Festival of Old-Time Locomotion

The Festival of Old-Time Locomotion in Villon

Nestled in Tonnerrois, about fifty kilometers southeast of Auxerre, the commune of Villon hosts its Festival of Old-Time Locomotion every September. This entirely volunteer-run event, organized by enthusiasts from the village and surrounding areas, has become a must-attend event for all lovers of vintage mechanics in northern Burgundy.

A Living Mechanical Heritage

The festival showcases the entire heritage of rural and road locomotion: tractors and agricultural machinery from pre-war to the 1970s, collector cars, vintage motorcycles and mopeds, as well as old trucks, buses, and construction equipment. The owners, often passionate restorers, proudly present their machines and willingly share their knowledge with the public.

Demonstrations and Parades

The day is punctuated by vehicle parades through the village streets, offering spectators the spectacle of these machines brought back to working order. Old-fashioned plowing demonstrations or sheaf threshing recall the agricultural uses of these machines that shaped the Burgundian countryside. Children are particularly fascinated by these roaring and smoking giants of metal and cast iron.

A Friendly and Family Event

Beyond the mechanics, the Festival of Old-Time Locomotion is above all a village festival. Refreshments and food are available on-site, allowing visitors to gather around local specialties. Admission is free or by voluntary contribution, in keeping with the event's volunteer and popular spirit. Families, elders who recognize the machines of their youth, and collectors from Yonne and neighboring departments mingle in a relaxed atmosphere.

A Region Rich in Heritage

Villon belongs to Tonnerrois, a region of vineyards, forests, and rivers with famous springs. A few kilometers away is the town of Tonnerre with its famous Fosse Dionne. This landscape of hedgerows and pale stone villages provides an ideal setting for this type of heritage event. The festival thus contributes to animating the cultural and social life of this rural area of the Yonne.