Fête de Mailly-le-Château

Mailly-le-Château, a village perched above the Yonne

Mailly-le-Château is one of the most picturesque villages in the Yonne. Located 30 km south of Auxerre, this medieval town is distinguished by its double location: the lower town, nestled on the banks of the Yonne river and the Nivernais canal, and the upper town (176 m) which majestically overlooks the valley from its limestone cliffs.

A festive calendar throughout the summer

The village offers several festive highlights spread throughout the beautiful season, combining local traditions and rural conviviality.

La fête de la Gaieté (end of May)

On the last weekend of May, Mailly-le-Château hosts the fête de la Gaieté, the first festive event of the season. A friendly gathering for the inhabitants of the village and its surroundings, it marks the beginning of the summer season in a light and joyful atmosphere.

The July 14th ball

In the French republican tradition, the village organizes its July 14th ball on the evening of July 13th, a dancing vigil that brings together residents and summer visitors under the stars. Music resonates between the tuffeau houses and the cobbled streets of the upper town for a festive and patriotic evening.

August festivals

It is in August that the festivities reach their peak in Mailly-le-Château. Three consecutive weekends offer village festivals including:

• Carousel and fairground attractions for children
• Musical entertainment and shows
• Fireworks launched from the heights of the village, with breathtaking views of the valley
• Refreshments and food organized by local associations
• Public dances in the evening

An exceptional setting for the festivities

The fireworks in Mailly-le-Château benefit from a spectacular setting: launched from the promontory overlooking the Yonne valley, they offer a unique panorama of the river's meanders, the Nivernais canal, and the limestone cliffs. The château terrace, equipped with an orientation table, is the best viewpoint to enjoy the show.

A preserved medieval heritage

Mailly-le-Château has remarkable historical heritage: a 14th-century castle with its medieval ramparts, a 13th-century Saint-Adrien church, and a well-preserved urban ensemble. This exceptional heritage setting gives the summer festivities a special atmosphere, blending history and contemporary conviviality.