Fête de Dourdan

Dourdan Festival: the town celebrates in summer

Dourdan, a medieval town in the south of Essonne, celebrates its big municipal festival every summer. Labelled « Petite Ville de Demain » and boasting remarkable historical charm — its 13th-century castle, its medieval market hall, its picturesque streets — the commune of nearly 10,000 inhabitants knows how to turn its summer festivities into true moments of gathering and collective joy.

July 14th: fireworks and National Holiday

The National Holiday of July 14th is the highlight of Dourdan's summer celebrations. The evening traditionally begins the night before, from 6 PM, with entertainment, games, a refreshment stand, and conviviality in the town square. It continues with the torchlight procession, a spectacular nocturnal parade that winds through the illuminated medieval streets of the old town.

Around 11 PM, a fireworks display launched from the historic centre illuminates the Dourdan sky and highlights the medieval castle, offering the gathered crowd a striking spectacle in this unique setting. The popular dance, starting from 11:30 PM, extends the celebration until the end of the night.

Summer entertainment

Beyond July 14th, the Music Festival on June 21st and various summer events organised by the Dourdan town hall and associations contribute to the town's vibrancy throughout the beautiful season. Open-air concerts, street performances, exhibitions, and cultural activities punctuate the summer calendar.

Dourdan, town of heritage and festivals

Dourdan's festive calendar is one of the richest in Essonne for a town of its size. The Medieval Festival (first weekend of June), the Music Festival (June 21st), the National Holiday (July 13-14), and various other cultural events bear witness to the festive vitality of a commune that jealously maintains its traditions.

Dourdan's privileged geographical location — 35 km from Paris, accessible by RER C, in the heart of a landscape of groves and forests — its classified medieval castle and its preserved historic centre make it a popular tourist destination whose festivals attract many visitors from the Parisian region each year.

All municipal festivities are free and open to all.