La Rochelle Fair: Rain doesn't discourage plant and animal lovers

Even in the rain, the fair attracts crowds to Châtelaillon-Plage. Farm animals and the plant market are the big favorites of this first day.

Barely 10 a.m., and already the parking lot at the La Rochelle Fair is full. Despite the rain pouring down on the Châtelaillon-Plage racecourse, cars are streaming in looking for a spot. The first day of the fair wasn't supposed to start like this. "They predicted rain starting at 5 p.m.," grumbles one exhibitor. The weather is a bit of a letdown at this event, which is largely held outdoors. Yet, the public is there, wandering among the camper vans, horse windbreakers, and duck breasts.

Along the fairgrounds, Toupie the cow, Hi and Han the two donkeys, and their traveling companions patiently await visitors. Young and old alike are eager to discover the farm animals. Les Gens de la Terre is a traveling educational farm, "a mobile green space that can be set up in the heart of any city," according to Thierry Saint-Cerin, who founded the farm in 1985. This agricultural group comes straight from Cosne-sur-Loire, in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, and tours the fairgrounds with an educational objective. "Animals help create an intergenerational bond; everyone who comes here is connected by a love of animals," says Jérôme, a member of the farm.

And the visitors are won over. The children stop in front of each animal, sometimes intimidated, sometimes more daring; the farm's gamble has paid off. "We came for the theme. We're all curious to see the animals, the children enjoy it, are almost fascinated by them," say Mylène and Catherine Bobin. Only one animal is still missing at 10 a.m.; the pig is the notable absentee, leaving some disappointed.

While strolling between the various stands, it's not uncommon to see people heading towards the exit, arms laden with plants of varying sizes. And for good reason: the Ma Plante garden center has taken over the back of the Fair. Although it's well hidden, its success hasn't been affected. People are constantly pouring in, their steps are hurried, and many are talking on their phones, trying to figure out which plant to choose from the 8,000 on offer.

Alocasia zebrina, monstera, carnivorous plants, and even aromatic plants attract bargain hunters. "I came solely for the plant sale. When the price of small plants is between one and four euros, it's still a great deal," explains Séréna Antonne. Buyers come for themselves but also for their loved ones: many are deep in phone conversations with their partners, taking photos of the plants to get feedback. "It's a bit of a crush, we didn't expect to see so many people. We came here because we can buy plants that are harder to find in supermarkets," explains Mallorie Brunet.

The attractiveness of plants confuses the exhibitors in the surrounding area. They see customers passing by by the dozens, while they are left behind by visitors obsessed with animals and plants.

Prices and times on the website: www.foireexpo-larochelle.com .