The 2026 Traditional Market: Discovering River Navigation

For its 2026 edition, the Chinon Traditional Market invites you on a true journey back in time by honoring the heritage of river navigation. Enjoy a bygone atmosphere with a grand parade, photo retrospectives, a market bringing together around fifty artisans and producers, as well as impressive traditional threshing demonstrations.

The event will take place in the presence of an exceptional guest: Fabienne Thibeault, patron of this edition.

Opening Night: Friday, August 21

The festivities will begin the day before with a grand pyrotechnic show. Join us on the Quai Danton beach, facing the majestic Royal Fortress, starting at 10:00 PM.

Saturday, August 22 Program

• 9:45 AM: Launch on the Vienne river with the departure of a flotilla of boats (subject to water levels).

• 10:00 AM: Departure of the grand parade from Quai Danton. The procession will cross the Aliénor d’Aquitaine bridge, pause for a release of 150 pigeons in front of the Rabelais statue, and take the Quai Jeanne d’Arc to reach the Promenades des Docteurs Mattraits and the main stage.

• 12:00 PM: Official launch of the Traditional Market on the stage by the patron, Fabienne Thibeault.

• 12:45 PM: Performance by the folk dance group La Clé des Champs.

• 1:15 PM: Performance by the folk group Les Avants deux.

• 1:45 PM: Musical stroll by the Marching Band L’Élan saumurois through the market aisles.

• 2:00 PM: Music with La Band’ à Rabelais.

• 2:30 PM: First traditional threshing demonstration.

• 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM: Concert by the group Anaïs Swingtet (1st part).

• 3:45 PM – 4:10 PM: Chinon en scène interlude (2nd part).

• 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM: Continuation of the Anaïs Swingtet concert (3rd part).

• 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: French songs recital by Bernard Gatti.

• 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Second traditional threshing demonstration.

• 6:15 PM – 7:00 PM: Surprise reserved for Fabienne Thibeault.

• 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM: Grand popular ball to close the day, hosted by the Décibel orchestra and singer Jenny.

Continuous Activities (All day)

• Around river navigation: Exhibitions of model boats, wood carving workshops for children, sea shanties with Vents d’Galerne, and discovery of Loire fishing hosted by the Maille Tourangelle association.

• Mechanics and traditions: Large exhibition of vintage cars and tractors.

• Market and old trades: Over fifty stalls hosting local producers, artisans, and art creators. You can also admire demonstrations of ancestral skills with ropemakers, a traditional smokehouse, basket weavers, clog makers, and lacemakers.

• Music and strolls: Barrel organ with Louise, salsa initiations and demonstrations, sea shanties with Vents d’Galerne, and performances by various folk groups.

• Children’s area: Dedicated village offering pony rides with the Écuries de l’Aube and photo sessions for costumed families.

• Gastronomy and conviviality: Gourmet village featuring a meal prepared by the Cinais Festival Committee. Several refreshment and food stalls will be run by the Traditional Market association, the 3 Vallées Festival Committee, and Les Peus Moyens. Small food stalls (fouées, crêpes, waffles) will also be available for quick snacks.

Practical Information

• Date and times: Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

• Location: Promenade des Docteurs Mattraits, Chinon.

• Accessibility: Public event, open to all.