Hérolles Monthly Fair at Coulonges

A fair running since 1484, one of the oldest in France

The Foire des Hérolles, in Coulonges-les-Hérolles in the southeast of the Vienne department, is a true institution. It has been held without interruption since 1484, making it one of the oldest monthly fairs still active in France. Organized in the locality of Les Hérolles, on an 11-hectare plateau at the crossroads of three former regions (Poitou-Charentes, Centre, and Limousin) and three departments (Vienne, Indre, and Haute-Vienne), it has brought together farmers, merchants, horse traders, antique dealers, and curious visitors from across the region for over five centuries.

The 29th of the month: a centuries-old rule

The fair takes place on the 29th of every month. This unique calendar, set centuries ago, is part of its charm and identity: you have to keep track of the date and sometimes adjust your schedule to make it to Les Hérolles. The rule applies regardless of the day of the week—the municipality of Coulonges-les-Hérolles announced the fair for Sunday, March 29, 2026, and the calendar published by Poitou-Brenne includes August 29, September 29, October 29, November 29, and December 29, 2026. It is always wise to check with the organizers each month before heading out.

What you will find on the 11-hectare site

• Open-air flea market and car boot sale with hundreds of exhibitors
• Traditional livestock market (sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits)
• Local produce: cheeses, charcuterie, honey, jams, bread
• Clothing, footwear, and household goods
• Agricultural tools and DIY equipment (new and used)
• Plants, flowers, and gardening supplies
• Bazaar, hardware, and all sorts of curiosities
• Rural-style catering from early morning (soup, grilled meats, mulled wine in winter)

Over 400 exhibitors, 8,000 to 18,000 visitors

Depending on the season and the weather, the Foire des Hérolles welcomes between 8,000 and 18,000 visitors each month—impressive numbers for an event in the heart of the countryside. It brings together over 400 exhibitors from across Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Centre-Val de Loire, and neighboring departments. For the people of the Montmorillonnais, Confolentais, Le Blanc, and southern Creuse areas, it is a deeply rooted tradition—many have been coming since childhood and grew up wandering the aisles of Les Hérolles.

An exceptional intangible heritage

More than just a commercial fair, Les Hérolles is a piece of living intangible heritage. It preserves an ancient form of rural sociability: neighbors from a 50 km radius meeting up, old-school haggling over the price of a goat or a tool, and political or weather-related debates over cups of mulled wine.

A site at the crossroads of three regions

Coulonges-les-Hérolles occupies a strategic position on the borders of three former regions: Poitou-Charentes (Vienne), Centre-Val de Loire (Indre), and Limousin (Haute-Vienne). It was this crossroads position that gave birth to the fair in the Middle Ages as a neutral trading ground for lords and peasants from different territories. Even today, you can hear the distinct accents and expressions from each of these three regions.

A fair to experience at least once

For any lover of antiques, local produce, or rural sociology, the Foire des Hérolles is an experience to be had at least once. Arrive early (8 a.m. is a good time), park in the designated fields, stroll through the aisles, grab a coffee and croissant at one of the stalls, buy some farm cheese, hunt for an antique tool, and head home by noon with a full trunk: that is the classic recipe for a successful day at Les Hérolles.