Saint Martin's Fair in Pont-Saint-Martin

A fair spanning centuries

The Saint Martin's Fair in Pont-Saint-Martin, in the Province of Aosta, is one of the oldest and most cherished events in the Lower Aosta Valley: its origins date back at least to the 17th century. For generations, it was the most important annual gathering for traders and breeders in the area, a crossroads that attracted merchants from Canavese and the nearby Lys Valley.

How the day unfolds

The event is divided into two main sections. In the main street and the two town squares, a large market of various goods is set up, with stalls of all kinds. Near the cemetery area, the true heart of the fair takes place: the livestock and agricultural products market, featuring animals of the prized Aosta Valley breed. The day generally runs from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The Return Fair

Alongside the main fair, there is a smaller version, the so-called Return Fair, which is entirely similar and held on the Wednesday before Saint Andrew's Day (November 30th). It is the last opportunity of the year to recapture the mercantile and convivial spirit that has always accompanied these days.

A tradition renewed

To encourage greater participation, the municipal administration has moved the fair to the second Saturday of November, a decision shared with merchants, stallholders, and breeders. The original spirit remains intact: an opportunity to experience the centre of Pont-Saint-Martin, discover local products, and breathe in the authentic rural culture of the Aosta Valley.