The Goat's Cheese (Crottin) From Chavignol, with a quality guarantee (A.O.C.) since 1976, has been made on the hills of Sancerre for several centuries as testifies the written work of Jean de Lery dating from 1573 " The memorable history of Sancerre".

The official Chavignol zone now covers a large part of the Cher department as well as small areas of the Nievre and Loiret departments. The Chavignol crottin gets its name from a small terracotta oil lamp called a "crot".

The Fair takes place every year on the Sunday the closest to the 1st May. The whole network, producers and craftsmen, gets together and welcomes you to "La Mignonne" situated between Sancerre and Chavignol.

information : Chavignol Developpement

9 route de Chavignol

F - 18300 SANCERRE 

Tel. (33)2 48 78 51 05

The Cheese Fair in Vailly sur Sauldre has existed since 1986. It is organised by local farm producers.

In the heart of the Pays Fort, the third Friday in August sees the Cheese Fair open from 8am to 2pm. For this occasion the centre of the village is reserved for producers from the region who come and present their cheeses to the public.

The Crottin from Chavignol has a dominating role but you will also find various cow's and sheep's cheeses.

The Cheese Fair also offers other regional produce such as wine from Sancerre, Pouilly sur Loire, Coteaux du Giennois, venison, bird game etc.

information : capri-marnes@wanadoo.fr

There is now a well-established tradition which consists of celebrating good living and good eating in the form of a gastronomic exhibition, the third weekend in November. This attracts epicureans from the Loire Valley and bordering counties.

During the two days dedicated to the producers of our regional and the most renowned chefs of the region, local gastronomy is given its due.

On a different theme every year (2000 : the Stuarts Castle in Aubigny-sur-Nere, 2001 : Witchcraft in the Berry, 2002 : Tales from La Fontaine) students can give free reign to their imagination as they are given the challenge of producing in a variety of forms, the produce from the Sancerre, Pouilly sur Loire and Sologne regions. The same exercise is done by the best chefs in the Nievre end the Berry departments too.

information : Journees Gourmandes de Belleville sur Loire

F - 18240 BELLEVILLE SUR LOIRE 

Tel. (33)2 48 72 57 13