Les Moutonnades de la Saint-Barthélemy

900 years of sheep farming tradition

The Moutonnades de la Saint-Barthélemy perpetuate a centuries-old tradition in Bénévent-l'Abbaye, a small town of character nestled in the heart of Creuse. For 900 years, this peaceful commune has celebrated Saint-Barthélemy on August 24th, around a historic fair that was once held near the abbey. Created in 2003 by local enthusiasts, the Moutonnades have revived this tradition by highlighting sheep and ovine farming, pillars of the local economy for centuries.

Bénévent lamb, a culinary heritage

Since the 19th century, the butchers of Bénévent-l'Abbaye have specialized in the slaughter and marketing of lamb. In the 1930s, the Bénévent slaughterhouses supplied Parisian markets with nearly 30,000 lambs per year. The Moutonnades celebrate this heritage through lamb tastings and Bénéventine specialties, allowing visitors to rediscover authentic flavors of the Creuse terroir.

A weekend of celebration and heritage

The Moutonnades program offers a full weekend of activities: flea market, concerts, exhibitions on pastoral heritage, workshops on ancient know-how related to sheep farming, trail running, and hikes in the surrounding countryside. The fireworks on Saturday evening light up the sky of this small town of character, while the Sunday producers' market brings together the best artisans of the region.