Throughout the year, Annecy never ceases to amaze visitors with its various seasonal events and fairs. As Christmas approaches, the Saint André Fair is in the spotlight! With its 11,000 retailers and 5.5 kilometres of stalls, it attracts tens of thousands of bargain-hunters every year. Immerse yourself in the history and world of the Saint André Fair and treat yourself before the 2024 festive season really gets underway!
History and Tradition of Annecy's Saint André Fair
Five centuries strong, the Saint André Fair has a surprising longevity and atypical history. There are even references dating back to 1132, when the Count of Geneva was required to pay a sum to Tamier Abbey on Saint Andrew’s Day. Back in the Middle Ages, Saint Andrew’s Day was held on the first Tuesday in December (as it still is today), and was an opportunity for people living in remote areas of the mountains to sell their produce and prepare for winter by stocking up on food and utensils.
The fair showcased agricultural equipment, and horse dealers would race their animals to demonstrate their virtues before selling them to the highest bidders. It was also an opportunity to meet “camelots” (itinerant merchants who would sell all sorts of different items) and “casseurs d’assiette” (vendors who would break their porcelain if they didn’t manage to sell it during the day).
Today, the locals’ needs and living conditions have obviously evolved, but the Saint André Fair has managed to retain the festive atmosphere that has always characterised it.
What to see and do at the 2024 Saint André Fair in Annecy.
The Saint André Fair provides an opportunity for local residents and visitors from surrounding villages to pick up bargains on handicrafts stalls and sample regional specialities. But that’s not all the Saint André Fair offers. There’s also other activities, such as the Saint-André funfair, which runs from 23rd November to 8th December. Here you can enjoy a range of thrilling rides for all ages, including a Ferris wheel, to the rhythm of dazzling lights and festive music.
What’s more, as you wander among the various stalls at the Saint André Fair, you’re sure to come across stallholders selling all sorts of products: in the run-up to Christmas, there are likely to be santons, typical recipes from the region, and a whole host of bargains from clothes to handicrafts. In other words, the fair offers something for everyone.
Typical products found at the Saint André Fair
The main reason to go to the Saint André Fair is to try the local produce that’s typical of Annecy and the surrounding area! Indeed, the region around Annecy is renowned for its generosity and age-old recipes, which emphasises just how long the Saint André Fair has been running. On the menu, there’s a plethora of cheese-based winter dishes, such as Savoyard fondue, a regional staple that packs an astronomical amount of cow’s milk cheese onto your plate. Speaking of cheese, you can also try the local tartiflette – a very typical cheese and potato gratin that is a real hit in Haute Savoie – at the Saint André Fair from 8am.
Meat lovers can enjoy miniature pork sausages called “diots“. These are cooked with white wine and onions and are usually accompanied by Crozets de Savoie, which are small pieces of flat pasta that can be recognised by their square shape. They can also be cooked “croziflette” style with onions and bacon, and covered with gratin cheese.
A typical Savoyard white wine is the perfect accompaniment to your meal: its sweet aroma will enhance the various dishes you are served, but beware, it can quickly go to your head! We recommend a dry and very aromatic wine called Roussette de Savoie that is sure to delight your taste buds!
At Saint André Fair you’ll also find desserts: sweet treats such as gâteau de Savoie, a cake made from flour, cornstarch, sugar and eggs, usually accompanied by apple sauce, or chocolate truffles, or other confectionery made from dark chocolate, liquid cream, butter and a hint of vanilla.
As you’ll have gathered, visiting Saint André Fair also gives you the opportunity to discover local specialities that you can treat yourself to during your shopping trip.
A few tips to have the best time at the Saint André Fair
The Saint André Fair attracts a lot of tourists: last year, no less than 80,000 people visited in one day. To make life easier and avoid getting stuck in a traffic jam, it’s recommended that you get there on foot or by bus: being based in the city centre, the Saint André Fair is easy to reach by bus, with SIBRA bus services stopping on the rue Sommelier.
For those who still want to drive, there are several car parks close to the fair: the Sainte Claire car park on the rue de la Gare, the Poste car park, which is closed from 5am, and the Carnot car park, which is closed from 5am to 7pm.
Finally, the market is free to enter, which means you can go there whenever you want. Please note, however, that the fair’s traders will be there all day, from 9am to 7pm.
Join us at the Saint André Fair!
The Saint André Fair is an unmissable event for bargain hunters and food connoisseurs of all kinds! Come and enjoy a festive atmosphere, gourmet cuisine and local produce that celebrate Savoyard traditions. Would you like to take part and wander around the stalls? This is where Location Lac Annecy comes in! By booking your accommodation on our website, not only can you enjoy the Saint André Fair, but also all the other events held in Annecy during the festive season.