Nature and Hunting Festival
Grand gathering for nature, hunting, and local produce at the Château du Grand Jardin in Joinville
About Nature and Hunting Festival
An Event in the Heart of Exceptional Heritage
Nestled within the magnificent Château du Grand Jardin, a former hunting lodge of the Dukes of Guise, the Nature et Chasse en Fête event benefits from a unique historical setting. This Renaissance castle, classified as a historical monument, and its 4-hectare park provide an ideal backdrop for the thousands of visitors who come to discover the natural and gastronomic riches of Haute-Marne. Access to the site and all activities is completely free, fostering a spirit of sharing and conviviality open to all audiences.
The Deer Trophy Exhibition: A Highlight
The highlight of the event is undoubtedly the presentation of deer trophies collected during the hunting season. Nearly 200 trophies are exhibited in the castle's grand hall, offering an impressive panorama of the department's wildlife. This exhibition showcases the work of the approximately 6,400 hunters in Haute-Marne and their role in managing deer populations. Specialists are on hand to comment on the trophies and discuss wildlife management with the public.
A Local Produce Market from Haute-Marne
The market of local producers and artisans is another cornerstone of the event. Over 70 exhibitors offer the best of the Champagne and Haute-Marne region: charcuterie, cheeses, honeys, jams, wines, craft beers, basketry, decorative items, and equipment related to nature and hunting. It's an opportunity to meet producers directly, taste their specialties, and take home authentic local products.
Activities for the Whole Family
Nature et Chasse en Fête is committed to offering activities that are varied and accessible to all ages. Children can participate in a treasure hunt in the castle park and creative workshops focused on nature. The nature rally, held on Saturday afternoon, invites young and old to explore the park while learning to identify local flora and fauna. The archers' association offers archery initiations under realistic conditions, while the cinématir allows participants to try a hunting simulation.
The Hunting Dog Village
A space entirely dedicated to hunting dogs brings together breeders and specialists who present the different breeds used in the region. Training demonstrations and discussions with professionals provide a better understanding of the essential role of dogs in hunting. The Departmental Fishing Federation also has a stand offering fishing initiations.
Musical Atmosphere and Guinguette
Throughout the weekend, hunting horn players animate the site with their traditional calls, creating an authentic and festive atmosphere. The musical artist collective Les Comètes provides musical entertainment throughout the park and, from 5 PM to 7 PM, offers a guinguette-style concert blending popular music and a danceable ambiance. Refreshments and food stalls are available on-site throughout the day.
An Event Rooted in the Territory
Launched in 2023 in its current format at the Château du Grand Jardin, after previously being held at the Abbaye d'Auberive, the event quickly found its audience. With over 6,000 visitors in previous editions, Nature et Chasse en Fête has established itself as a must-attend event on the Haute-Marne festive calendar. The event helps to change perceptions of hunting by highlighting its role in ecosystem preservation, while also promoting the natural, cultural, and gastronomic heritage of Haute-Marne.
Nature and Hunting Festival — edition 2026
Nature et Chasse en Fête returns to the Château du Grand Jardin in Joinville on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 2026, for a new edition organized by the Fédération Départementale des Chasseurs de la Haute-Marne. The program for this free event, open to all, includes: a large local produce market bringing together over 70 exhibitors, an exhibition of deer and roe deer trophies, nature and family activities, hunting horn demonstrations, and a guinguette concert on Saturday evening in the setting of this 16th-century castle and its 4-hectare park.
A free weekend dedicated to nature and hunting
For this 2026 edition, the Fédération Départementale des Chasseurs de la Haute-Marne is once again taking over the Château du Grand Jardin in Joinville, a former hunting lodge of the Dukes of Guise, and its 4-hectare landscaped park. Access to the site and all activities are completely free, without reservation.
The site opens on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (with musical entertainment throughout the weekend and a guinguette concert in the evening) and on Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Food and a refreshment stand are available on site, and nearby parking is free.
