Foire de la Saint-Simon

The Foire de la Saint-Simon: the unmissable event in northern Puisaye

Every year, on the fourth Saturday of October, Charny-Orée-de-Puisaye hosts the Foire de la Saint-Simon, one of the most popular commercial, agricultural, and festive events in northern Yonne. This traditional fair, whose origins date back several centuries, perpetuates the tradition of the great seasonal fairs of Burgundy, organized around patron saint festivals at the turn of autumn.

A site with two complementary spaces

The fair is spread over two distinct areas that give it its unique character:

• Le Pâtis (route de la Mothe): presentation and demonstrations of equines, equestrian activities, shows with horses. This rural space also hosts the fairground rides and the funfair.
• La Grande Rue: a line of 120 stands with exhibitors of all kinds — local producers, craftspeople, merchants, second-hand and clothing dealers, exhibitors of various equipment and supplies.

Entertainment and highlights of the day

The day is marked by a succession of festive and cultural events:

• 10 a.m.: official opening of the fair with the traditional concert of the hunting horns of the Rallye Puisaye
• Morning: equine presentations at the Pâtis, with dressage and horse work demonstrations
• Afternoon: street entertainment, shows, circus games, and activities for children
• Concert by the Harmonie de Charny: a festive and friendly musical moment
• Marie Jo Craftsmanship Competition: exhibition and awards for the best artisans
• Catering on site with local specialties

A fair that combines tradition and modernity

While the Foire de la Saint-Simon preserves its ancestral traditions — hunting horns, animal presentations, rural conviviality — it also knows how to renew itself year after year by incorporating original entertainment. Recent editions have seen the arrival of a lumberjack competition with the lumberjacks of the Plaines de Bourgogne, roaming street artists, and group games. The fair is organized by the municipality of Charny-Orée-de-Puisaye and its municipal team, in close collaboration with local associations.

Charny-Orée-de-Puisaye, in the heart of the hilly countryside

The municipality of Charny-Orée-de-Puisaye, born from the merger of several villages in Puisaye, is at the heart of a bocage and pond landscape characteristic of northern Burgundy. This rural region, with its preserved atmosphere, is particularly known for having inspired the writer Colette, a native of nearby Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye.