Village Italien de Blois

The Italian Village: A Journey to Italy in the Heart of Blois

Since 2023, the Village Italien de Blois has been transforming the Place de la République, right in the city center, into a true open-air Italian village. Organized by ACFIDA 41 (Franco-Italian Cultural Association Dante Alighieri of Loir-et-Cher), this festival celebrates the cultural and friendly ties between France and Italy through gastronomy, crafts, and cultural events.

Italian Crafts and Typical Products

Under elegant tents, artisans and producers from all corners of Italy showcase their know-how and regional specialties:

• Gastronomy: Italian cured meats (prosciutto, salami, mortadella), cheeses (parmigiano reggiano, mozzarella, pecorino), fresh pasta, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, truffles, olives, and antipasti
• Crafts: ceramics, leather goods, jewelry, Murano glass, textiles, decorative objects
• Catering: pizzas, focaccias, risottos, tiramisù, gelati, and other specialties prepared on-site

Authentic Flavors

Authenticity is at the heart of the Italian Village. The producers present are selected for the quality of their products, stemming from regional artisanal traditions: Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Campania, Sicily, Veneto, and many other terroirs. Visitors can taste, buy, and take a piece of Italy home with them.

Cultural and European Events

Beyond gastronomy and crafts, the Italian Village offers cultural events that celebrate the richness of Italian culture: music, exhibitions, screenings, and meetings. The festival also takes part in the celebration of the Joli mois de l'Europe (Beautiful Month of Europe), highlighting the twinning of the City of Blois with its European partner cities through a mini-forum of European associations.

ACFIDA 41: Weaving Franco-Italian Ties

ACFIDA 41 is a Franco-Italian cultural association that has been active for many years in Blois. Throughout the year, it offers Italian courses, cooking workshops, conferences on Italian art and culture, and cultural trips to Italy. The Italian Village is its flagship event, uniting the Italophile community of Loir-et-Cher and promoting Italian culture to the general public.