France’s famed Salon d’Agriculture descended into chaos on Sunday, with farmers wielding heavy cheeseboards and kitchen utensils as weapons after a mass brawl erupted.
The extraordinary scenes - which resulted in 15 arrests - unfolded at the world-renowned agricultural show in Paris, as stallholders clashed with visitors.
Those involved were mostly young men, several wearing chefs’ aprons at the time.
Police officers and paramilitary gendarmes were injured while attempting to restore order.
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The confrontation is believed to have erupted at around 6.30pm in Hall 4 of the exhibition.
One police officer present at the scene said: “It seemed to be between stall holders and visitors. 15 of those involved are in custody, and some are being treated for minor injuries.
"Police and gendarmes who tried to intervene were also hurt."
Footage aired by French broadcaster BFM showed punches being thrown near a nougat stall, with some participants using cooking implements to strike their opponents.
The confrontation is believed to have erupted at around 6.30pm in Hall 4 of the exhibition
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At one point, a blade typically used to slice nougat was raised before being thrown aside.
One witness suggested alcohol may have fuelled the disorder.
“People were being very boisterous. It may be that they had been drinking all day, something that is very common at the show,” the visitor said.
Drinking throughout the day is a longstanding tradition at the fair, where wine and regional produce are celebrated.
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At one point, a blade typically used to slice nougat was raised before being thrown aside
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The Salon d’Agriculture is held annually at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre in western Paris, attracting around 600,000 visitors and more than 1,000 exhibitors.
Organisers describe it as turning the venue into “the biggest farm in France”, featuring over 4,000 animals alongside tractors, machinery and food showcases.
French politicians routinely attend in a bid to connect with rural voters.
President Emmanuel Macron is a regular visitor, spending a record 13 hours at the event in 2024.
President Emmanuel Macron is a regular visitor, spending a record 13 hours at the event in 2024
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The disorder comes just weeks after a convoy of more than 350 tractors descended onto the French capital in protest against the EU-Mercosur deal.
French farmers have warned the proposed trade deal risks creating unfair competition by flooding the market with cheaper South American imports.
Damien Greffin, vice president of the FNSEA - one of France’s largest farming unions - said: “The Mercosur agreement was approved even though the European Parliament hasn't had its say.
“This is going to lead to imports of foreign goods that we are perfectly able to produce in France and that don't respect standards which are imposed on French farming.”
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