Foire de la Saint-Siffrein de Carpentras

The Saint-Siffrein Fair: Five Centuries of Comtadin History

The Saint-Siffrein Fair is the oldest fair in Vaucluse and one of the oldest in Provence. It takes its name from Saint Siffrein (Sextus), Bishop of Carpentras in the 6th century and patron saint of the city, whose feast day is celebrated on November 27th. Since its creation in 1524, under the authority of the Comtat Venaissin — that papal territory of which Carpentras was the capital — the fair has been held every late November in the city, bringing together merchants, breeders, artisans, and sightseers from all over Provence and neighboring regions.

For centuries, the Saint-Siffrein Fair was the major economic event of the Vaucluse hinterland. Breeders from the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux, farmers from the plains of La Crau and the Comtat, artisans from cities and villages flocked to buy and sell before the harsh winter frosts. The fair was also an occasion for social gatherings, arranged marriages, commercial transactions, and cultural exchanges that punctuated the life of the region. This social and cultural dimension explains why the fair has survived five centuries of economic and social transformations.

The 500th Edition in 2025: A Historic Milestone

The 2025 edition marked an exceptional historic milestone: the 500th Saint-Siffrein Fair, held from November 27th to 30th, 2025. To celebrate this millennial milestone, the city of Carpentras designed a special program highlighting the history of the fair and the city. The monumental ephemeral artwork of the anniversary edition — the reconstructed Porte Notre-Dame made of cardboard with public participation — symbolized the link between Carpentras's historical heritage and contemporary creativity.

The 2025 edition welcomed 51,400 visitors, a record, compared to 43,800 in 2024, confirming the renewed interest in this event steeped in history. These figures attest to the attachment of the people of Vaucluse and visitors from Provence to this centuries-old tradition.

The Provençal Village and its Traditions

At the heart of the fair lies the Provençal village, a living re-enactment of the trades, crafts, and traditions of Provence of yesteryear. Artisans in traditional costume practice their ancestral crafts: potter at the wheel, weaver at the handloom, clog maker, knife grinder, decorative blacksmith, hat maker, basket weaver, santon maker, calligrapher. These demonstrations of ancient know-how particularly attract families, offering children a glimpse into a vanished artisanal world.

Animal exhibitions hold a traditional place at the Saint-Siffrein Fair. Limousin and Charolais cattle, donkeys from Provence, draft horses, goats from the Rove, Arles Merino sheep, pigs, and farmyard poultry liven up the aisles and delight visitors, especially the younger ones. These exhibitions recall the rural origins of the fair and its connection to Provençal livestock farming.

Specialties of Carpentras and the Comtat

The Saint-Siffrein Fair is inseparable from certain gastronomic specialties of Carpentras and the Comtat Venaissin. First and foremost, the berlingot de Carpentras, a boiled sugar candy with characteristic stripes, whose recipe dates back to the 15th century and of which Carpentras has been the undisputed capital ever since. Local confectioners offer their berlingots at the fair, perpetuating a sweet tradition that is part of the city's identity.

November is also the season for black truffle (Tuber melanosporum), the black diamond of Provence, of which Carpentras is one of the most important markets in France. The Saint-Siffrein Fair coincides with the start of the truffle season, and the first truffles of the year make a notable appearance on the stalls of producers from Ventoux and Luberon. Producers also offer nougats, olives from Provence, Herbes de Provence, local goat cheeses, lavender honey, and wines from the Dentelles de Montmirail.

A Living Fair, Rooted in its Time

The Saint-Siffrein Fair has managed to renew itself while remaining true to its traditions. The program includes contemporary cultural events, street performances, concerts, and art exhibitions. Citizen participation is encouraged, as evidenced by the collective artwork of the 2025 edition. Free parking facilities at the seven parking sites (Général Khelifa, Observance, Coulée Verte, Espace Auzon, Roseraie, Complexe sportif P. de Coubertin, Gare SNCF) facilitate access for everyone. This balance between memory and innovation is the key to the longevity and renewed success of this unique fair in Provence.