Saint-Sigismond Spring Festival and Flea Market

An open-air spring festival

Saint-Sigismond: ~450-inhabitant village, a gem nestled in Marais Poitevin (Regional Natural Park, 'Venise verte'). Canal, waterways, low houses — unique Marais charm. Each spring, the Spring Festival combines flea market, activities, community. 2026: Sunday 19 April.

A feat for such a small village. Yet this festival is known among south-Vendée bargain-hunters thanks to the setting and welcome quality.

Flea market

At the heart: private sellers from village and neighbours (Vix, Maillezais, Damvix, Benet). Stalls in paved streets, sometimes along canals — picturesque setting. Typical rural finds:

• Family clothes
• Toys, games, books
• Crockery, trinkets, decor
• Small furniture, tools
• Fishing and boat gear (Marais!)
• Vinyl, DVDs, comics
• Old items, curiosities

Spring Festival activities

Varies yearly: music, traditional dances, kids' workshops, local product tasting, canal boat rides, sometimes Easter egg hunts. Festive, family-friendly.

Marais Poitevin setting

A hidden gem. Village grew around its canal. Local church, colourful shutters, pollarded ash. Unique atmosphere, rare experience.

Explore Marais Poitevin

Combine bargain-hunting with discovery. Boat embarkation at Coulon, Damvix, Maillezais, Arçais. Traditional maraîchin flat-bottom boat, pushed with pole — understand Marais life.

Local specialities

Eel, pike, frogs, stuffed Poitou cabbage, mogettes, candied angelica. Haut-Poitou or Fiefs Vendéens wines. Typical restaurants throughout Marais.

For sellers

Register ahead with association or town hall. Limited places in such a small village. Moderate fee.

Around

Maillezais (5 km) abbey ruins (Rabelais!). Damvix (8 km) Romanesque church. Coulon (20 km) Park welcome centre. Fontenay-le-Comte (15 km) Renaissance town. Bird watchers: herons, egrets, moorhens.