Foire aux Haricots d'Arpajon

The Arpajon Bean Fair: A Hundred Years of Living Tradition

Founded in 1922 as a regional agricultural fair, the Arpajon Bean Fair has become over the decades one of the most emblematic events in Essonne. Organized every third weekend of September in Arpajon city center, it attracts nearly 150,000 visitors over three days each year, making it one of the most frequented fairs in Île-de-France.

The Hero: The Chevrier Bean

At the heart of the fair reigns the Chevrier bean, an exceptional flageolet discovered in 1872 by Gabriel Chevrier, a horticulturist in Brétigny-sur-Orge. This green vegetable with a tender pod and fine grain has become the pride of the region: it is picked green, before full maturity, to preserve its beautiful color and delicate taste. A gastronomic competition rewards the best recipes based on Chevrier beans, perpetuating the tradition and promoting this local product from Essonne.

A Multifaceted Popular Event

The Arpajon Bean Fair is much more than an agricultural fair. Over the three days, visitors can discover:

• A large commercial street market in the city center streets
• A market of local and regional producers as well as a Wine & Gastronomy Village
• A large funfair with about a hundred rides and attractions
• A Car Show and a Motorcycle and Two-Wheeler Show
• Outdoor stage performances (concerts, dance, street arts, brass bands)
• A dog show and animal-themed activities
• Live ice sculptures created by artists
• An Inventors' Festival and a crafts and hobbies area

A Centenary in Good Shape

In 2022, the fair celebrated its 100th anniversary — a symbolic milestone celebrated with an exceptional program. This century of continuity testifies to the attachment of the inhabitants of Essonne and all of Île-de-France to this event which combines conviviality, agricultural heritage, and popular celebration. The organization of the fair is now handled by the event company 2R Expo.