Fête de Felon

Felon and its Fête des Quetsches: a fruity tradition celebrated

The village of Felon (90110) is a rural commune in the Territoire de Belfort, in the canton of Rougemont-le-Château. With its 239 inhabitants called Felonais and Felonaises, this small village has gained renown far beyond its borders thanks to its famous Fête des Quetsches. First mentioned in 1227, Felon has a long history that gives it a rural identity deeply rooted in the land.

The quetsche: emblematic fruit of the Territoire de Belfort

The quetsche is a variety of plum widely grown in the Territoire de Belfort and Alsace. This fruit with its blue-violet skin and golden-green flesh is used to make jams, tarts (the famous quetsche tart), compotes, and brandies. Its ripening season in September coincides with the Fête des Quetsches de Felon, which celebrates this fruit in all its culinary and cultural richness.

The cultivation of the quetsche is intimately linked to the agricultural identity of the Territoire de Belfort and nearby Alsace. The traditional orchards that dot the rural landscapes of the department are living witnesses to this centuries-old fruit tradition. The Fête des Quetsches de Felon contributes to the enhancement and transmission of this local agricultural heritage.

A festival that attracts thousands of visitors

The Fête des Quetsches de Felon welcomes several thousand visitors every mid-September from all over the Territoire de Belfort and neighboring departments. This remarkable influx for such a small village testifies to the success and attractiveness of this event, which has managed to develop while retaining its authentic and popular character.

On the program for the Fête des Quetsches

• Market of local producers and regional artisans
• Tastings of quetsche-based products: jams, tarts, brandies, juices
• Culinary entertainment and demonstrations of quetsche tart making
• Exhibition of local products from the Territoire de Belfort
• Musical and folk entertainment
• Games and activities for children
• Catering with local specialties based on quetsches and regional fruits

Felon: a picturesque village in the Territoire de Belfort

The village of Felon benefits from a pleasant natural setting in the canton of Rougemont-le-Château. Historically attached to the lordship of Rougemont, the village was dependent on the parish of Angeot until 1767, when it was attached to the parish of Saint-Germain-le-Châtelet. The village's community hall hosts part of the Fête des Quetsches' entertainment, ensuring the event runs smoothly regardless of the weather.

A festival that the village is proud of

The Fête des Quetsches is the pride of the Felonais. Organized by the festival committee and local associations, under the direction of Mayor Éric Weiss, this event mobilizes a large part of the village and requires considerable investment from volunteers. The year-on-year success rewards this commitment and strengthens the sense of community belonging in this village of the Territoire de Belfort.