Freiburg folklore is, for a weekend, present in the medieval streets of the town of Estavayer-le-Lac. Epicureans and simple onlookers enjoy tasting, discovering, laughing and living around the Bénichon and its customs. . Animations and a small farm are set up to entertain children and adults alike. The Bénichon menu is the star of the party. Visitors who are most fond of traditional dishes are delighted to enjoy ham, leg, meringues and cuchaule.
Every year, a highlight of this event is the Bénichon mustard competition. The candidates compete in two categories: amateur and professional. The jury composed of members of the Confraternity of Mustard Masters will proceed to the tasting and nomination of the winners. The sweet and sour jams, which are inseparable from a Bénichon's meal, are all part of the manufacturing secret. Each holds its own recipe, handed down under the seal of family secrecy and skilfully refined and improved over the generations. Taste, texture and consistency are three aspects judged by the Mustard Masters. At the end of the tastings, the subtlest preparation wins the title of the best mustard of Bénichon in the canton of Fribourg.
- From 26 Aug 2023 to 27 Aug 2023
- Saturday
- 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday
- 09:00 - 17:00
- From 24 Aug 2024 to 25 Aug 2024
- Saturday
- 09:00 - 18:00
- Sunday
- 09:00 - 17:00
- Free event
- Benichon market on Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and on Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm
- The mustard competition takes place on Saturday morning on the Church Square or under the arcades (in case of bad weather)
- Farm of the Bénichon at the Rue du Musée
- Free horse-drawn carriage rides on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm (please register in advance at the Tourist Office)
- Live musical entertainment in the Grand Rue and Rue de l'Hôtel de Ville (Saturday 11am - 2pm / 6pm - 9pm and Sunday 11am - 3pm)
- Merry-go-rounds on the Place du Casino
- The Bénichon meal is available in the city's restaurants
- Public transport
- Directions
- Estavayer-le-Lac/Payerne et Région Place des Bastians 1 1470 Estavayer-le-Lac +41 26 301 60 30 tourisme@estavayer-payerne.ch estavayer-payerne.ch