During your stay in South Vendée Atlantic, be sure not to miss the last Sunday of July at the Fête de la Bouse in Triaize—now a must-see event in the region. You’re probably wondering, why celebrate cowpats? What’s the story here? Let’s delve into a bit of Marais poitevin history.
A Marais Tradition
In the Marais poitevin, where trees are scarce, locals long ago had to find alternative sources of fuel for cooking and heating. They soon discovered that dried cow dung could be used to make a “bousa.” In the local dialect, “bouse” (or “bousa”) referred to these fuel patties, which were made by mixing manure with water and then stomping it with a horse until it reached the right consistency. This mixture was then shaped into cakes using molds or by hand with a tool called a “pilatou.” The patties were left to dry outside and regularly turned until fully cured.
La Fête de la Bouse
For nearly four decades, Triaize has celebrated rural life through this famous Fête de la Bouse, showcasing old trades and community spirit. The event includes a flea market with over 100 vendors across five hectares, as well as live demonstrations and displays of traditional skills: wheat and bean threshing, plowing, butter churning, rope making, old-fashioned harvesting, straw bale tossing, cowpat tossing, sheep shearing, and antique tractor exhibits. There are also pony rides, a small farmers’ market, and—of course—the making of cowpats! These patties are dried for use the following year, either for grilling or the always-popular cowpat toss.
Rest assured, once dry, there’s no smell at all! The festival wraps up with a grand ball and a fireworks display.
Festi’Bouz
With a sense of humor, the organizers have added Festi’Bouz to the festivities—a rock festival held the night before that promises, “no crap in your ears.” This outdoor rock concert features all the best guitar riffs and has become an essential part of the celebrations!
