Foire aux Ânes

The event has always been held in Moyaux, a typical Pays d'Auge village.
The setting for the fair is picturesque: donkeys and stalls are set up in the central square, surrounded by timber-framed houses. A church with a "curiously inclined" steeple dominates the air.
A host, dressed in traditional Norman costume, walks around the square to present the various events. Several competitions punctuate the day. Juries (some of them very young) vote for the most beautiful donkeys, the most beautiful pedigree donkeys, the most beautiful photos... Before the prize-giving ceremony at the end of the day, the animals parade through the village. The day's activities include storytelling, Norman dances, lectures and donkey rides.
Despite many requests, Moyaux has endeavoured to keep the fair unique - it's not a general fair where car dealerships stand next to household goods dealers. The events and exhibitors all revolve around the donkey and rural life.
The king of the show, the long-eared animal is seen in all its dimensions.
The event is also designed to be educational, offering advice on how to breed a donkey to anyone interested in acquiring one.
Finally, because it is a fair, the commercial dimension should not be forgotten. It is possible to buy and sell donkeys. At the same time, visitors can browse a farmers' market, as Normandy has no shortage of local produce to tempt the taste buds...
In short, the Moyaux donkey fair is an event that strives to preserve an identity renowned for its conviviality, and aims to bring together all generations in the same place, from children happy to stroke the donkeys to the oldest, nostalgic for life in the old days...