Every year, thousands of farmers gather in Paris for the Salon de l’Agriculture, a nine-day event that transforms the city’s exhibition halls into a showcase of France’s agricultural heritage. Held at Porte de Versailles, this event attracts over 600,000 visitors, offering a glimpse into the country’s farming traditions, livestock, and regional produce. More than just an industry fair, it has become a major cultural event that reflects France’s deep-rooted connection to agriculture and gastronomy.
At the heart of the exhibition is the livestock showcase, featuring more than 4,000 animals, including cattle, sheep, and horses. A special mascot, known as the “muse,” is chosen each year to represent the event. In 2025, this honor goes to Oupette, a six-year-old Limousin cow weighing 1,000 kg. Her owner has been preparing her for months, ensuring she is accustomed to crowds and noise so she can be in top form when the show begins.
Agriculture holds a special place in French identity. For many, the country’s celebrated gastronomy is inseparable from its farming traditions. Even though a majority of the population now lives in urban areas, a large portion of the French people have farming roots only a few generations back. The Salon allows city dwellers to reconnect with these traditions, offering a rare opportunity to interact with farm animals, sample artisanal products, and learn about agricultural techniques.
Politically, the event is a crucial moment in the French calendar. Presidents and politicians make it a priority to attend, recognizing the event as an opportunity to engage directly with farmers and rural communities. Over the years, it has become something of a political endurance test, with leaders competing to spend the most time at the show. Former President Jacques Chirac was one of the first to embrace this tradition, cultivating his image as a champion of the countryside. More recently, Emmanuel Macron set a record in 2024 by spending 13 hours at the event, a move seen as an effort to reassure farmers amid widespread protests over low wages, heavy regulation, and foreign competition.
However, the fair is not always a smooth affair for politicians. Confrontations between farmers and political leaders are common. In 2008, then-President Nicolas Sarkozy made headlines when he insulted a farmer who refused to shake his hand. In 2016, riot police were called in after protesters booed President François Hollande and tore down the agriculture ministry’s stand. These incidents highlight the deep frustrations within the farming community, which often uses the Salon as a platform to voice grievances.
This year, the political stakes are particularly high. With Macron focused on European efforts regarding the US-Russia conflict in Ukraine and his government in crisis, the reception of different political leaders at the event will be telling. Prime Minister François Bayrou, under pressure from both the far right and a left-wing coalition, will attend alongside National Rally leader Jordan Bardella, who has gained significant support among farmers. The response to Bardella will be closely watched, especially as his party continues to gain traction in rural areas.
Beyond politics, the Salon remains a celebration of France’s agricultural wealth. It allows visitors to experience the richness of the country’s terroir, from high-quality cheeses and wines to traditional meats and organic produce. It is a moment of pride for farmers, a reminder of the importance of their work, and a chance for the French public to reconnect with their rural heritage.
