Saint-Genest-d'Ambière Asparagus Fair and Flea Market

The Asparagus Fair, a Haut-Poitou institution

The Saint-Genest-d'Ambière Asparagus Fair is one of the most anticipated gastronomic and festive rendezvous in the Vienne department. For more than 45 years it has traditionally taken place on Ascension Thursday and combines three dimensions: celebrating asparagus, an emblematic product of Haut-Poitou's sandy soils; a big flea market in the village streets; and a popular fair with rides, animations and concerts. The 46th edition takes place on Thursday 14 May 2026, officially announced on saint-genest-ambiere.fr.

The event is organised by the Saint-Genest-d'Ambière Festival Committee together with the commune. It draws several thousand visitors each year from Vienne, Deux-Sèvres and neighbouring Indre-et-Loire.

Programme

• 10am-6pm: barrel-organ parade
• 11am: majorettes parade
• 3pm: Zicksonne & Co concert on the Place de la Mairie
• All day: flea market in the streets, crafts, regional products, funfair, pony rides, mascots
• Lunch: traditional meal 20€ upon reservation
• Asparagus contest and local producers

A flea market rooted in a popular fair

The flea market benefits from the strong attendance generated by the fair itself. Sellers, mostly private with some professional brocante dealers, set up stalls in the streets next to Place de la Mairie. You'll find tableware, clothing, books, toys, knick-knacks, small furniture, vinyl, postcards and collectables.

Asparagus, star of the Haut-Poitou

The sandy soils of Saint-Genest-d'Ambière and neighbouring communes (Scorbé-Clairvaux, Thurageau, Lencloître) are ideal for asparagus, a gastronomic staple of Haut-Poitou for generations. The fair is a chance to buy freshly-picked asparagus directly from producers. The asparagus contest rewards the finest bunches.

Saint-Genest-d'Ambière, in Grand Châtellerault

A commune of around 1,400 residents halfway between Châtellerault and Mirebeau, surrounded by farmland and vineyards, with a fine Romanesque church and a typical Haut-Poitou centre. The Asparagus Fair is the flagship event of the year.

Tips

Arrive early to park and browse the flea market. The best asparagus goes quickly in the morning. Book the traditional meal in advance. Bring cash.

Extending the day

Châtellerault and its industrial heritage (Manu), Fontevraud Abbey nearby in Maine-et-Loire, or Futuroscope at Chasseneuil-du-Poitou offer great weekend extensions.