Les Automnales de Chaumont

An urban fair in the heart of Chaumont

Since 2015, Les Automnales have transformed the center of Chaumont into a huge open-air festive market every autumn. From Square Philippe Lebon to Square Boulingrin, via the Place de la Résistance and the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, the pedestrian streets and squares of the Haute-Marne city host around a hundred exhibitors presenting their know-how and creations. Organized by the UCIA Chaumont (Union of Merchants, Industrialists, and Artisans of Chaumont), in partnership with the City of Chaumont and the Agglomeration Community, this urban fair has become in a few years an unmissable autumn event in Haute-Marne.

Local artisans, creators, and merchants

The heart of Les Automnales is the promotion of local and regional know-how. Visitors wander among the stalls of craftspeople, jewelry designers, leatherworkers, ceramists, tailors, honey producers, jam makers, and many other fascinating trades. Downtown merchants also join the celebration by opening their shops and offering special deals. Each edition features a guest of honor: in 2024, it was Belgium that was celebrated, with the presence of the town of Oostkamp, twinned with Chaumont since 2004, and a Belgian village offering craft beers and creations by Flemish artists.

Activities for all ages

Les Automnales are not just a market: it's a true festival of free activities that delights young and old all weekend long. Highlights include:

• Street performances: musical parades, clowns, magicians, and mentalists roam the city center streets
• Concerts: swing music, brass bands, and local groups liven up the various squares
• Children's area: inflatable structures at Square Philippe Lebon, face painting, balloon sculpting, and meet-and-greets with superhero mascots
• Creative workshops: craft demonstrations, introductions, and participatory activities
• Relaxation area: nail bar, massage bar, and temporary tattoos at Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
• Contests and raffles: many prizes to be won throughout the weekend

Gastronomy and local produce

The culinary aspect plays an important role at Les Automnales. Local producers offer tastings of Haute-Marne regional products: cheeses, honeys, jams, cured meats, craft beers, and other regional specialties. Food areas are set up in the city center to allow visitors to eat throughout the day in a friendly atmosphere.

A unifying event for the city center

Beyond the festive aspect, Les Automnales play an essential role in revitalizing the city center of Chaumont. By attracting thousands of visitors over two days, this event brings life back to the shopping streets and contributes to the visibility of local artisans and businesses. Supported by the City of Chaumont, the Chaumont Agglomeration Community, and the consular chambers, it illustrates the commitment of local stakeholders to making the city center a vibrant, attractive, and friendly place.