Aosta Saint-Orso Fair
The millennial fair of Aosta Valley craftsmanship in the heart of Aosta
About Saint-Orso Fair
A thousand years of craftsmanship in the heart of Aosta
The Saint-Orso Fair — Foire de Saint-Ours in French, the region's historic language — is the symbol of the Aosta Valley and one of Europe's oldest craft fairs. Tradition traces its origins back to the year 1000, the era of the founding of the collegiate church dedicated to Saint Orso, a monk who, according to legend, distributed sabots (wooden clogs) to the city's poor. Since then, every year at the end of January, the historic center of Aosta fills with stalls and voices, keeping alive a centuries-old tradition.
Over a thousand artisans along the streets
For two days, the pedestrian streets — from the Arch of Augustus to Via Sant'Orso, from Piazza Chanoux to adjacent areas — host over a thousand artisans from every corner of the region. The exhibited works showcase Aosta Valley know-how: wood sculptures and turned objects, soapstone carvings, wrought iron and copper, leather, wool, the famous drap (raw wool cloth), vannerie (basketry), and ceramics. Alongside traditional artisans, the exhibition space is divided into historical, contemporary, and other professional categories.
The Veillà, the oldest white night
The most anticipated moment is the Veillà, the popular all-night vigil between January 30th and 31st: impromptu choirs, music, free vin brûlé and hot broth, with the cellars (crotte) in the center open until late at night. It's a community ritual that transforms Aosta into a large, widespread celebration, considered by many to be the festival of the entire Aosta Valley.
Atelier des Métiers and gastronomy
Enriching the fair, the Atelier des Métiers brings together master artisans and industry professionals, while the Food and Wine Pavilion offers typical regional products, from Fontina DOP to cured meats, from alpine cheeses to mountain wines. The event is organized by the Autonomous Region of the Aosta Valley and attracts between 150,000 and 200,000 visitors each year from the Aosta Valley, Valais, Savoy, and Piedmont.
Saint-Orso Fair — edition 2026
The 1026th edition of the Foire de Saint-Ours confirms the millennium of history of the event. The heart of the fair remains the historic center of Aosta, where over a thousand Aosta Valley artisans display their works on January 30th and 31st. Related events extend from January 29th to February 1st, featuring the Atelier des Métiers dedicated to professionals and the food and wine pavilion with typical regional products. The Veillà on the night of January 30th-31st is confirmed, with free mulled wine and broth and the cellars in the center open late.
Programme Saint-Orso Fair 2026
Wednesday, January 28th
- 8:30 PM — Splendor Theater: dance performance in French and Italian
Thursday, January 29th
- Opening concert with the Sant'Orso Choir, Church of Sant'Orso
- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM — Exhibition "La Foire des Savoir Faire" (until February 2nd), Hall of the Collegiate Church of Saints Peter and Orso
- Opening of Atelier des Métiers (Piazza Plouves) and Food and Wine Pavilion
Friday, January 30th
- 8:00 AM — Inauguration in Piazza Arco d'Augusto with the musical band
- 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM — Exhibition of over a thousand artisans in the historic center
- 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM — "Veillà di Petchou", woodworking educational workshops for children
- 6:00 PM — Solemn Mass dedicated to artisans, Church of Sant'Orso
- 7:00 PM — Veillà: popular vigil with free broth and mulled wine, choirs, music, and open cellars
Saturday, January 31st
- 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM — Artisan exhibition continues
- 3:00 PM — Award ceremony for the best artisans, Piazza Chanoux
- 8:30 PM — Closing show at the Splendor Theater
Exhibition spaces: Atelier des Métiers (Piazza Plouves), Food and Wine Pavilion, "Lo Tsaven de la Foire" in Piazza Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto. Along the route, food stalls from Aosta Valley Pro Loco associations and special philatelic cancellation by Poste Italiane.
Highlights Saint-Orso Fair 2026
Prices Saint-Orso Fair 2026
Practical information — Saint-Orso Fair
How to get there
Aosta is reachable by car from the A5 Turin-Aosta highway (Aosta exit) and by train to Aosta station, a few minutes' walk from the historic center. The center is entirely pedestrianized during the fair.
Dates and times
January 30-31, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Related events (Atelier des Métiers and Food and Wine Pavilion) from January 29th to February 1st. Free admission.
Tips
Dress warmly: the fair takes place outdoors in the midst of alpine winter. For those arriving from Switzerland, free return travel is provided at the Grand Saint Bernard Tunnel upon presentation of the Fair's counter-mark. Book accommodation in the city and nearby towns well in advance.
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Where does it take place — Saint-Orso Fair
Centro storico di Aosta