Traditional festivals folklore and fairs Rhônes-Alpes

The Glorieuses de Bresse will celebrate their 150 years in 2012. In fact, since 1862, at Christmas, Bourg-en-Bresse (on 14 December), Louhans (15 December), Pont-de-Vaux (16) and Montrevel (18) welcome the most beautiful poultry in Bresse. Turkey, capons, poulardes, plucked chickens, rolled, restricted and moulded into a vegetable canvas according to ancestral know-how, all the fine flower of Bresse's production - world AOC - is exposed and then put on sale after the competition under the covered market. Professionals, restaurateurs and personalities meet to reward the know-how of the bressans breeders, crowned by the restoration of a vase of Sèvres offered by the President of the Republic.

The tourist office offers guided tours of the poultry competition between a. m. and p. m. at 3 €. It is advisable to reserve 04 74 22 49 40.

at the end of October. Mountain biking with several loops, cross 8,5 km and 15 km. Opportunity to walk. Several loops for choice, race for children. A real popular feast with chestnut tastings. Organized by the School of Sports and Recreation/Sou. Contact 06 15 07 80 82.

every year in August.

It takes place on the last weekend of October, since 1861. Initially, it was to pay tribute to Benoît Raclet, who saved the vine from the borer, a worm that décimait the vines and falls close to those of Beaujolais in the th century. Since then, the memory of this man has been kept alive, and the festival also allows to sample the first samples of the new vintage and to speculate on his future.

The first weekend of February.

Wood carving has always played an important role in Bessans. For two days, local artisans from Maurienne and France present their works and know-how at the 19 ^th meeting of wood sculptors and artisans. No doubt you will hear about Bessans's devil legend. This feast reminds us of the important crafts of yesteryear, which occupied the long winter nights.

The place Charles-Dullin in the centre of the small town of Yenne becomes the time of one afternoon a large playground for your children: many diverstissements and creative workshops promise pleasant moments to share with family! Games of building, address, reflection, to do in solo or team, a very tight time for children, etc. Even if parents help or blow the answers.

Thanks to the Valmeinier Heritage Association, several monuments such as the Moulin aux Grands Côtes and chapels in the hamlets have been renovated. On the occasion of the employers'celebration on 11 August, the association will celebrate its 10 years around the church 1500 with a mass, a traditional meal, a presentation of the country's costumes and local crafts… The volunteers of the association, the inhabitants of Valmeinier, remain committed to their history, tradition and environment; They invite you to discover local gastronomy through built heritage, crafts and meeting with animals. They tell many stories and stories.

At the beginning of August, during a whole weekend, folklore and traditions are organized around wood and lumbering. In other words, horizontal axe, vertical axe, solo or two-person operation, chainsaw and springboard are all at work. It should be noted that there is a contest that spices up the party. A festive atmosphere in the village and entertainment for all, a craftsmen's market and a garage sale: the traditional Fête du Bois et du Bûcheronnage takes place at an altitude of 1,600 m in Les Saisies. Mountain gastronomy is obviously part of the celebration.