Foire Expo de Toucy

The Toucy Foire Expo: Half a Century of Vibrant Commerce in Puisaye

Since 1977, the Toucy Foire Expo has been a cornerstone of the economic and social life of the Puisaye region. Organized by the Toucy Animations association, this autumn event brings together commercial exhibitors, craftspeople, sustainable housing professionals, and the general public for a diverse four-day gathering spread across several iconic locations in the town center.

Nestled on the edge of the Puisaye forest, just 20 minutes from Auxerre and two hours from Paris, Toucy is a charming town of nearly 2,600 residents, famous as the birthplace of lexicographer Pierre Larousse and for its weekly Saturday market, voted the Most Beautiful Market in Burgundy. In October, the Foire Expo amplifies this commercial appeal, drawing visitors and curious onlookers from across the Yonne department and neighboring regions.

Three Complementary Spaces for a Complete Fair

The Grand Marquee on Place des Frères Genet

The beating heart of the fair is found under the large tent set up on Place des Frères Genet, right in the center of Toucy. Around fifty exhibitors present their products and services across a wide range of sectors: home improvement, gardening, DIY, vehicles, leisure, fashion, gastronomy, and regional products. This is where families and bargain hunters meet every year in a warm atmosphere, rubbing shoulders with neighbors and artisans from all over the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.

On-site dining is available for lunch and dinner, allowing visitors to extend their stay in a friendly setting while enjoying local and regional specialties.

The Arts and Crafts Fair at the Halle aux Grains

On Rue Paul Defrance, the Halle aux Grains—a restored former market hall—hosts the Arts and Crafts Fair, a showcase of artisanal expertise. Around twenty professional artisans offer live demonstrations and original creations: ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, textiles, leather goods, glassware, and sculpture. Visitors can watch the artisans at work, chat directly with the creators, and take home unique, handmade pieces.

This fair is rooted in the artisanal tradition of the Puisaye, a territory designated as a City of Arts and Crafts, where the local clay has fueled pottery workshops since the Middle Ages.

The Eco-Habitat Village at the Café Fournier Hall

The Café Fournier hall, the third hub of the fair, hosts the Eco-Habitat Village: a space dedicated to sustainable construction, ecological renovation, and environmentally friendly housing solutions. Building professionals, eco-conscious artisans, and experts in energy and bio-sourced materials hold stands and host conferences here.

A Fair Deeply Rooted in the Local Community

The Toucy Foire Expo is more than just a trade show; it is a unifying moment for the Puisaye-Forterre community. Elected officials, merchants, farmers, artisans, and residents gather every autumn in a spirit of camaraderie that keeps the region's traditional market fair spirit alive.

In 2025, the 49th edition was held from October 9th to 12th. In 2026, the 50th edition takes place from October 1st to 4th, marking half a century of the event.

Toucy, the City of Pierre Larousse in the Heart of Puisaye

Visiting the Foire Expo is also a chance to discover Toucy, a town of character with heritage worth exploring. The 13th-century Saint-Pierre Church, with its Bishop and Saint-Michel towers built from ferruginous sandstone, dominates the town. The municipal library and the streets of the old town serve as a reminder that this city is the cradle of Pierre Larousse (1817-1875), author of the Grand Dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle and founder of the publishing house that would give birth to the Petit Larousse. The weekly Saturday market, voted the most beautiful market in Burgundy and awarded the Saveurs et Savoir-Faire de Bourgogne label, completes the picture of a welcoming and commercially vibrant town.