Lily of the Valley Festival of Neuf-Brisach
The traditional May 1st festival in the Vauban fortified city
About Lily of the Valley Festival
May 1st Celebrated in the Vauban Fortified City
The Lily of the Valley Festival of Neuf-Brisach is one of the most popular spring events in the Haut-Rhin region. Every year on May 1st, the Place d'Armes and the streets of the fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, transform into a vast festive space. Thousands of visitors flock to this stronghold, the last creation of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, to celebrate the arrival of spring in a unique historical setting in Alsace.
A Rich and Varied Program for All Ages
The day begins at 7 AM with the setup of a large flea market that spans the city streets until late afternoon, attracting bargain hunters and strollers. Simultaneously, a craft market offers jewelry, textile creations, wooden objects, ceramics, and illustrations by local artists. The Vauban Museum, dedicated to the history of the stronghold, opens its doors for the occasion. At 11:15 AM, a concert-apéritif brings visitors together around Miss Lily of the Valley and her maids of honor, chosen from among the local young women.
Folklore, Music, and Street Entertainment
Throughout the day, Alsatian, Portuguese, Celtic, and island folk groups liven up the city streets with traditional dances and music. Stilt walkers, acrobats, and street performers add a festive and colorful touch to the event. Children can enjoy a funfair with rides and attractions, while families can embark on a carriage ride around the ramparts starting at 2 PM, offering an exceptional view of Vauban's geometric fortifications.
Alsatian Gastronomy and Conviviality
Local associations provide food and drinks throughout the day, offering Alsatian regional specialties: tarte flambée, grilled sausages, pretzels, and pastries, accompanied by Alsatian wines and local beers. The atmosphere is one of conviviality and sharing, true to the spirit of Alsatian popular festivals. A philatelic exhibition completes the program for collectors.
Neuf-Brisach, an Exceptional Heritage Setting
The Lily of the Valley Festival draws much of its charm from the unique setting of Neuf-Brisach. Built between 1698 and 1702 by order of Louis XIV after the loss of Brisach-am-Rhein, this fortified city is the ultimate masterpiece of Vauban. Its perfect octagonal plan, star-shaped ramparts, demi-lunes, and moats provide a spectacular backdrop for this festive day. A visit to the Vauban Museum and the MAUSA (Museum of Urban Art and Street Art) allows for further exploration of this exceptional heritage.
Lily of the Valley Festival — edition 2026
The Neuf-Brisach Lily of the Valley Festival was held on Friday, May 1st, 2026, in the fortified city of Vauban, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Place d'Armes and adjacent streets hosted, from 7 AM to 6 PM, a large flea market, a creative artisans' market, a philatelic exhibition, the opening of the Vauban Museum, an aperitif concert by the Rétro-Band, carriage rides within the ramparts, a funfair, and numerous Alsatian, Portuguese, Celtic, and percussion folk groups. The free day brought together residents and visitors around the town's associations.
A festive May 1st in the heart of the Vauban city
The 2026 edition of the Fête du Muguet animated Neuf-Brisach on Friday, May 1st, in the exceptional setting of the octagonal fortress designed by Vauban. From 7 AM, the flea market set up around the Place d'Armes and in the adjacent streets, followed at 9 AM by the creative artisans' market and the philatelic exhibition held at the Salle des Adjudications. The Vauban Museum opened its doors from 10 AM to 1 PM and from 2 PM to 5 PM to introduce visitors to the history of the city.
Inauguration, Miss Muguet, and aperitif concert
At 11:15 AM, the official inauguration and the Rétro-Band's aperitif concert took place at the Place de la mairie, in the presence of Miss Muguet and her bridesmaids. The funfair started at 1:30 PM, followed at 2:30 PM by carriage rides around the ramparts, offering a privileged view of the star-shaped fortifications.
A rich folk procession
From 2:30 PM, several groups paraded through the city: the Folkloric Group les Cigognes de Strasbourg, the Portuguese Group Caraçao de Minho, La Strada de Besançon, Bat'attack (percussion), the Hanau Duo, the Portuguese group Hérois dos Bombos, les Majorettes d'Anould, United Highlander (bagpipes), Libellune Alice au pays des merveilles and Quartier de nuit les Miss Dinguettes (procession at 3 PM). Makeup stands and magic balloons completed the entertainment for children.
Catering and associative network
On-site catering was provided by the town's associations (9 bris'art, ASN football, CSL Athlétisme et hand'ball, Amicale des sapeurs-pompiers, Association des parents d'élèves, Association portugaise dansante et musicale…) with Alsatian specialties — knack, merguez, tarte flambée, grilled chicken, pretzels, pastries, crepes — to which were added the fairground vendors, restaurateurs, and tea rooms of the city.
Programme Lily of the Valley Festival 2026
Friday, May 1st, 2026 — Place d'Armes and fortified city
- 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM — Flea market around the Place d'Armes
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM — Philatelic exhibition (Salle des Adjudications)
- 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM — Creative artisans' market
- 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM / 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM — Opening of the Vauban Museum
- 11:15 AM — Inauguration and aperitif concert by the Rétro-Band (Place de la mairie)
- 1:30 PM — Opening of the funfair
- 2:30 PM — Carriage ride and discovery of the ramparts
- 3:00 PM — Procession: Quartier de nuit les Miss Dinguettes and Libellune Alice au pays des merveilles
- From 2:30 PM — Procession of folk and musical groups in the city
Musical and Folk Groups 2026
- Folkloric Group les Cigognes de Strasbourg
- Portuguese Group Caraçao de Minho
- Group La Strada de Besançon
- Group Bat'attack (percussion)
- Group Hanau Duo
- Portuguese Group Hérois dos Bombos
- Group Majorettes d'Anould
- Group United Highlander (bagpipes)
- Rétro-Band (aperitif concert)
- Libellune Alice au pays des merveilles
- Quartier de nuit les Miss Dinguettes
Children's Entertainment
- Makeup stand
- Magic balloons stand
- Funfair
Highlights Lily of the Valley Festival 2026
- Flea market from 7 AM to 5 PM on the Place d'Armes and in the streets of the fortified city
- Creative artisans' market from 9 AM to 6 PM
- Aperitif concert by the Rétro-Band at 11:15 AM at the Place de la mairie, in the presence of Miss Muguet
- Carriage rides around the Vauban ramparts from 2:30 PM
- 11 folk and musical groups (Alsatian, Portuguese, Celtic, percussion)
- Special opening of the Vauban Museum (10 AM-1 PM and 2 PM-5 PM)
- Alsatian catering by the town's associations
- Free admission
Prices Lily of the Valley Festival 2026
Practical information — Lily of the Valley Festival
Access
Neuf-Brisach is located 17 km east of Colmar, on the left bank of the Rhine.
- By car : From Colmar, follow the D415 towards Neuf-Brisach (20 minutes). From Mulhouse, take the A35 then the D39 (40 minutes). Free parking on the outskirts of the city.
- By train : Colmar station (17 km), then bus or car connection.
Hours
Flea market: 7 AM-5 PM. Craft market: 9 AM-6 PM. Concert-apéritif: 11:15 AM. Carriage rides: from 2 PM. Street entertainment: all day.
Prices
Free admission.
Contact
- Neuf-Brisach Town Hall : 03 89 72 51 68
- Website : www.neuf-brisach.fr
- Tourist Office : 03 89 72 56 66
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Where does it take place — Lily of the Valley Festival
Place d'Armes et rues de la cité fortifiée
Place d'Armes, 68600 Neuf-Brisach