Have you heard of the Foire de Sens? Every year for five days, between the end of April and the beginning of May, the streets of the city centre welcome 350 stands, a mini farm and a funfair! This outdoor market and fair is free of charge and has become a major tradition for the city, attracting up to 300,000 visitors looking for a bargain, delicious local specialities or thrills on the fairground rides! The city is transformed and for these few days a festive atmosphere takes over. A must-see event if you want to experience Sens at its very best!
One of the last outdoor fairs that is still free-of-charge
The Foire Commerciale de Sens comes straight from the medieval tradition. It is outdoor and completely free-of-charge, covering 3 kilometres along the historical town centre. The city is completely transformed and takes on a very special atmosphere.
You can find everything at the fair: furniture, clothes, cars, gadgets, household items, arts and crafts, and delicious food.
It’s a great opportunity to taste some of the local products and specialities: snails, beers, local wines, honey, nougat… The stands are colourful and offer so many scents and flavours… A stroll through awakens all the senses…
This tradition comes back every year
The locals and visitors from the surrounding area eagerly look forward to this annual event. Taking a stroll around the Foire on the 1st May is THE family day out for the locals of the Sénonais region, they may even bump into some long-lost friends. This highlight of the year is for a lot of people, an important part of the identity of the region.
And we never get tired of the Foire! Every year, there is something new: shows, gourmet activities, new technology and much more.
Recently a “gourmet centre” welcomes great chefs from the Sénonais region. They reveal some of their recipes with cooking demonstrations in a temporary kitchen set up for the occasion. Every day there’s a new chef, new food on the menu and a new celebration!
Not-to-mention the funfair!
Over 80 rides add to the excitement of the event. There’s something for the whole family, from the little Ferris wheel (one of the most ancient rides) to the caterpillar rollercoaster, the traditional shooting practice to the dodgems, and then the more daring rides for the thrill seekers among you! The scent of candy floss and other sweet treats fills the air, it’ll be hard to resist!
The fun begins one week before the rest of the Foire, and carries on for one week after. As per tradition, it ends with a big fireworks display!
Some practical information
- See the events’ calendar for all the events coming up!
- Car parks are available just outside the city. There are shuttle buses (free on Sundays and on the 1st May) to get to the town centre.
