Gonneville-la-Mallet - Foire Primée
Livestock market dating back to 1633
The Foire Primée of Gonneville-la-Mallet: A Tradition Rooted in Centuries of Rural Life
Every spring, the village of Gonneville-la-Mallet, nestled in the rolling hills of the Pays de Caux in Normandy, comes alive with the sounds and sights of one of the region’s oldest rural traditions: the Foire Primée. First held in the year 1633, this remarkable fair has endured for nearly four centuries, evolving with the times but always remaining faithful to its agricultural soul.
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The Foire Primée is not just a market; it is a living heritage. Farmers and breeders from across Normandy converge on the village to showcase and sell their finest livestock. The variety is as diverse as it is impressive: horses,
cows,
donkeys, chickens, roosters,
geese,
ducks,
rabbits,
and even the occasional goat or pig. These animals are not just for show — they are judged, ranked, and prized, with ribbons awarded to the best in breed. The name “Foire Primée” itself refers to this system of awards and honors that has long encouraged excellence in animal husbandry.
Walking through the fair is like stepping into a past where rural life dictated the rhythm of the seasons. Stalls line the town square and surrounding streets, filled with the braying of donkeys, the clucking of hens, and the neighing of proud horses being paraded by their owners. For many locals, it is an annual celebration of hard work and agricultural pride, a time when breeders receive recognition for their dedication, and families come together to enjoy a festive day out.
Over time, the Foire Primée has expanded to become more than a livestock market. Artisans, food producers, and local businesses now add to the charm of the event, offering regional specialties such as Normandy cider, cheeses, sausages, and baked goods. Children pet the animals, grandparents reminisce about past editions of the fair, and visitors from outside the region discover a slice of authentic Norman culture that still thrives, year after year.
Yet, what truly sets the Foire Primée apart is its atmosphere. There’s something deeply communal about the event — a shared sense of belonging to the land and its rhythms. It is a rare thing to find a tradition that has lasted since 1633 and still feels so vital, so relevant, and so joyously alive.
For those seeking a genuine experience of French rural life, there are few better windows into the country’s pastoral soul than a visit to Gonneville-la-Mallet during the Foire Primée. As the stalls go up and the animals arrive, the village once again becomes a stage for one of Normandy’s most enduring and endearing spectacles.
The foire primée takes place on the Wednesday morning preceding Palm Sunday week.