Paris International Agricultural Show: visit the world’s largest farmers’ market!

The Agricultural Show in a Few Figures 

• Creation: The show has been running since 1964, and has become one of France’s most emblematic events! 
• Date and venue: It takes place every year in Paris, at the Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles, usually at the end of February and beginning of March. 
• Size: The show covers over 140,000 m², divided into several halls, so if you’re not like me, you’d better put on some good shoes. 
• Number of exhibitors : Over 1,000 exhibitors from all over France! 
• Number of animals: This year’s show welcomed around 4,000 animals: cows, sheep, horses, pigs and goats! 

It’s one of the biggest agricultural events in the world! It attracts an average of over 600,000 visitors every year, who come to discover the best of French terroir and talk to the people who bring agriculture to life on a daily basis. So, a word of advice: if you’re visiting, try to go during the week, as it’ll be a little less crowded. 

Tip : For more information, visit the official website: salon-agriculture.com/en 

A day at the heart of the International Agricultural Show 

Honestly, one day isn’t enough to see everything at the International Agricultural Show! 

For my part, I spent two whole days there, especially as I had the honor of being a juror for the Concours Général Agricole (more about that below). The show spans 10 days, and there’s always something to discover. 

Hall 1: the beating heart of the Show 

The most emblematic pavilion is undoubtedly Hall 1. This is where you’ll find all the farm animals: the majestic Limousines, the robust Charolais, the adorable Bleu du Nord with their big, expressive eyes, not forgetting the sheep, goats, pigs and many more. 

Every year, a cow is chosen as the Show’s official mascot. In 2025, it’s Oupette, a splendid 6-year-old Limousine with a little red streak on her forehead! 

But these animals aren’t just there to be admired. They are also ambassadors for the regions of France, and each breeder is proud to represent his or her region, often accompanied by local specialities to taste. 

A Tour de France of flavors in Hall 3 

For a 100% gastronomic immersion, head to Hall 3! This is where each region of France has its own stand: Nord, Nouvelle Aquitaine, Occitanie, Bretagne, Normandie and many others. Each pavilion is represented by producers showcasing their region’s signature products. 

You’ll find wine, beer, an infinite variety of cheeses and charcuterie, as well as more typical specialties like Piment d’Espelette, artisanal fruit juices, local sweets and ultra-fresh oysters. A true paradise for food lovers! 

I was pleasantly surprised when I tasted for the first time a garlic soup made with pink garlic from Lautrec. Much sweeter than I’d imagined… and definitely worth making again! 

A unique atmosphere of celebration and tradition 

Beyond the tastings and meetings, what makes the Show so special is its atmosphere. What impressed me most? 

Bandas aka music bands from the South of France roam the halls, playing more than festive tunes to the sound of brass instruments, trumpets and cymbals. It’s like being at the heart of a summer feria, with contagious energy that makes you want to clap and dance! 

My meetings with breeders, producers and enthusiasts 

What I really enjoyed were the discussions with the producers and breeders. 

As a hard-core city girl, born and bred in the city, I sometimes felt a little uninformed about the world of agriculture. But every exchange was a lesson, and everyone welcomed me with great kindness, taking the time to answer my questions… even the most basic ones! 

And then I learned some fascinating facts about agriculture and food production in France.  

For example: 

• It takes 22 liters of milk to produce 1 kg of butter! 
• Oysters filter up to 200 liters of water a day, playing an essential role in the balance of marine ecosystems. 
• France is the world’s leading exporter of potatoes! With over 6 million tons produced every year, it’s no wonder the country has a reputation as a specialist in French fries! 
•  It takes just 10 days to produce a goat log! Unlike other cheeses that require several months of maturing, goat’s cheese logs develop their aromas in record time! 
• The average French farmer feeds 150 people a year. An impressive figure that underlines the importance of the agricultural sector! 

These encounters made me realize the importance of farmers’ work and their essential role in our food supply. Behind every product is know-how, passion and a commitment to quality. 

They also reminded me that our consumption choices have an impact, and that by choosing quality products, we support those who feed us. 

Jury for a day at the Concours Général Agricole 

To round off my immersion at the Paris International Agricultural Show, I had the incredible opportunity to take part as a judge in the Concours Général Agricole.

What is the Concours Général Agricole? 

Established in 1870, this prestigious competition annually rewards the best products from France’s terroir: cheeses, charcuterie, wines, jams, oysters, spirits… and much more besides. It’s a veritable institution, showcasing the excellence and expertise of French producers. 

My experience as a judge: between tasting and sensory analysis 

On the first day, I had the chance to judge sheep cheeses. The jury was a mix of industry experts (producers, affineurs, sommeliers) and enthusiasts like me, whether amateurs or cooks. 

Thanks to a scoring sheet, I had to evaluate each cheese in silence, analyzing its visual appearance, smell, texture and, of course, taste. Depending on the marks awarded by the table’s jurors, certain products are awarded a medal (gold, silver or bronze), a token of quality and national recognition. 

On the second day, I was selected to judge the jams, and more specifically the mirabelle and plum jams. Other tables were tasting products as varied as oysters, spirits, rum, fruit juices, champagne, beer, and even… sauerkraut! 

A unique experience accessible to all 

What I loved about the competition was that it was both serious and surprising. Each product is rigorously judged, but the atmosphere remains friendly. 

And the good news is that anyone can apply! All you need to do is speak French and have a genuine interest in the product you’re applying for. A golden opportunity to discover products from a new angle… and to appreciate French know-how even more! What’s more, you’ll leave with a small gift and, of course, access to the International Agriculture Show for the day. 

For more informations about both events, visit the official website: salon-agriculture.com/en and concours-general-agricole.fr/