Rouillac 27th Fair

A Centuries-Old Fair in the Heart of Rouillac

The Rouillac 27th Fair is an institution in Charente. Every month, on the 27th — whether it falls on a weekday, a Sunday, or a public holiday — the town center of Rouillac transforms into a vast open-air market. Traveling merchants, local producers, artisans, and showmen take over the streets and squares of the commune to offer a varied selection: clothing, food, local products, second-hand goods, tools, plants, and many other items.

A Tradition Documented Since the 17th Century

The existence of the Rouillac fair is documented in records since the 17th century. Its origin is likely linked to the horse trade that developed over the centuries among horse dealers traveling the royal road from Brittany to Spain. In 1806, the 27th of each month was definitively set as the fair day, an immutable date for over two centuries. In the 19th century, the fair actively contributed to the town's economic development, leading to the creation of numerous spaces to accommodate merchants and livestock.

An Unmissable Event in Charente

The 27th Fair remains one of the largest fairs in Charente today. It attracts several thousand visitors each month, coming from Rouillac and the entire region to shop, meet their usual exhibitors, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere of the streets. The fair occupies the entire town center, from the historic fairground to the shopping streets, creating a true monthly event that punctuates the life of the town.

Local Products and Charente Hospitality

The 27th Fair is an opportunity to discover local Charente products: Cognac, Pineau des Charentes, goat cheeses, charcuterie, honey, seasonal fruits, and vegetables. Local producers mingle with traveling merchants in an atmosphere of typically Charentais conviviality. The fair is also a meeting and social place for the inhabitants of Rouillac and the surrounding communes.