Fête de la Ballastière

The Fête de la Ballastière: festive end of summer by the Saint-Clément lake

Every year in September, the inhabitants of Saint-Clément (Yonne) and visitors from the Sénonais region gather at the Parc de la Ballastière to celebrate the end of summer in an exceptional natural setting. The Fête de la Ballastière, organized by local associations, is a popular and convivial event that draws its charm from its surroundings: a vast green park bordering a historic lake, a few kilometers from Sens.

The Parc de la Ballastière: an exceptional natural site

The Parc de la Ballastière-Sennepy, which extends over the communes of Sens and Saint-Clément, is one of the most popular green spaces in the Sénonais. Its lake, dug between 1880 and 1889 during the extraction of ballast for the construction of railway lines, has been transformed into a remarkable natural setting. Populated by rich birdlife (ducks, grey herons, kingfishers), surrounded by about 1,000 trees of various species, it welcomes walkers and families all year round. The festival transforms this peaceful site into a lively and warm festive space.

A rich and varied festive program

The Fête de la Ballastière offers a program combining sports, cultural, and gastronomic activities:

• Nautical activities: pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, sailing introductions on the lake
• Popular games: pétanque, tug-of-war, sack races, inflatable games
• Stands from local associations: sports clubs, neighborhood committees, cultural associations
• Flea market and garage sale on the park lawns
• Musical entertainment: concerts and outdoor bands
• Country meal with grills, sandwiches, and local specialties
• Children's games: creative workshops, face painting, puppet shows

An associative and popular festival

The Fête de la Ballastière is above all an associative festival, organized by and for the inhabitants of Saint-Clément and neighboring communes. Local associations find it a unique opportunity to gain visibility, recruit members, and fund their activities. The event embodies the spirit of conviviality and solidarity that characterizes village life, far from large commercial events. Many volunteers mobilize to ensure the smooth running of the day.

A territory at the confluence of the Yonne and the Sénonais

Saint-Clément is a suburban commune of Sens, the prefecture of the Yonne department, a city of art and history whose Saint-Étienne cathedral is one of the first Gothic cathedrals in France. The Sénonais, a territory of large agricultural plains and forests, offers a tranquil living environment between Paris (120 km away) and Auxerre. The Fête de la Ballastière is part of this fabric of local festivals that give soul to the Yonne countryside.