The "Salon de l’Agriculture" opens its door this week-end for 9 days from Feb. 19 to 27 2011 at the Porte de Versailles in Paris.

Now in its 48th year, France’s largest agricultural event is part fair, part trade show, part blue-ribbon tournament. A dizzyingly diverse array of activities will be on offer, from a sheep-herding competition to performances of traditional music and dance to gardening workshops.

France’s finest livestock will be on display: over 3,500 animals, including rare cow breeds like the Bordelaise and Bearnaise, as well as stands featuring produce and farming machinery. Food lovers will be able to sample (and buy) products from this year’s winners of the historic Concours Général Agricole, an annual competition of France’s signature food and drink products....

Salon de l'Agriculture 2011: official website