Fête de Beaucourt - Cité Japy

The Fête de la Cité Japy: Celebrating Beaucourt's Industrial Heritage

Beaucourt (90500) is a town of about 5,000 inhabitants in the Territoire de Belfort, whose identity is deeply marked by the heritage of the Japy family. Frédéric Japy (1749-1812), a native of Beaucourt, founded one of the first mechanized watchmaking movement factories in Europe there, laying the groundwork for an industry that prospered for nearly two centuries. The Frédéric Japy Museum, housed in the former clock factory of the manufactory, still bears witness to this exceptional industrial history today.

The Cité Japy refers to all the buildings—factories, workers' housing, collective facilities—erected by the Japy dynasty for its employees. These cut stone buildings, the patronal villas, and the religious edifices form a remarkable architectural ensemble, a vestige of the region's industrial age. It is in this unique heritage setting that Beaucourt's grand popular festival takes place every summer.

A Festive Program in the Heart of Industrial Heritage

The Fête de la Cité Japy offers a varied program that highlights the exceptional setting of this historic district:

• Children's Activities: inflatable games, creative workshops, sports courses, and outdoor games
• Shows and Concerts: local and regional artists to liven up the evenings
• Visits to the Japy Museum: permanent exhibition on the watchmaking and industrial history of Beaucourt
• Association Stands: presentation of the town's clubs and associations
• Festive Catering: barbecues, local specialties, and drinks provided by volunteers
• Popular Ball: dancing evening to conclude the festivities

The Japy Museum: Living Memory of Belfort's Industry

The Frédéric Japy Museum, located at 16 rue Frédéric Japy, presents to the public the rich productions of the Japy manufactory: alarm clocks and mantel clocks, typewriters, coffee makers, advertising enamel plates, pumps, and engines. Each year, temporary exhibitions complement the permanent collection. The summer festival is an opportunity for exceptional opening hours or special events around the museum.

Remarkable Architectural Heritage

The Japy buildings are the subject of particular heritage attention. Château La Terrasse, the former Japy family's manor house, and the characteristic brick workers' housing of the industrial city regularly attract historians, architects, and heritage enthusiasts. The summer festival is an opportunity to discover its richness.

Beaucourt, a Town Proud of its Industrial History

The Fête de la Cité Japy is an event that strengthens the sense of identity and pride of the people of Beaucourt in their unique industrial heritage. It contributes to the valorization of local heritage and allows new generations to embrace this remarkable history while creating new shared memories.