Saint-Siffrein Fair of Carpentras

A fair born from a relic in 1525

The Saint-Siffrein Fair originated in a papal bull issued in 1525 by Clement VII, sovereign of the Comtat Venaissin, authorising the public exposition of the Saint Mors, a relic said to contain fragments of a nail from Christ's Passion. The ceremony drew such crowds on 27 November, feast day of Saint Siffrein, that a vast market sprang up around the cathedral: livestock, produce, farming tools, goods from Provence and beyond. One of France's oldest living fairs was born.

The beating heart of the Comtat Venaissin

For nearly five centuries, the Saint-Siffrein set the economic rhythm of the Comtat. Peasants came down from Ventoux, muleteers climbed up from the Rhône. Today the ephemeral farms set up in the town centre still carry that rural memory.

Brocante, santons and commercial fair

The fair is plural. The commercial fair sprawls across the Platanes and Saint-Labre car parks with crafts, gastronomy, fashion and Provençal lifestyle stalls. In the old town around Place d'Inguimbert opens the santons fair, a highlight of Provençal tradition with santon makers from the Comtat, nativities, and accessories. A brocante and antiques dimension completes the event.

Floats, horses and old crafts

The 500th edition in 2025 reintroduced two spectacular corsos. The 501st edition continues with equestrian shows, Provençal music, craft demonstrations, mini-farms and processions, placing Carpentras in one of its finest moments of the year.