Grande Braderie d'Automne de Besançon

The Grande Braderie d'Automne, the flagship commercial event of autumn in Besançon

Organized every year in October by Besançon Côté Centre, the association of city center merchants, the Grande Braderie d'Automne is the autumn counterpart to the big summer street sale. It mobilizes the shopping streets and squares of the historic heart of Besançon for two days to offer residents and visitors a vast festive open-air market.

More than 200 merchants — permanent merchants selling on the sidewalk, non-permanent exhibitors, artisans and creators — set up in the emblematic streets of the center: Grande Rue, rue des Granges, rue Moncey, rue de la République, rue Bersot, rue Pasteur, rue d'Anvers, rue Morand. The Place du 8 Septembre and Place Pasteur are the two main animation hubs of the event.

The Handmade Market, a showcase of regional talents

As with the summer street sale, the Place du 8 Septembre hosts the Handmade creators market, with about fifteen local artisans and creators presenting unique and original pieces. Fashion, jewelry, pottery, illustration, handmade leather goods: this space dedicated to local and regional creation has become a popular meeting place for lovers of unique pieces and responsible consumption.

Easier visiting conditions

To encourage as many people as possible to come and enjoy the street sale, support measures are in place: reduced parking rates in the city center car parks (€1 on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.), and free public transport every Saturday. These facilities complement the free admission to the event itself for visitors.

In 2025, the Grande Braderie d'Automne was held on October 10th and 11th. The 2026 edition has not yet been officially announced but should be held on a similar date in October 2026.