries and Concerts

The evening is the highlight of the festival: after a festive dinner, the election of Miss Cherries crowns the day, followed by concerts by regional and national bands that get the audience dancing until the early hours. This blend of gourmet tradition and festive conviviality makes the Cherry Festival an unmissable event at the beginning of summer in Haute-Saône.