Mourjou Chestnut and Chestnut Tree Fair
The great chestnut festival in the Cantal Chestnut Grove
About Mourjou Chestnut Fair
An adventure born from a passion for chestnuts
In 1990, a group of young people from the commune of Mourjou, a small village of 360 inhabitants nestled in the heart of the Cantal Chestnut Grove, decided to create a fair dedicated to the chestnut. Their goal: to offer quality entertainment in the late season, contribute to the renewal of the chestnut tree, and promote the identity of this unique terroir in the south of Cantal. What began as a local initiative quickly became one of the most emblematic events in the Auvergne region.
National recognition
Over the years, the Mourjou Chestnut Fair has gained a reputation that extends far beyond the borders of Cantal. It has obtained the prestigious label "The Most Beautiful Festivals in France", awarded by the national association working to preserve traditional festivals. The territory of Mourjou and the Cantal Chestnut Grove is also classified as a Remarkable Site of Taste, a distinction that highlights the excellence of its gastronomic heritage.
An exceptional market and entertainment for everyone
The heart of the fair is a large market bringing together over 80 exhibitors: chestnut producers and those who make derivatives (flour, cream, jam, liqueur), artisans working with chestnut wood, and local producers from the Chestnut Grove. Visitors can taste the famous roasted chestnuts (over 1.2 tons each year), fouaces made with chestnut flour, and quench their thirst with local apple juice and over 2,000 liters of cider.
Throughout the weekend, the Maison de la Châtaigne (Chestnut House) offers numerous activities: technical demonstrations of chestnut wood working, conferences, exhibitions, and workshops for children. Two hikes allow visitors to discover the surrounding chestnut groves and the natural heritage of this exceptional territory.
A lively and popular festival
The Chestnut Fair is also a great popular festival with street performances, strolling brass bands, convivial meals, and dance evenings. The event mobilizes 200 volunteers each year, representing more than half of the village's population, demonstrating remarkable collective commitment.
With over 20,000 visitors welcomed each year, the Mourjou Chestnut Fair has greatly contributed to the revival of chestnut tree cultivation in Cantal and is a must-see event of the Auvergne autumn. Admission is free, making this event accessible to all audiences.
The Association du Pélou: guardian of tradition
Since 1995, the Association du Pélou has been organizing the fair, succeeding the initial festival committee. It also manages the Confrérie du Pélou (Brotherhood of the Pélou), composed of 22 members committed to promoting chestnuts, the chestnut tree, and the heritage of chestnut cultivation. The association works year-round to keep this tradition alive and prepare each new edition.
Mourjou Chestnut Fair — edition 2026
The 35th edition of the Mourjou Chestnut and Chestnut Tree Fair will be held on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 10 am to 6 pm. An unmissable event of the Cantal autumn, the fair brings together over 80 exhibitors and nearly 20,000 visitors around the chestnut, in the heart of the Cantal Chestnut Grove. In 2026, the Morvan region is the guest of honor.
35th Mourjou Chestnut Fair — October 17 and 18, 2026
The 35th edition of the Mourjou Chestnut and Chestnut Tree Fair will take place on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 10 am to 6 pm, in the village of Mourjou (municipality of Puycapel), in the heart of the Cantal Chestnut Grove.
As every year, the Pélou Association and its 200 volunteers are preparing a rich program centered around the chestnut: a large market of producers and artisans (chestnuts and derivatives, chestnut wood, local products from the Châtaigneraie), roasted chestnuts, fouaces made with chestnut flour, apple juice and cider, technical demonstrations, conferences, children's activities, hikes under the chestnut trees, street shows, convivial meals, and a dance party.
For this 35th edition, the Morvan region is the guest of honor and the Confrérie du Pélou (Brotherhood of Pélou) holds its annual chapter. Labeled among the Most Beautiful Festivals in France and located in a territory classified as a Remarkable Taste Site, the fair remains a highlight of the Auvergne autumn. Admission is free.
Programme Mourjou Chestnut Fair 2026
Saturday, October 17, 2026 (10 am - 6 pm)
- Opening of the large market with over 80 exhibitors: producers of chestnuts and derivatives (flour, cream, jam, liqueur), chestnut wood artisans, local producers from the Châtaigneraie
- Roasted chestnuts, fouaces made with chestnut flour, apple juice and cider
- Activities at the Maison de la Châtaigne (Chestnut House): technical woodcraft demonstrations, conferences, exhibitions, workshops for children
- Musical strolls with the brass bands: Gradisca Fanfare, Soñall De, Banzai Fanfare Survoltée, and Brancaleone
- 2 pm — Hike under the chestnut trees with gourmet and musical breaks (approx. 6.5 km circuit)
- Meals and dance party
Sunday, October 18, 2026 (10 am - 6 pm)
- 9 am — Hike for experienced walkers (approx. 12 km), with gourmet and musical breaks
- Large market of producers and artisans, tastings and roasted chestnuts
- Activities at the Maison de la Châtaigne, demonstrations and children's workshops
- Street shows and brass band strolls
- Annual chapter of the Confrérie du Pélou (Brotherhood of Pélou) — Morvan region as guest of honor
Highlights Mourjou Chestnut Fair 2026
- 35th edition on October 17 and 18, 2026, from 10 am to 6 pm
- Morvan region as guest of honor 2026
- Large market with over 80 exhibitors: chestnuts, chestnut wood, local Cantal products
- Abundant roasted chestnuts and fouaces made with chestnut flour
- Four brass bands strolling: Gradisca, Soñall De, Banzai Fanfare Survoltée, Brancaleone
- Two hikes under the chestnut trees (6.5 km on Saturday, 12 km on Sunday)
- Activities at the Maison de la Châtaigne and workshops for children
- Convivial meals, dance party, and chapter of the Confrérie du Pélou
- Free admission
Prices Mourjou Chestnut Fair 2026
Practical information — Mourjou Chestnut Fair
Access
Mourjou is located in the south of Cantal, in the Châtaigneraie cantalienne. The village is accessible via the D19 from Calvinet or Cassaniouze.
- By car: From Aurillac (45 km, approx. 50 min), take the direction of Maurs then Calvinet. From Figeac (35 km), follow the direction of Maurs then Mourjou.
- Parking: Free parking is signposted on the outskirts of the village. Allow for a short walk to the village center.
Opening Hours
The fair takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Prices
Free admission for all visitors.
Food and Drink
Roasted chestnuts, fouaces made with chestnut flour, apple juice, cider, and on-site meals are available throughout the weekend.
Contact
- Phone: 04 71 49 69 34
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: foirechataignemourjou.fr
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Where does it take place — Mourjou Chestnut Fair
Village de Mourjou
Le Bourg, Mourjou, 15340 Mourjou