Journées de la Pomme et des Fruits de Pays

The Journées de la Pomme: a living fruit heritage in the heart of Berry

Every year, on the last weekend of October, the village of Neuvy-Saint-Sépulchre in the Indre region hosts the Journées de la Pomme et des Fruits de Pays, an event that has become a benchmark over the decades for pomology and the preservation of old fruit varieties. Organized by the Société pomologique du Berry, this gathering attracts enthusiasts, amateur arborists, and curious families each year to discover the richness of Berry's fruit heritage.

The Société pomologique du Berry: guardian of old varieties

Founded in 1984, the Société pomologique du Berry has set itself the mission of identifying, conserving, and promoting old and local fruit varieties from the Berry region. Over the years, its volunteer members have built up a remarkable collection of over 350 varieties of apples, complemented by pears, quinces, cherries, and other local fruits. The society maintains an orchard-school in Neuvy-Saint-Sépulchre, a true living conservatory where traditional techniques of pruning, grafting, and fruit tree maintenance are practiced.

A rich and varied program

The Journées de la Pomme take place over two days, Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. The program offers numerous activities:

• Pomological exhibition: presentation of over 350 varieties of apples and local fruits, with identification and personalized advice from society members.
• Apple pressing: demonstrations of artisanal pressing in the park of the village hall, with fresh juice tasting.
• Producers and artisans market: sale of apples, fruit tree saplings, fruit breads, basketry, specialized books, and local products from Berry.
• Guided tours of the orchard-school: guided discovery of the Société pomologique's conservatory orchard, on Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m.
• Workshops and conferences: introduction to pruning and grafting fruit trees, advice for amateur gardeners.

An event open to all

The Journées de la Pomme are accessible to everyone for a modest fee. The event attracts a diverse audience, from families to gardening enthusiasts, as well as arboriculture professionals. It is also an opportunity to rediscover forgotten flavors and to stock up on old varieties that are hard to find in stores.

A "Pomme" Half-Marathon

Alongside the pomological days, an "Pomme" Half-Marathon is organized in Neuvy-Saint-Sépulchre, adding a sporting dimension to this autumn weekend. Runners will race along the paths of Boischaut Sud in a bucolic setting, before joining the gourmet festivities.