Foire des Saints-Innocents de Limoges

The Foire des Saints-Innocents: four and a half centuries of tradition

Established in 1566 by an edict from King Charles IX, the Foire des Saints-Innocents in Limoges is one of the oldest fairs in France still in operation. Created at the same time as the famous Foire de la Saint-Loup held in the spring, it is the winter counterpart to this great Limousin commercial tradition. For over four and a half centuries, it has enlivened the center of Limoges every December 28th, the day of the Feast of the Holy Innocents.

An unmissable commercial and popular event

The Foire des Saints-Innocents is the largest popular gathering of the winter season in Limousin. Hundreds of peddlers and traveling merchants take over the main streets of the city center, particularly around Place de la République, Place Winston Churchill, and the adjacent boulevards. You can find a wide variety of stalls: clothing, household items, artisanal objects, toys, sweets, regional gastronomic specialties, and local Limousin products.

Carousels and fairground attractions

Beyond the market, the Foire des Saints-Innocents traditionally includes fairground attractions and carousels that delight young and old alike. Set up near the stalls, they add a festive dimension to this winter day of commerce. The funfair atmosphere mixes with the aromas of roasted chestnuts, waffles, and mulled wine to create a unique ambiance, typical of Limoges' end-of-year celebrations.

A living heritage of Limousin

The Foire des Saints-Innocents is more than just a market: it is a living cultural heritage deeply rooted in the identity of Limoges. Passed down from generation to generation since the 16th century, it is a moment for family reunions and popular conviviality. Thousands of Limoges residents and visitors from all over Haute-Vienne and neighboring departments converge on the city center to perpetuate this age-old tradition. The fair also contributes to the commercial animation of the city center during the holiday season.