Foire de la Loire à Cosne
Loire Festival with flea market, navigation and boatmen's songs in Cosne
About Foire de la Loire
The Foire de la Loire in Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire is a river and popular festival organized every May by the Gabarriers du Haut Val de Loire. The festive weekend offers a flea market, traditional boat trips on the Loire, a parade of singing boatmen, model boat exhibitions, wooden games for children, meals under a marquee, and free entry to the Musée de la Loire. The event celebrates the heritage of the Loire region and the tradition of barging.
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Celebrating Loire Heritage
Every May, the Place de la Pêcherie in Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire comes alive for the Foire de la Loire, a river and popular festival that celebrates the inseparable link between the town and its river. Organized by the Gabarriers du Haut Val de Loire, the event revives the traditions of barging and Loire navigation.
Navigation on the Loire
The highlight of the festival is the traditional boat trips on the Loire:
- Boat trips: On Saturday afternoons (2:30 PM - 6:30 PM) and Sunday afternoons (3:00 PM - 7:00 PM), visitors embark for trips on the river aboard traditional Loire boats.
- Gabarriers' parade: On Sunday morning, the gabarriers parade through the Cosne market, singing traditional Loire boatmen's songs.
Flea Market and Fair
On Saturday, a large flea market is held from 7 AM to 7 PM on the Place de la Pêcherie:
- Free access without prior registration for exhibitors.
- Price: €2 per linear meter.
- Flea market atmosphere with bargain hunters and enthusiasts.
Exhibitions and Activities
The Foire de la Loire also offers:
- Model boat exhibitions: Faithful reproductions of traditional Loire vessels (barges, punts, toues).
- Traditional wooden games: Activities for children with old-fashioned wooden games.
- Meals under a marquee: On Sunday lunchtime, a convivial meal is served under a marquee for participants.
- Musée de la Loire: Free entry throughout the event (10 AM - 12 PM and 2 PM - 6 PM).
Guest Singers
Guest Loire singing groups from gabarrier groups across the region enrich the musical atmosphere with traditional boatmen's songs.
The Gabarriers du Haut Val de Loire
The Gabarriers du Haut Val de Loire are an association dedicated to preserving and passing on the river heritage of the Loire region. They perpetuate the traditions of barging, build and maintain traditional boats, and organize boat trips and cultural events throughout the year.
Foire de la Loire — edition 2026
Foire de la Loire 2026 in Cosne. River festival with flea market, navigation, boatmen, and activities on the banks of the Loire.
Prices Foire de la Loire 2026
Practical information — Foire de la Loire
Access
The festival takes place at Place de la Pêcherie, on the banks of the Loire in Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire.
- By car: Via the A77 (Cosne-sur-Loire exit).
- By train: Cosne-sur-Loire station (Paris-Nevers line), a 10-minute walk away.
Location
Place de la Pêcherie, Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire.
Hours
Saturday and Sunday in May. Full program on the town hall website.
Prices
Free admission for all activities. Musée de la Loire is free to enter.
Contact
Les Gabarriers du Haut Val de Loire
Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire Town Hall: 03 86 26 50 00
Accessibility
The event site is accessible to people with reduced mobility. For specific needs, it is recommended to contact the organizers in advance to best prepare your visit.
Accommodation nearby
Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire and its surroundings offer a varied choice of accommodation: hotels, B&Bs, rural gites, and seasonal rentals. It is strongly advised to book in advance, especially during the event period, as accommodation capacity can be quickly saturated. The local tourist office can direct you to available establishments that meet your needs.
Eating on site
Catering facilities and a refreshment stand are usually present at the event site. Restaurants, bars, and food shops in Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire are also open and offer local cuisine highlighting products from the Nivernais and Burgundy regions.
Recommended equipment
Bring comfortable shoes suitable for walking, as most activities take place outdoors. Depending on the season, consider bringing sunscreen and a hat in summer, or warm and waterproof clothing in autumn and winter. A light backpack can be useful for carrying your purchases and personal belongings.
Pets
Dogs on a leash are generally accepted at the event site, unless otherwise indicated by the organizers. Bring water and waste bags for your pet.
Photography and social media
Photography is permitted throughout the site. Feel free to share your memories on social media and follow the official event pages to stay informed of the latest news and detailed program.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Foire de la Loire at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Foire de la Loire
Place de la Pêcherie
Place de la Pêcherie, Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire, 58200 Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire