Harvest Festival of Provins - Great event

Experience an interesting and enjoyable day for the whole family with this traditional festival, celebrating the end of the harvest as in the old days!

A celebration unique in France, taking place in the village squares and streets as they did in the 19th century.

Organised by the association "La Commune Libre de la Ville Haute", this 52nd edition proposes the theme "Along the water"!

THE HIGHLIGHTS:
> The sea and the beautiful region of Bretagne will be in the spotlight!
The cobbled streets of the upper town of Provins will resound to the sound of binioùs and bombards, with the presence of around thirty members of the Bagad des Anciens de ‘SONERIEN LANN-BIHOUÉ’!

> 3 pm.: departure of the grand parade!
A tradition par excellence, do not miss the grand parade of wheat-decorated floats, which will set off to the rhythm of musical groups, all in a festive atmosphere!

Also on the programme:
> Many volunteers and participants in traditional costume,
> Parade and exhibition of ancient tractors and old cars,
> First time experience on vintage tractors,
> Traditional Threshing with workhorse and flourmill,
> Street music, brass bands, French chanson, world rhythms, barrel organ, jazz, folk groups,
> Giant wooden games, ponies, face painting and lots more activities for children,
Exhibition of vintage toys,
> Discovery of craftsmen and regional products.

Programme available to download at the top of the page!

A little history...
In the summer, under the medieval city gates, the hooves of horses, often harnessed to carts loaded with bundles of wheat, could be heard. Their names were Bijou, Bayard...
The cart driver was cracking the air with his whip. These boots would be stored on the farm until threshing, which would take place in the winter.
The last cart crossed the village, decorated with the "Harvest Dog", a gutter decorated with wheat, oats and garden flowers, dahlias, gladioli. Then, this gutter presented to the farmers was fixed to the gate or nearby, in full view. It was a source of pride. The task was accomplished. The harvesters were happy.
A meal was shared at the masters' table: the main course was often a rooster from the farm, followed by a Brie cheese and a "boulie" pie.

Get ready for a great journey through time!