Fête de Goussainville

The Fête de Goussainville, between old town and airport modernity

The Fête de Goussainville is the annual festive gathering for the inhabitants of this unique commune in the north of the Val-d'Oise. Organized by the municipality and local associations, this popular celebration testifies to the vitality of a town that has maintained its identity in the face of the upheavals caused by the construction of Charles de Gaulle airport.

Goussainville is a town of about 30,000 inhabitants whose history is deeply marked by Roissy airport, inaugurated in 1974. The construction of the airport area profoundly transformed the territory and led to the birth of a ghost town: the Vieux Pays de Goussainville, a medieval village partially abandoned after the airport opened, has become a unique place in France, a frozen witness to a vanished world whose deserted streets and ruined houses fascinate visitors and photographers.

The Vieux Pays de Goussainville: a place of memory and celebration

The Vieux Pays de Goussainville is one of the most unusual sites in Île-de-France. This medieval village, part of which was abandoned by its inhabitants due to airport noise pollution, today presents a landscape of ruined houses and vegetation-covered streets. The Saint-Pierre church, the only building still intact, stands amidst this rubble in a silence regularly broken by the roar of planes.

During the summer festival, the Vieux Pays is brought back to life through cultural events that highlight this unique heritage. Guided tours allow residents and visitors to discover the history of this ghost village, understand the reasons for its abandonment, and reflect on the relationship between economic development and the quality of life of the inhabitants. Artists and photographers sometimes exhibit their works in the ruined buildings, creating ephemeral artistic installations of great evocative power.

Concerts and summer entertainment

The Fête de Goussainville offers a program of concerts and entertainment that enliven the town's public spaces during the summer. The town hall square, parks, and sports facilities host concerts of French variety music, world music, and French chanson. These free events allow families to enjoy quality cultural offerings in a friendly atmosphere.

The Fête de la Musique on June 21st is particularly lively in Goussainville, with concerts in several locations around town. Amateur musicians and local bands perform alongside professional groups in a festive and relaxed atmosphere that marks the beginning of the summer season.

The National Day of July 14th

The National Day is celebrated in Goussainville with a festive program that brings families together. The evening of July 13th begins with a popular ball hosted by a DJ or an orchestra. A fireworks display concludes the festivities with a pyrotechnic show enjoyed by the residents. These national celebrations offer an important moment of republican gathering for a town with great cultural diversity.

Craft market and local traditions

A craft market is regularly set up in the town center of Goussainville during festive events. Creator artisans, local producers, and exhibitors offer their creations and products in a festive market atmosphere. These commercial activities help to liven up the town center and support local economic players.

Gastronomy plays an important role in the Goussainville festivities. Culinary events, tastings, and shared meals allow residents to discover and share the flavors of the many cultures represented in this cosmopolitan town in the north of the Val-d'Oise.

Community life and neighborhood festivals

Community life in Goussainville is rich and diverse, with sports clubs, cultural associations, and community groups animating the neighborhoods throughout the year. Neighborhood festivals organized in different areas of the town allow residents to come together in a friendly atmosphere and strengthen bonds of solidarity among neighbors.