Each year, in late February or early March, the Porte de Versailles exhibition center transforms for over a week into an enormous urban farm. The Paris International Agricultural Show brings together hundreds of cows, horses, sheep, and poultry of French breeds, along with stalls of regional products from across France, in a lively, friendly atmosphere that draws several hundred thousand visitors each year, from city dwellers to agricultural professionals. Beyond the animals, the show is also a chance to taste and buy local produce directly from producers, from cheeses to cured meats to regional wines, with tastings offered at most stalls.
A prize-winning Vosges cow
The animals, meticulously groomed by their breeders, are presented along the show's aisles; being able to observe and get close to these prize livestock remains one of the event's biggest draws for city-dwelling visitors.
Traditional costumes and entertainment in the aisles
Throughout the week, groups in regional dress liven up the aisles between stands, as seen here in front of the stand devoted to the Aubrac cattle breed.
Tips
Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends, when crowds can make the aisles quite packed by midday; arriving right at opening time is still the best way to enjoy the animals in peace. Bring cash or a card for tastings, which are generally not free even when offered informally at the regional stands.
