Foire Agricole de Saint-Léger-Vauban

The peasant fair in the village of Marshal Vauban

Every winter, the hamlet of Saint-Léger-Vauban in Morvan-Avallonnais becomes the stage for one of the liveliest agricultural fairs in the Yonne. Organized by the Foire Committee, this event brings together farmers, breeders, and residents around the passion for the land and animals, perpetuating a rural tradition deeply rooted in the identity of this Burgundian territory.

Livestock at the heart of the fair

The heart of the Foire Agricole de Saint-Léger-Vauban consists of livestock competitions. Registered Charolais cattle, draft horses, sheep, and goats are presented by their breeders in a spirit of friendly competition and appreciation for pastoral work. The jury evaluates the animals in the morning, and the award ceremony in the late afternoon is a highlight of the celebration, rewarding the most deserving breeders before a large and attentive audience.

The program of a peasant day

Saturday is organized according to a well-established program that combines professional and festive elements:

• 7:00-8:30 AM: Arrival of exhibitors and animal setup
• 8:00-9:00 AM: Welcome of breeders and animal placement
• 10:30 AM: Jury judging
• 11:30 AM: Vin d'honneur offered by the municipality
• 12:00 PM: Traditional meal under a heated marquee
• 5:00 PM: Announcement of results and prize distribution
• 7:00 PM: Fireworks, followed by a Tomiflette dinner and dancing

Agricultural machinery and local producers

Alongside the animal competition, the fair hosts exhibitions of agricultural machinery, allowing farmers to discover the latest innovations in the sector. Local producers present their Burgundian specialties: charcuterie, cheeses, honeys, jams, and wines from the Yonne. A children's area with inflatable structures and games ensures entertainment for the youngest throughout the day.

The evening before: an exceptional cabaret

The fair extends over two days, with a cabaret show featuring professional artists on Friday evening. Singers and dancers offer an evening of entertainment as a prelude to the next day's festivities, by reservation.

Saint-Léger-Vauban, a village of exception

This village in the Morvan Regional Natural Park is the birthplace of the famous Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707), Marshal of France and military engineer whose fortifications, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, bear witness to his genius. The agricultural fair is part of the pride of a territory that combines historical memory and contemporary rural vitality.