Local produce market and exhibitors
Over 70 exhibitors will enliven the weekend with a wide range of products: gunsmiths, local crafts, food trades, market gardening, animal art, and hunting clothing (including brands JUMFIL and SEPTEMBER). The castle also hosts the exhibition of deer and roe deer trophies from the season, as well as a poultry exhibition and sale.
Activities and workshops
Numerous activities for the general public and children are offered, with prizes to be won: educational workshops on biodiversity and wild fauna, free «fishing» and «bow hunting» activities, hunting horn demonstration by the ensemble «Les Echos du Vallage», a dog area, and an animal art exhibition. On Saturday, children aged 6 to 12 can participate in the Nature Rally.
Programme Nature and Hunting Festival 2026
Saturday, May 23, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Opening of the local produce market and exhibition
- 2:00 PM — Start of the Nature Rally for children aged 6 to 12
- 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM — Inauguration and visit of stands by officials
- 6:00 PM / 7:30 PM — Guinguette concert with Les Comètes
- 7:30 PM — Closing of stands
- 9:00 PM — Closing
Sunday, May 24, 2026
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Children's activities
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Antler shed exchange
- 11:00 AM — Opening of the local produce market and exhibition
- 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM — Children's activities
- 6:30 PM — Closing of stands and return of trophies
- 7:00 PM — Closing of the event
Musical entertainment (hunting horns, Les Echos du Vallage ensemble) all weekend. Free admission and activities.
Highlights Nature and Hunting Festival 2026
- Over 70 exhibitors: gunsmiths, local crafts, food trades, market gardening, animal art, and hunting clothing
- Exhibition of deer and roe deer trophies from the season
- Poultry exhibition and sale
- Free «fishing» and «bow hunting» activities
- Educational workshops on biodiversity and wild fauna
- Hunting horn demonstration by Les Echos du Vallage
- Nature Rally for children aged 6 to 12 (Saturday 2:00 PM)
- Guinguette concert with Les Comètes (Saturday evening)
- Setting of the Château du Grand Jardin and its 4-hectare park
- Free admission, food and refreshment stand on site, free parking
Prices Nature and Hunting Festival 2026
Practical information — Nature and Hunting Festival
Access to the Château du Grand Jardin
Address: Château du Grand Jardin, 3-5 avenue de la Marne, 52300 Joinville, Haute-Marne.
By Car: Joinville is located on the N67 (former national road), about 30 km south of Saint-Dizier and 50 km north of Chaumont. From the A5 motorway, take the Chaumont-Nord exit then follow the direction Saint-Dizier/Joinville via the N67. From Paris (approx. 2h45), take the A5 towards Troyes then Chaumont. Free parking near the castle.
By Train: Joinville station is served by the TER Grand Est line connecting Saint-Dizier to Chaumont. The castle is about a 10-minute walk from the station.
Opening Hours
The event takes place over two days:
- Saturday: 11 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM to 7 PM
Prices
Admission is completely free. Access to the 4-hectare park, the trophy exhibition, the local produce market, and all activities is free and without reservation. Food and drinks for sale on-site.
Activities and Program
- Deer Trophy Exhibition — Castle's grand hall (Saturday and Sunday)
- Local Produce Market — Over 70 producers and artisans (Saturday and Sunday)
- Nature Rally — Saturday at 2 PM, open to all
- Archery Initiation — Continuous (Saturday and Sunday)
- Cinématir — Hunting simulation (Saturday and Sunday)
- Hunting Dog Village — Presentations and discussions with breeders
- Children's Workshops — Treasure hunt, creative activities
- Hunting Horns — Traditional calls all day
- Guinguette Concert — 5 PM to 7 PM with Les Comètes
Practical Information
The event is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Toilets are available on site. Dogs on a leash are welcome.
Contact
Organizer: Federation of Hunters of Haute-Marne
Phone: 03 25 03 60 60
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.fdc52.fr
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Where does it take place — Nature and Hunting Festival
Château du Grand Jardin
3-5 avenue de la Marne, Joinville, 52300 Joinville