Les Glorieuses de Bresse
The prestigious Bresse poultry competition since 1862
2026
About Glorieuses de Bresse
Glorieuses de Bresse — edition 2026
Bresse poultry farmers gather in Bourg-en-Bresse on December 11, 2026, for one of the four "Glorieuses"—prestigious poultry competitions held in the Bresse region since 1862. Prize-winning capons, poulardes, turkeys, and AOP Bresse chickens are showcased in the covered market before the awards ceremony honors the finest specimens. The event also features a festive gourmet market open to the public.
Les Glorieuses de Bresse 2026 in Bourg-en-Bresse
On December 11, 2026, Bourg-en-Bresse hosts its "Glorieuse," one of four fine poultry competitions held annually in Bresse since 1862. Farmers present their finest birds—including capons, poulardes, turkeys, and AOP Bresse chickens—under the city's covered market. This festive gourmet market offers visitors the chance to discover local Bresse products and purchase high-quality poultry for the holiday season. The awards ceremony recognizes the top breeders, featuring the Grand Prix d'Honneur for capons and the Vase de Sèvres presented by the President of the Republic.
The detailed schedule for the market and competition has not yet been released by the organizers for this year's edition.
Highlights Glorieuses de Bresse 2026
- Competition and exhibition of capons, poulardes, turkeys, and AOP Bresse chickens
- Grand Prix d'Honneur for capons and the Vase de Sèvres presented by the President of the Republic
- Festive gourmet market held under the covered market of Bourg-en-Bresse
- Guided tours available by reservation through the Tourist Office
Programme Glorieuses de Bresse 2026
The 2026 program has not yet been released by the organizers; it will be added as soon as it becomes available.
Prices Glorieuses de Bresse 2026
Practical information — Glorieuses de Bresse
Getting there
Bourg-en-Bresse, Ain department (01), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
- By car: From Lyon (70 km, ~1h) via A42. From Paris via A6 then A40.
- By train: Bourg-en-Bresse station (TGV from Paris in 2h, TER from Lyon in 1h).
- Parking: Covered market parking (paid) and nearby lots.
Hours
Gourmet market: eve of competition 4:30 PM–9 PM; competition day 10 AM–5 PM. Poultry exhibition from 10 AM. Official visit at 2 PM.
Prices
Free admission.
Contact
- Comité de Promotion des Glorieuses de Bresse: [email protected] — Tel: 03 85 75 10 07
- Office de Tourisme Bourg-en-Bresse Destinations: Tel: 04 74 22 49 40
Les Glorieuses de Bresse: a gastronomic tradition since 1862
For over 160 years, Les Glorieuses de Bresse have upheld a unique French gastronomic tradition. Each December, four towns in the Bresse region — Bourg-en-Bresse, Louhans, Pont-de-Vaux and Montrevel-en-Bresse — host in succession the country's most prestigious poultry competitions. Born on December 23, 1862 in Bourg-en-Bresse, these agricultural competitions judge and classify the finest Bresse poultry: capons, fattened hens, turkeys and chickens raised according to the strict PDO Bresse Poultry standards.
The world's only PDO poultry
Bresse poultry is the only in the world to hold a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), guaranteeing exceptional quality and ancestral know-how. The birds are free-range reared on Bresse pastures, fed on cereals and dairy products, and "rolled" in white linen cloth that gives them their distinctive appearance.
The Bourg-en-Bresse competition
The Bourg-en-Bresse Glorieuse, held traditionally under the covered market, is one of the most emblematic. The event opens with the public exhibition of poultry from 10 AM. At 2 PM, the official visit welcomes dignitaries, elected officials and chefs. The prize ceremony awards the finest breeders, including the Grand Capon Prize of Honor with the prestigious Sèvres Vase from the French Presidency.
A festive gourmet market
Alongside the competition, a festive gourmet market fills the covered market. Visitors can browse local producers' stalls and taste Bresse specialties. The fine poultry market after the prize ceremony lets gourmets purchase their capons, fattened hens and turkeys for the holiday season.
A recognized living heritage
Les Glorieuses de Bresse are a living heritage of French gastronomy, attracting food journalists, Michelin-starred chefs and knowledgeable enthusiasts from across France and abroad.
Guided tours and activities
The Office de Tourisme de Bourg-en-Bresse Destinations offers guided tours on the competition day, covering the history, breeding techniques and judging criteria.
Four events in one week
The four Glorieuses take place over one week, each in a different town: Bourg-en-Bresse (Ain), Louhans (Saône-et-Loire), Pont-de-Vaux (Ain) and Montrevel-en-Bresse (Ain).
Where does it take place — Glorieuses de Bresse
Glorieuses de Bresse in brief
History of Glorieuses de Bresse
Edition 2025 Dec 2025Other festivals near Bourg-en-Bresse
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Published by Valentin Contard, festival listings writer. Reviewed, corrected and approved by Christophe Contard, editor-in-chief. .
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