France and the French love their festivals and fairs. At Chateaubriant (44, Loire-Atlantique, Pays de la Loire) , they claim have held an annual fair since the 11th Century! – the (Foire de Béré)Béré Fair! 6 – 9 September 2024.
Since 1050, the Foire de Béré has always remained a date written in stone on the town’s calendar. Through its many showcases: as a market for animals, forestry, expositions and agricultural machinery, automobiles, outdoor activities, parks and gardening, an accurate perspective on the entire region’s economy can be had in one setting. Each year during 4 days in September almost 50,000 visitors are in attendance. And so it has been for 10 centuries!
For more info on the Bere Fair see www.foiredebere.fr/
Originally part of the lands of the Dukes of Brittany, Chateaubriant is a fertile area of countryside and the fair offers a showcase for local produce and activities – very much a traditional country fair with farm animals, horse, crafts and foodstuffs, this offers a real taste of French rural traditions and ways of life – together with more commercial offerings from the many trade stands.
A part of the traditional province of Brittany, Châteaubriant also lies on the threshold of Anjou, and it was an important stronghold in northwestern France during the Middle Ages. The town appeared during the 11th century, around a castle and a priory. A fair, which still exists, was also founded in 1050. Châteaubriant played a certain role during the Mad War between France and Brittany and became a significant cultural centre in the 16th century, when the Renaissance château was built in the medieval fortress.The town is situated between Nantes and Rennes, and tends to be economically oriented towards the latter. The medieval fair and cattle market are still important for the local economy, but Châteaubriant also developed a metallurgical industry during the 19th century, and then plastics manufacturing during the 20th century.
Châteaubriant is noteworthy for its château, which combines a large medieval castle and a Renaissance palace. The town also has an 11th-century church and a medieval town centre, with half-timbered houses and remains of city walls. During the Second World War, Châteaubriant had a concentration camp, and it is known in France for the 27 hostages who were shot there in 1941. wikipedia
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