Expo Fair and Car Boot Sale — Ladon

The Ladon Expo Fair and Car Boot Sale (45) — Since 1955

In Ladon, in the Gâtinais loirétain, May 1st is not an ordinary day. Since 1955, the town has hosted its grand Expo Fair, an event deeply rooted in local history. This spring gathering, organized by the Festival Committee on Place de l'Ambulance and in the Yves Garré hall, celebrates both Labour Day and the tradition of commercial and festive exchanges that characterize French rural fairs.

Seventy Years of Tradition: A Living Local History

Established in 1955, the Ladon Fair has spanned the decades, adapting to changing times while retaining its original spirit. It was in 1995, forty years after the first edition, that a car boot sale component was added to the event, giving it new life and attracting new audiences. This dual dimension — traditional fair and second-hand market — is what gives the event its uniqueness and charm today.

Place de l'Ambulance and Yves Garré Hall: Two Complementary Spaces

The Ladon Expo Fair takes place in two distinct and complementary spaces. Outdoors, on the Place de l'Ambulance and the fairground, the car boot sale brings together private and professional sellers offering the usual range of second-hand goods. Indoors, in the Yves Garré multi-purpose hall, an exhibition of artisanal products showcases the skills of local and regional craftspeople in a more intimate setting.

Ladon, a Village in the Gâtinais loirétain

Ladon is a market town in the Gâtinais loirétain, in the eastern part of the Loiret department, about thirty kilometers from Montargis and forty kilometers from Orléans. This rural village, at the crossroads of several country roads, has preserved a vibrant community life and a strong festive tradition over the centuries, of which the May 1st Fair is the most emblematic expression. The precise geographical coordinates of the town (48.004°N, 2.537°E) place Ladon in the green heart of the Gâtinais.

For Exhibitors and Visitors

The event is open to all and welcomes both private and professional exhibitors in the outdoor areas. Catering and refreshments, provided by the Festival Committee, allow visitors to spend a full day on site in a festive and relaxed atmosphere. May 1st is a public holiday, ensuring a steady stream of visitors available for this traditional spring outing.