Exhibition-Competition of Traditional Aosta Valley Handicrafts
Edition 2026 Heritage History Folk traditions

Exhibition-Competition of Traditional Aosta Valley Handicrafts

The best of traditional Aosta Valley craftsmanship in competition, in Piazza Chanoux, Aosta

Aosta — Valle d'Aosta/Vallée d'Aoste (007) Since 1954
Dates 18 Jul — 26 Jul 2026
Location Aosta (007)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Exhibition-Competition of Handicrafts

Since 1954, the Exhibition-Competition of Traditional Aosta Valley Handicrafts has brought the best of the Aosta Valley's savoir-faire to Piazza Chanoux in Aosta: wood carving, soapstone, wrought iron, weaving, leather, and much more. It's not just a market, but a true competition among artisans, with assigned themes for each sector and the awarding of the Grand Prix de l'Artisanat. A free summer event that opens the Aosta Valley handicraft season.

A competition celebrating Aosta Valley savoir-faire

The Exhibition-Competition of Traditional Aosta Valley Handicrafts is the summer event that, since 1954, has brought together the best of Aosta Valley craftsmanship in Piazza Chanoux, in the heart of Aosta. Set up under the large Foire pavilion, it is not a simple market fair: it is a true competition among artisans, with themes assigned year by year to each sector, guiding the artisans in creating their works for the competition.

Crafts of Alpine tradition

Showcasing the talent of those who work with materials and techniques typical of Aosta Valley Alpine culture:

  • Wood carving and turning
  • Soapstone and stone working
  • Wrought iron and copper
  • Weaving (drap)
  • Leather and leather goods
  • Objects and tools from the agricultural and pastoral world
  • The contemporary section ARTernative, for creative reinterpretations

The Grand Prix de l'Artisanat

A jury of experts in Aosta Valley history and ethnography evaluates the works and awards prizes by category, as well as the prestigious Grand Prix de l'Artisanat. The award-winning works are then exhibited in the autumn at Forte di Bard, extending the showcase of regional artisan excellence.

Opening the summer handicraft season

The Exhibition-Competition kicks off the summer traditional handicraft events promoted by the Autonomous Region of Aosta Valley: followed, in Piazza Chanoux, by the *Atelier des Métiers* with live demonstrations, and the historic *Foire d'été* in early August. For Aosta and the entire Region, it is a moment of identity, telling stories of culture, skill, and passion passed down from generation to generation.

Exhibition-Competition of Handicrafts — edition 2026

The 73rd Exhibition-Competition of Traditional Aosta Valley Handicrafts and the 2026 Grand Prix de l'Artisanat take place in Piazza Chanoux, Aosta, from July 18 to 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM, with free admission. The competing works, based on assigned themes for each sector, open the summer season of Aosta Valley craftsmanship, followed by the Atelier des Métiers and the Foire d'été.

The 73rd edition of the Exhibition-Competition and the 2026 Grand Prix de l'Artisanat are held in Piazza Chanoux, Aosta, from July 18 to 26, 2026, daily from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM. Under the Foire pavilion, you can admire the competing works of Aosta Valley artisans, created on assigned themes in various sectors — wood, soapstone, iron, copper, weaving, leather, and agricultural objects. The event opens the summer calendar of traditional craftsmanship and continues with the Atelier des Métiers (July 30 - August 2), featuring the debut of the "Tornitori senza Confini" event, and the Foire d'été on August 1.

Programme Exhibition-Competition of Handicrafts 2026

Exhibition-Competition and Grand Prix de l'Artisanat — Piazza Chanoux, Aosta

  • From July 18 to 26, 2026, 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
  • Competing works by Aosta Valley artisans, divided by sector (wood, soapstone, iron, copper, weaving, leather, agricultural objects, ARTernative section)
  • Awards by category and awarding of the 2026 Grand Prix de l'Artisanat

Atelier des Métiers — Piazza Chanoux

  • From July 30 to August 2, 2026: live craft demonstrations
  • Third edition of OrsOff and debut of "Tornitori senza Confini — Meeting between Traditions, Territories, and the Evolution of Turning"

Foire d'été — Aosta historic center

  • Saturday, August 1, 2026, 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM: the summer handicraft fair

Regulations, themes, and details on the official website of the Autonomous Region of Aosta Valley.

Highlights Exhibition-Competition of Handicrafts 2026

The competing works on assigned themes, the awarding of the 2026 Grand Prix de l'Artisanat, and the related events: Atelier des Métiers, "Tornitori senza Confini," and Foire d'été.

Prices Exhibition-Competition of Handicrafts 2026

Free admission to the Exhibition-Competition in Piazza Chanoux.

Practical information — Exhibition-Competition of Handicrafts

How to get there

Piazza Chanoux is the main square in Aosta, in the historic center. The city is reachable by car via the A5 motorway (Aosta exit) and by train with the city station, a few minutes' walk from the square.

When and opening hours

73rd edition from July 18 to 26, 2026, 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM. Followed by Atelier des Métiers (July 30 - August 2) and Foire d'été (August 1).

Admission

Free admission to the exhibition in Piazza Chanoux.

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Where does it take place — Exhibition-Competition of Handicrafts

Piazza Chanoux, Aosta

Piazza Chanoux, 11100 Aosta

Contact Exhibition-Competition of Handicrafts

Tel
+39 0165 274597

Exhibition-Competition of Handicrafts in brief

Heritage History Folk traditions Folklore Art crafts Crafts Ceramics Textile Outdoor Free Valle d'Aosta/Vallée d'Aoste

History of Exhibition-Competition of Handicrafts