Journées du Terroir et de l'Artisanat de Nogent-le-Rotrou

The Journées du Terroir et de l'Artisanat: A Gastronomic Showcase of Perche

Each year, Nogent-le-Rotrou, the historic capital of Perche, hosts the Journées du Terroir et de l'Artisanat, an event dedicated to discovering and promoting the gastronomic and artisanal riches of this green territory located at the borders of Beauce, Maine, and Normandy. These days offer a true immersion into the gourmet and creative Perche.

A Market of Exceptional Producers

The heart of the event is a large market of local producers set up in the squares and streets of Nogent-le-Rotrou. Perche farmers offer their specialties for direct sale and tasting: ciders and perries from Perche, farmhouse cheeses made with raw milk, traditional Perche black pudding, artisanal charcuterie, country pâtés, rillettes, honeys, jams, sourdough breads, and traditional pastries. Each stand is an invitation to discover know-how passed down through generations.

Arts and Crafts in the Spotlight

Alongside the producers, craftspeople from Perche and the Centre-Val de Loire region present their creations: pottery, basket weaving, cabinetmaking, leatherwork, metalwork, creative sewing, and artisanal jewelry. Live demonstrations allow visitors to understand the gestures and techniques of these artistic trades, while introductory workshops invite the curious to get hands-on.

Culinary Events and Gourmet Workshops

The Journées du Terroir also offer culinary events: cooking workshops featuring traditional Perche recipes, guided tastings of ciders and cheeses, and competitions for local specialties. Chefs and cooks from the region lead cooking demonstrations highlighting local products, in a spirit of sharing and passing on Perche flavors.

A Remarkable Heritage Setting

The Journées du Terroir take place in the exceptional heritage setting of Nogent-le-Rotrou. The Château Saint-Jean, a fortress of the Counts of Perche overlooking the town from its rocky spur, the Renaissance houses of Rue Bourg-le-Comte, and the medieval streets of the town center offer a perfect historic backdrop for this event celebrating the living traditions of Perche. Labeled a "Petite Cité de Caractère" (Small Town of Character), Nogent-le-Rotrou happily combines built heritage with intangible heritage.