Every year, in the heart of autumn, Bonneville comes alive to the rhythm of an event that spans centuries: the Saint Martin Fair. It is one of the oldest meetings in Haute-Savoie, a tradition that is at once agricultural, commercial, and friendly, bringing together residents, the curious, and enthusiasts from across the department. Once again this year, on November 11, 2025, the town will transform into a vast marketplace where the Savoyard spirit blends with good cheer and the scents of yesteryear.
An ancestral tradition that endures
The Saint Martin Fair has more than 700 years of history. Originally, it marked the end of agricultural work and the time for major livestock transactions. Breeders came to sell their animals, farmers bartered their products, and the town became the stage for a large rural market.
Today, although tractors have replaced carts, the soul of the fair remains. Bonneville celebrates through this event its farming roots, its friendliness, and its attachment to the local land.
A giant market between tradition and modernity
The town center transforms for the occasion into a gigantic open-air market. Hundreds of vendors set up in the streets: artisans, producers, shopkeepers, and local creators showcase their know-how.
Among the stalls, you can find everything:
- Products from the Savoyard region (cheeses, cured meats, honeys, wines)
- Mountain clothing and accessories
- Handcrafted objects and decorations
- Agricultural activities for families and children
The alleys fill with the scents of grilled diots, steaming tartiflettes, and mulled wine. The atmosphere is festive, with music, artisan demonstrations, and often a little accordion playing in the background.
The traditional agricultural show
It is one of the most anticipated moments: the agricultural show, the true historic heart of the fair. Breeders from the region come to present their finest animals – Montbéliarde cows, draft horses, goats, and sheep.
For visitors, it is a rare opportunity to get close to these iconic mountain animals, to understand the breeders’ work, and to celebrate the agricultural wealth of Haute-Savoie. Children love it, photographers too.
Festive atmosphere and activities for all
The Saint Martin Fair is not just a market: it is also a great popular festival. On the Town Hall square and in the surrounding streets, you will find:
- Rides and fairground stands
- Musical performances and wandering shows
- Demonstrations of traditional trades
- Association booths enlivening local life
It is a moment of meeting and sharing, where generations cross paths, between childhood memories and discovery of traditions for the youngest.
Practical information 2025
- Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
- Location: Bonneville city center
- Hours: from 8 a.m. until late afternoon
- Access: parking is facilitated by peripheral car parks with free shuttles
- Advice: arrive early to enjoy the market before the crowd and taste a local specialty on site!
An event not to be missed
The Saint Martin Fair is more than an event: it is a living heritage, a link between past and present, a day when Bonneville shines with all its authenticity.
Whether you come to stroll, taste local products, admire the animals, or simply feel this very special atmosphere, everyone leaves with a smile and a little bit of Haute-Savoie in their heart.
