Fêtes de Gayant
The festival of the giants of Douai, UNESCO heritage since 2005, with the Gayant family, 8 meters tall
About Fêtes de Gayant
The Fêtes de Gayant are the largest popular festival in Douai and one of the oldest traditions in Northern France. Since 1530, every summer, the Gayant family, composed of five wicker giants, Monsieur Gayant (8.50 m), Marie Cagenon and their three children Jacquot, Fillon and Binbin, parade through the streets of the city in a grand festive procession. Listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2005 under the title of Processional Giants and Dragons of Belgium and France, the Fêtes de Gayant attract tens of thousands of visitors over three days of festivities.
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The Fêtes de Gayant: 500 years of popular tradition in Douai
The Fêtes de Gayant are the flagship event of the city of Douai and one of the oldest festive traditions in Northern France. The history of Gayant dates back to 1530, when the basket makers' guild (wicker basket makers) built a giant to showcase their craftsmanship during a procession in honor of Saint-Maurand, the patron saint of Douai.
The Gayant Family: Five Iconic Giants
Over the centuries, the Gayant family has grown. Monsieur Gayant, at 8.50 meters tall, is the patriarch. The year after his creation, the fruit sellers' guild had a giantess built, Marie Cagenon. Then came their three children: Jacquot, Fillon, and Binbin. The procession also includes the Sot des Canonniers (Clown of the Gunners) and the Roue de la Fortune (Wheel of Fortune) float. Each giant is carried by bearers who animate the procession through the city streets.
A UNESCO World Heritage
In 2005, the processional giants of Douai were inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, under the title of Processional Giants and Dragons of Belgium and France. This international recognition testifies to the cultural and historical importance of this age-old tradition.
Three Days of Popular Celebration
The Fêtes de Gayant traditionally take place on the Sunday following July 5th and the two following days. The program includes the emergence of the giants from the Maison des Géants, the Grand Cortège (Grand Procession) through the streets of Douai, popular dances, a funfair, concerts, the parade of giants from here and elsewhere, and the traditional torchlight procession. Monday is dedicated to children with the Bal des Tiots Gayant (Children's Ball).
A Strong Sense of Identity
The Fêtes de Gayant are much more than just a festive event: they embody the identity of Douai and the living heritage of Northern France. The people of Douai are deeply attached to their giants, who symbolize the pride and conviviality of their city.
Fêtes de Gayant — edition 2026
The Fêtes de Gayant 2026 will take place from July 12 to 14 in Douai. The Gayant family, Monsieur Gayant, Marie Cagenon, and their three children, will parade through the city streets for the traditional Grand Cortège, accompanied by festivities, dances, and entertainment.
Fêtes de Gayant 2026
The Fêtes de Gayant return from July 12 to 14, 2026 in Douai for three days of festivities centered around the famous family of wicker giants. Monsieur Gayant, at 8.50 meters tall, Marie Cagenon, and their three children Jacquot, Fillon, and Binbin will parade through the city streets to the cheers of tens of thousands of spectators.
Prices Fêtes de Gayant 2026
Practical information — Fêtes de Gayant
Access to the Fêtes de Gayant
By Car
Douai is accessible via the A21 motorway (from Lille, approx. 35 km) and the A26 (from Calais or Reims). Parking is available on the outskirts of the city center with free shuttles on festival days. Please note: the city center is closed to traffic during the processions. It is strongly recommended to use public transport.
By Train
Douai station is served by TER Hauts-de-France trains from Lille (25 min), Arras (20 min), Valenciennes (30 min), and Lens (15 min). The city center and festival venues are a 10-minute walk from the station.
By Bus
The Évéole bus network provides access to the city center from surrounding districts and towns.
Typical Program
- Saturday: Parade of giants from here and elsewhere (3 PM), Gayant Concert (8:45 PM)
- Sunday: Emergence of the Gayant Family from the Maison des Géants (7:30 AM), Grand Cortège (3 PM)
- Monday: Children's Day, Bal des Tiots Gayant at the Town Hall (6 PM-9 PM)
- Tuesday: Procession and return of the giants
- Following Sunday: Torchlight procession and lanterns (9:30 PM)
Prices
The Fêtes de Gayant are a free and open-to-all event. Access to the processions, street entertainment, and open-air shows is free. Some specific activities (funfair, food stalls) are subject to a charge.
Food & Drink
- Food and drink stalls in the city center
- Funfair with rides and sweet stalls
- Restaurants and brasseries in Douai city center
- Café terraces on the Grand'Place
The Maison des Géants (House of Giants)
The Maison des Géants (rue de Lambres, Douai) houses the Gayant family all year round and offers a permanent exhibition on the history of the giants and their inscription on the UNESCO heritage list. Open to the public outside of festival periods.
Contact
Website: fetesdegayant.fr
Douaisis Tourist Office: 03 27 88 26 79
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Fêtes de Gayant
Centre-ville de Douai
Centre-ville de Douai, 59500 Douai