Foire aux Rosiers

The Foire aux Rosiers: the spring event of the capital of the Rose

Since 1992, the Foire aux Rosiers has celebrated the exceptional horticultural heritage of Bellegarde every spring, a small town in the Loiret region recognized as the capital of the Rose since the end of the 19th century. Born from the desire of young Bellegarde rose growers and nurserymen to promote their productions beyond their territory, this event has become a major highlight of the Centre-Val de Loire region over three decades, attracting up to 30,000 visitors over three days.

A centuries-old rose-growing heritage

The tradition of rose cultivation in Bellegarde dates back over a century. The town is home to about ten specialized horticulturists and nurserymen, making it a major stop on the Route de la Rose du Loiret. In 1972, Bellegarde was recognized as the First Rose Village in France, and the famous breeder André Eve created the polyantha rose 'Prestige de Bellegarde' for the occasion. The Château du Duc d'Antin, whose keep was inaugurated by King Charles V in 1376, houses two magnificent public rose gardens on either side of its moat, offering a spectacle of scents and colors from late spring with over 70 varieties of roses. The Sentier de la Rose (Rose Path), marked by about twenty educational stations, invites visitors to discover the local botanical heritage.

Over 200 exhibitors in the heart of the fairground

The Foire aux Rosiers unfolds on the fairground of the Espace du Château, a 3-hectare site developed in 1998, offering 3,000 linear meters and 1,000 m² under marquees. Over 200 professional exhibitors are carefully selected: rose growers and horticulturists from the region, garden artisans, French gastronomy producers, creators, and merchants. Visitors receive personalized advice to choose their rose bushes, design their flowerbeds, and create the garden of their dreams.

Three days of festivities for the whole family

The Foire aux Rosiers program offers a rich and varied schedule over three days:

• Funfair: rides and attractions for all ages throughout the weekend
• Rose Walk: organized on Sunday morning in partnership with the local hiking club, it brings together over 600 participants on routes of 5 to 18 km through the Bellegarde countryside
• Sport Woodcutting Competition: a round of the national woodcutting championship, a spectacular test of skill and strength on Saturday and Sunday
• Musical entertainment: street bands, brass bands, concerts, and a DJ set during the After Foire on Saturday evening
• Easter Egg Hunt: on Monday, children search for eggs in a festive atmosphere with a petting farm and pony rides
• Exhibitions and visits: free access to the castle kitchens, art exhibitions, and gardening activities in the aisles

An event rooted in the territory

Supported by the Association Foire aux Rosiers and its 36 volunteers, in conjunction with the Groupement des Rosiéristes and 11 partner organizations, the Foire aux Rosiers embodies the pride of a territory shaped by the rose. Each edition adopts an original theme – the 2026 edition celebrates Breton aesthetics – renewing the experience for loyal visitors while welcoming new gardening and nature enthusiasts. Free and open to all, this fair is much more than a plant market: it is a true popular, friendly, and fragrant celebration, in the heart of the Gâtinais.