Fête Foraine de la Chandeleur
The traditional funfair of Alençon, three weeks of attractions in winter
About Foire de la Chandeleur
The Fête Foraine de la Chandeleur is an unmissable winter tradition in Alençon, organized every year from late January to mid-February on the esplanade du Hertré. This historic fair, one of the largest winter funfairs in Normandy, brings together about 80 fairground attractions over three weeks and four weekends: thrill rides, family attractions, traditional game stalls (ball toss, duck fishing), mirror maze, haunted house, and many other entertainments. Entry to the site is free.
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Candlemas in Alençon: a century-old funfair tradition
Every winter, the city of Alençon, prefecture of Orne, hosts its famous Fête Foraine de la Chandeleur, a festive event deeply rooted in local traditions. For three weeks, from late January to mid-February, the esplanade du Hertré transforms into a huge open-air amusement park, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from the entire department and beyond.
Eighty fairground attractions
The Foire de la Chandeleur brings together about 80 fairground attractions, offering a variety of rides for all ages:
- Thrill rides: Breakdance, giant pirate ship, roller coaster (42 meters long, 11 meters high)
- Family attractions: Sweety, carousels, caterpillar rides, bumper cars
- Classic attractions: Mirror Maze, Haunted House, Ferris wheel
- Game stalls: ball toss, duck fishing, knock 'em down, lotteries
- Fairground food: cotton candy, crepes, churros, candy apples, waffles
Three weeks of festivities
The funfair spans three weeks and four weekends, offering the public numerous opportunities to enjoy the attractions. The inauguration takes place on the opening Saturday at 2:30 PM, marking the official start of the festivities. The fair is open daily from 2 PM to 8 PM, with extended hours on weekends.
The esplanade du Hertré, a dedicated site
The esplanade du Hertré, a vast space located on the edge of Alençon's city center, is the traditional venue for the Foire de la Chandeleur. Its large area allows for the accommodation of all rides and attractions in good conditions, with easy access from the city center and nearby parking lots.
Candlemas, a popular festival
Candlemas, celebrated on February 2nd, is traditionally associated with crepes and fairs in many French cities. In Alençon, this tradition has been maintained over the decades, making the Foire de la Chandeleur one of the highlights of the Norman winter. The event is particularly popular with families, who come for recreational afternoons during the winter school holidays.
Foire de la Chandeleur — edition 2026
Fête Foraine de la Chandeleur 2026 from January 24th to February 15th on the esplanade du Hertré in Alençon. 80 fairground attractions including two major new attractions: a pirate ship and a 42-meter roller coaster.
Highlights Foire de la Chandeleur 2026
- 80 fairground attractions
- New pirate ship
- New roller coaster (42m)
- 3 weeks, 4 weekends
Prices Foire de la Chandeleur 2026
Practical information — Foire de la Chandeleur
Access to the esplanade du Hertré
By car: The esplanade du Hertré is located on rue du Hertré, on the edge of Alençon's city center. Easy access via the N12 (from Paris, approx. 2h30) or the N138 (from Caen, approx. 1h30). From the A28, follow signs for Alençon centre, then for 'Fête foraine'. Large free parking lots are available near the esplanade for the event. Parking is also available at the nearby shopping center.
By train: Alençon station is served by TER Normandie trains from Paris-Saint-Lazare (approx. 2 hours) and from Caen (approx. 1h30). The esplanade du Hertré is about a 15-minute walk from the station, following rue de Bretagne then rue du Hertré. The route is signposted from the station during the fair period.
Opening hours
The funfair is open daily from 2 PM to 8 PM for three consecutive weeks, from late January to mid-February. On weekends and Wednesdays, crowds are larger. Weekdays outside of school holidays offer a quieter experience, ideal for families with young children. The official inauguration takes place on the opening Saturday at 2:30 PM.
Prices
Entry to the funfair site is free. Attractions and rides operate with individual tickets, sold at the ticket booths on site. Prices vary depending on the attraction (generally from €2 to €5 per ride). Multi-ride passes may be offered by some operators. Game stalls (shooting, duck fishing) also operate with tickets.
Food and drink
Numerous fairground food stalls are present on the esplanade: cotton candy, crepes, churros, candy apples, waffles, hot chestnuts, hot dogs, and fries. Hot drinks (chocolate, coffee, tea) are available to warm up. Bringing alcohol onto the site is prohibited.
Practical tips
The funfair takes place in winter: bring warm clothing and waterproof shoes. The site is mostly paved but can be slippery in rain or frost. Strollers can easily navigate the main aisles. Public restrooms are available on site.
Contact
Ville d'Alençon
Website: www.alencon.fr
Facebook: Fête foraine d'Alençon
Instagram: @feteforaine.alencon
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Foire de la Chandeleur
Esplanade du Hertré
Rue du Hertré, Esplanade du Hertré, 61000 Alençon