Step Into Normandy’s Grand Open-Air Farm

Every September, in the heart of Normandy, a centuries-old tradition breathes life into the small town of Lessay. From 12 to 14 September 2025, the Sainte-Croix Fair (La Foire Sainte-Croix de Lessay) will once again transform the town into a giant open-air farm — and a celebration of rural life, heritage, and community spirit.

If you’ve ever dreamt of stepping back into a time when fairs were the lifeblood of rural regions, the Sainte-Croix Fair is your perfect journey.

A Fair Born of Faith and Trade: The Origins

The Sainte-Croix Fair dates back to the 11th century, founded around 1050 by the monks of the Abbey of Lessay. In medieval times, fairs were more than festivities — they were crucial economic and social events. Farmers, breeders, artisans, and traders would travel for days to reach Lessay, bringing with them cattle, horses, agricultural goods, and handcrafted products. The monks established the fair to support the abbey’s prosperity and to boost trade across the Cotentin Peninsula.

Today, nearly a thousand years later, the spirit of those early gatherings still echoes across the fields and streets of Lessay every September.

A Colossal Gathering

Over 400,000 visitors are expected to pass through Lessay during the three-day event. It’s not just a fair — it’s one of the largest rural fairs in France, sprawling over 32 hectares and featuring more than 1,500 exhibitors!

The Sainte-Croix Fair is a place where tradition and innovation meet. As you wander through the vibrant maze of stalls and pavilions, you’ll encounter:

• Cattle and horse shows, showcasing the finest breeds of Normandy
• Agricultural machinery exhibits, from traditional plows to cutting-edge farming technology
• Gastronomy stands, brimming with Normandy’s finest cheeses, cider, calvados, and charcuterie
• Artisan crafts, offering everything from handwoven baskets to bespoke leather goods
• Local produce markets, bursting with fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and homemade jams
• Carnival rides and entertainment, adding a festive flair for visitors of all ages

Every corner of the fair buzzes with life: farmers negotiating deals, families exploring, children laughing, and the air thick with the scents of roasted meats, fresh bread, and apple tarts.

A True Celebration of Rural Normandy

What sets the Sainte-Croix Fair apart is its authenticity. This isn’t a commercial fair set up for tourists — it’s a real, living tradition, where the heartbeat of Normandy’s agricultural heritage can be felt with every step.

You’ll witness centuries-old practices alongside modern innovations. Prize-winning livestock parades next to sleek tractors. Farmers proudly tell their stories, often passing traditions down through generations. It’s a reminder of the enduring connection between the land and the people.

Practical Information for 2025

🗓 Dates: Friday, 12 September – Sunday, 14 September 2025
📍 Location: Lessay, Manche, Normandy, France
🚗 Access: Ample parking is organized around the town, with shuttle services available to the fairgrounds.
🎟 Admission: Free entry!

Tip: Arrive early to make the most of the day — there’s a lot to see! Comfortable shoes are a must.

Make It a Weekend to Remember

Why not turn your visit into a full Normandy adventure? Explore the surrounding area with its lush countryside, historic abbeys, and beautiful beaches. After a bustling day at the fair, unwind at one of the charming local accommodations and savor the slower pace of rural life.

The Sainte-Croix Fair is not just an event — it’s an experience, a deep dive into the soul of Normandy. Whether you’re a lover of agriculture, history, gastronomy, or simply looking for an unforgettable French experience, Lessay in September 2025 is calling.

Come and be part of a living tradition — come walk the open-air farm of Normandy.

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Here are some official and helpful web links related to the Sainte-Croix Fair in Lessay that you can use for reference or to direct readers for more information:

Official Sources:

• Lessay Tourist Office (Office de Tourisme de Lessay)
  • 📌 www.tourisme-lessay.fr
    • Check for the latest event schedules, maps, and visitor guides.
• Normandy Tourism (Normandie Tourisme)
  • 📌 en.normandie-tourisme.fr
    • General info on regional fairs and festivals.
• Manche Department Official Site (Conseil Départemental de la Manche)
  • 📌 www.manche.fr
    • May feature news on the fair’s agricultural significance.

News & Event Listings:

• Ouest-France (Local News Coverage)
  • 📌 www.ouest-france.fr
    • Search “Foire Sainte-Croix Lessay” for articles.
• Le Bonhomme Libre (Manche Regional News)
  • 📌 www.lebonhommelibre.fr
    • Often covers the fair’s highlights.

See you in Lessay for a weekend of tradition, community, and agricultural pride! 🌾🐄🎪