Grande Foire Agricole de Ouanne

The Grande Foire Agricole de Ouanne: Half a Century of Rural Tradition in Puisaye

Every third Sunday of September, the village of Ouanne (Yonne, Puisaye-Forterre) transforms into a one-day agricultural capital. The Grande Foire Agricole de Ouanne, organized by the association Animation Ouanne Forterre, is one of the most faithful and popular rural events in northern Burgundy. In 2026, it celebrates its 52nd edition, a remarkable longevity that testifies to the attachment of the region's inhabitants and farmers to this festive and popular event.

Agricultural Machinery and Farm Animals at the Heart of the Fair

The fair is spread across two main areas of the village:

• School Parking Lot: Exhibition of new and old agricultural machinery — tractors, combine harvesters, towed tools, haymaking equipment. Professional dealers rub shoulders with vintage equipment collectors, offering a fascinating panorama of the evolution of agricultural machinery.
• Place Jean-Goutte-Toquet: Presentation and competition of livestock. Cattle (notably Charolais), sheep (ewes and lambs), goats (does and bucks) are exhibited and judged by specialists. Breeders come to defend the colors of their breeds and herds.

A Program of Shows and Activities

Beyond the agricultural dimension, the Ouanne Fair is also a popular festival with a program of festive activities:

• Equestrian Shows at 11 am and 2:45 pm: dressage demonstrations, free work, traditional riding
• Float Parade at 3:30 pm: colorful parade through the village streets, combining decorated floats and entertainment
• Craft Activities: demonstrations of traditional know-how related to rural life
• Local Producer Stands: cheeses, cured meats, Yonne wines, honey, jams
• Catering with country meals and local specialties

A Fair Organized by and for the Rural World

The Animation Ouanne Forterre association is the driving force behind this event. Its volunteers, all from the agricultural world and local associative life, invest themselves throughout the year to prepare this day. The fair is an essential moment for the local economic fabric, allowing farmers to buy, sell, or simply meet in a friendly atmosphere. It is also a formidable vector for transmitting rural knowledge and traditions to younger generations.

Ouanne and Forterre: A Territory Between Hedgerows and Culture

The village of Ouanne, nestled in the hills of Forterre, is part of this land of hedgerows and livestock farming that forms the transition between the wooded Puisaye and the plains of the Yonne. This preserved rural territory, far from major tourist routes, has a strong identity, fueled by its agricultural traditions, its village festivals, and its heritage of discreet farms and castles.