Description
Enjoy a unique experience at the largest craft fair in the Alps
On 30 and 31 January every year, Aosta Valley artists and craftspeople proudly display the fruits of their skill and creativity at the Saint-Ours Fair, in the streets of central Aosta.
In the Middle Ages, the fair was held in the “Bourg d’Aoste“, around the Collegiate Church named after Saint Ours. Legend has it that it all began in front of the church, when the Saint, who lived in the 9th century, made a habit of handing out clothes and “sabots” – the traditional wooden clogs still on show at the fair today – to the poor.
Today the whole city centre takes part in the event, within and alongside the Roman walls of Aosta.
Every form of traditional Aosta Valley craftsmanship is represented: wood carving and decoration, work in soapstone, wrought iron and leather, weaving of cloth, woollen fabric made on old wooden looms, as well as lace, wicker objects, household items, wooden ladders, barrels…
The Saint-Ours Fair is a celebration of the creativity and work of mountain people, a great popular event that showcases the character of the Aosta Valley identity.
A visit to the Saint-Ours Fair is therefore an extraordinary and unforgettable experience, full of emotion. In fact, it is not so much the commercial side that draws the exhibitors to the fair, but rather the wish to leave the workshop and meet a public that appreciates their quality work and creativity, the fruit of centuries-old traditions. Likewise, visitors don’t come to the Fair just to find a bargain, a useful everyday item or a beautiful piece to decorate their home, but above all to “breathe in” a unique atmosphere.
During the fair you can also visit “l’Atelier” on the central Place Chanoux, where you can admire the artistic work of craftspeople who have made their art their profession.
The Saint-Ours Fair is also about music and folklore, with entertainment in the historic centre, as well as opportunities to taste Aosta Valley wines and specialities at the food and wine pavilion set up on Place Plouves.
The festivities reach their peak with the “Veillà“, the night-time vigil between the two days of the Fair, which lights up the streets and fills them with people until dawn.
Then, when you head back up to Cogne, you will find the winter calm of the mountains, where you can rest and recharge with seasonal activities such as lovely walks, snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing and more…
