Foire aux Moutons de Sainte-Sévère-sur-Indre

A Traditional Pastoral Fair

The Foire aux Moutons de Sainte-Sévère-sur-Indre is one of the last traditional agricultural fairs in the Indre department. Every last Wednesday of April, the fairground of this charming commune comes alive with the arrival of breeders and their flocks. Sheep, ewes, and lambs are presented and sold as part of this fair, which perpetuates the pastoral tradition of southern Berry.

Sheep Farming, a Berry Tradition

Berry has been a land of sheep farming for centuries. The vast meadows of the Marche berrichonne and the pastures of the Indre valley have nourished generations of sheep. The Foire aux Moutons of Sainte-Sévère perpetuates this tradition by offering breeders a place for trade and exchange. Visitors can observe different sheep breeds, learn about farming techniques, and discover the pastoral world of Berry.

Producers' Market and Rural Crafts

In addition to the livestock market, the fair offers a market of local producers with products from the Berry region: goat cheeses, honey, charcuterie, wines, and regional specialties. Rural craft stands display traditional objects, agricultural tools, and handmade creations. On-site catering allows visitors to taste local specialties in a rustic and friendly atmosphere.

Sainte-Sévère-sur-Indre, a Petite Cité de Caractère

Sainte-Sévère-sur-Indre is classified as a Petite Cité de Caractère and is world-renowned as the village where Jacques Tati filmed his masterpiece Jour de fête in 1947. The Maison de Jour de Fête, a museum dedicated to the film and the filmmaker, attracts many visitors each year. The sheep fair is part of the traditional life of this picturesque village, where built heritage and rural traditions blend harmoniously.

An Authentic Spring Event

The Foire aux Moutons is an authentic moment of rural life in Berry, far from standardized tourist events. It's an opportunity to experience a day in the rhythm of the agricultural world, meet local breeders and producers, and discover a village with preserved charm. The fair helps maintain the link between the agricultural world and the local inhabitants.