Fête de Vézelois

The Fête de Vézelois: festivities at the foot of the historic fort

Vézelois (90400) is a commune in the Territoire de Belfort, a member of the Grand Belfort urban community, whose striking feature is its impressive 19th-century military fort, a former military installation now owned by the commune. This fort, which belonged to the defensive belt of the Belfort stronghold, constitutes a major architectural and historical heritage that gives Vézelois a unique identity in the department.

The commune has a very rich associative life, notably with a Foyer Rural that celebrated its 70th anniversary, demonstrating decades of uninterrupted community commitment. The town hall is accessible on the official website www.vezelois.fr.

A remarkable community fabric for the size of the village

Vézelois is one of those small villages in the Territoire de Belfort where community life is particularly dense. Two associations deserve to be mentioned for their role in local festive life:

The Foyer Rural de Vézelois, with its 70 years of existence, is the backbone of the village's cultural and festive life. It organizes various events throughout the year and is naturally at the heart of the organization of the summer festival.

The Association du Renouveau du Fort de Vézelois, created 22 years ago, is dedicated to the enhancement and conservation of the communal military fort. It organizes an annual flea market and guided tours of the fort, and contributes to keeping this exceptional heritage alive for residents and visitors.

The festival at the fort: a unique setting

The Vézelois summer festival benefits from an incomparable setting:

• Activities at the fort: guided tours of the military fort, historical exhibition on the defense of Belfort, history workshops for children
• Family activities: inflatable games, sports tournaments, creative workshops for all ages
• Petanque tournament: a friendly competition open to all residents and visitors
• Refreshments and catering: grills, local specialties, cold drinks at community prices
• Communal meal: a large festive meal served in the fort's spaces or in the village square
• Musical evening and ball: concert or DJ to liven up the evening in this exceptional heritage setting

Vézelois in the dynamics of Grand Belfort

Belonging to the Grand Belfort urban community, Vézelois is a residential commune that benefits from the proximity of the agglomeration's infrastructure and services while retaining its village character with unique heritage. The summer festival is an opportunity to recall this dual identity: a modern commune integrated into the urban dynamics of Grand Belfort, and the guardian of precious military and architectural historical heritage.

The Fort of Vézelois: a living heritage

Since the commune became the owner of the fort, the Association du Renouveau du Fort de Vézelois has been working to enhance and conserve it. This 19th-century fort, with its underground galleries, bastions, and spectacular spaces, is gradually being opened to the public and is slowly becoming an unusual place for cultural and festive life in the Territoire de Belfort.