Triaize Donkey and Horse Festival Garage Sale

A centuries-old Marais Poitevin tradition

The Triaize Donkey and Horse Festival marks its 160th edition in 2026! Run by the Société des Courses de Triaize, it is one of Vendée's oldest festive traditions, unique in its genre. It honours the donkey — faithful companion of the maraîchins in meadows and canals — and the horse, emblem of agricultural and equestrian tradition. 2026 dates: Sunday 26 July and Sunday 9 August, both rue des Courtes Joieries.

Packed friendly programme: garage sale from 7am, craft market, brocante, carriage rides, donkey competitions and races (the highlight), harnessing demonstrations, equestrian shows, raffle, music, grills and spit-roasted ham, fireworks and grand popular ball. A true condensation of old rural Vendée in a Marais Poitevin village.

Garage sale — what to find

• Private sellers, bric-à-brac, crockery, linen
• Clothes, shoes, baby gear
• Toys, books, games
• Farm tools, rural objects
• Rustic decor, Marais items
• Small furniture, local curiosities

Triaize, Marais Poitevin village

~1,000 inhabitants. Marais Poitevin village southeast of Luçon. Marked by Maraîchin culture (headdresses, reed-thatched houses, yoles, eels), it keeps ancestral traditions including this emblematic festival. Wet meadows, canals and poplar rows — typical wet-marsh landscape.

The donkey's role in the Marais

The donkey was long the Maraîchins' companion and work animal. Gentle, patient, able to cross ditches and walk flooded meadows — essential to the Marais Poitevin economy. The festival keeps this memory alive.

Around

Luçon cathedral (10 min), Marais Poitevin (Maillezais, Damvix, Coulon in Deux-Sèvres), Saint-Denis-du-Payré bird reserve, La Tranche-sur-Mer and coast (25 min).