11 May 12 May 2024

Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye
Free

In the heart of Puisaye-Forterre, nestled between Yonne and Nièvre, resides a living heritage, born from the earth: pottery. The history of pottery dates back to the Middle Ages when the first potters settled here, attracted by the generous clay and natural pigments.  This ancestral tradition makes Puisaye a renowned jewel of French ceramics. Workshops, shops, museums and pottery markets perpetuate this centuries-old tradition today.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the pottery markets

The history of pottery markets is woven from the very earth that gives life to both utilitarian objects and contemporary works of art. Each market is a tribute to know-how, highlighting the incredible diversity of local and elsewhere productions.. From delicate porcelain bowls, to jewelry, to larger sculptures, each piece tells a unique story. Strolling through the market aisles, you will meet artists and craftsmen, passionate about their profession, and willingly sharing their expertise and techniques with you.

What are the most famous pottery markets in Puisaye? 

This is at Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye, labeled Cities and crafts, you will benefit from 2 excellent pottery markets:

  • The Spring of Ceramics, Saturday and Sunday of the Easter weekend.
  • The rise of ceramics, Saturday and Sunday following Ascension Thursday.

That of Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, in July and the ceramics festival in Treigny, in August are also unmissable events.

Are there practical workshops offered during these markets? 

  • Shooting demonstration : Rise of ceramics in Saint-Amand en Puisaye
  • Introductory workshops for children : Rise of ceramics in Saint-Amand en Puisaye, potters' fair in Saint-Sauveur en Puisaye, Ceramics Festival in Treigny.
  • Wood cooking  Saturday and unloading Sunday from 18 p.m., at the ceramics festival in Treigny.
Village of Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye

The village of Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye, capital of pottery in Burgundy

The excellent pottery markets in Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye

Saint-Amand en Puisaye, town and arts and crafts and City of Character Burgundy Franche-Comté, is the capital of ceramics in Burgundy. Its soil composed of excellent clay and natural resources have enabled a real artisanal boom in ceramic activity in this city.

What are the other must-see places in Saint-Amand en Puisaye?

  • Le CNIFOP : International Training Center for arts and ceramics professions.
  • La House of Pottery Memory : rare vestige of a group of buildings typical of pottery production.
  • Le sandstone museum : traces more than 4 centuries of pottery in Puisaye. You will discover, on exhibition, magnificent pieces from the Carriès school which feature great names in ceramics such as Jean Carriès, Paul Jeanneney...
  • Exhibition and sales galleries in the wings of the castle.
  • La shop “Art d’ici” in the tourist office and numerous ceramic artisan shops.
  • The Jean Carriès path: 8 km marked hiking trail.

How do I register as an exhibitor at these events?

  • The spring of collectible ceramics: Association of Friends of Stoneware on 06 86 27 60 97.
  • The Ascension of Pottery: Association of Friends of Cadet Gaubier Pottery: 03 86 39 63 01 or 06 59 07 24 34.
  • For any further information: contact the town hall or the Tourist Office.

Two major events dedicated to ceramic art bear witness to this rich past: 

Arsène Jurman / Puisaye Tourism
Ceramics Festival at the Convent of Treigny

The spring of collectible ceramics

takes place Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend, in the rooms of the castle. This exhibition and sale, organized by the “Les amis du grès” association, reflects the enthusiasm for the pottery tradition. Collectors, lovers of useful or artistic ceramics, passionate, patiently wait for the market to open to unearth a gem and enrich their collection.

Opening hours from May 11 to May 12, 2024
Saturday Open
Sunday Open

The Rise of Pottery 

takes place the Saturday and Sunday following Ascension Thursday, in the castle park. This event welcomes around forty exhibitors, both established high-end ceramists and young talents. Every year there is an influx of visitors, residents, and neighboring departments. Exhibitions, musical entertainment, open days at the CNIFOP, guided tours and filming demonstration will delight children and adults alike.

Arsène Jurman / Puisaye Tourism
Ceramics Festival at the Convent of Treigny

The potters’ fair in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye

 Created in 1982, the potters' fair, the third weekend of July, attracts a large audience in the magnificent castle park. This festival welcomes more than sixty exhibitors who come from all over France or abroad. There we find both young talents, passionate about working the land, as well as experienced artisans. Tableware, jewelry, sculptures, decorative objects, birdhouses... fill the stands.

Opening hours from July 20 to July 21, 2024
Saturday Open
Sunday Open

Where to eat during the fair? 

  • Small meals on site during the fair.
  • In the center of the village, restaurants will be open.

How to exhibit?

Contact the festival committee on 06 75 39 45 62 or by email [email protected]

The essential places to visit in Saint-Sauveur en Puisaye? 


The ceramics festival in Treigny

This festival, around August 10, is the opportunity to discover several activities with the common thread: ceramics.

Opening hours from August 10 to August 11, 2024
Saturday Open from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m.
Sunday Open from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m.
  • Pottery market : with around forty exhibitors installed in the Convent orchard.
  • Conference.
  • Exhibition free inside the convent. 
  • Modeling workshop.
  • Cook time on Saturday and unloading on Sunday.
  • Concert.

How to register as an exhibitor?

Request your application form by email to the address: [email protected], from the start of the year.

Where to eat during the Festival? 

  • Snacks on the spot.
  • Two restaurants in the town center: Le Carrouge and Café du Bal.

What are the places to visit near the Festival? 

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