Belfort Old Town Festival - Vieille Ville

The Vieille Ville Festival: festivities in the heart of Belfort's heritage

The Vieille Ville of Belfort is the historic and heritage district of the prefecture of the Territoire de Belfort. Nestled at the foot of the Vauban citadel and under the benevolent gaze of the famous Bartholdi Lion, this district forms the vibrant heart of Belfort with its pedestrian streets, shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic buildings.

Every summer, the Vieille Ville comes alive for its neighborhood festival, organized as part of the summer program of the City of Belfort. The Vieille-Ville Neighborhood House plays a central role in organizing and animating this event, in collaboration with the municipal Festival Committee and local associations.

A festive program in an exceptional setting

The Fête de la Vieille Ville benefits from a unique heritage setting that gives it a special charm:

• Family and creative activities: heritage discovery workshops, wooden games, artistic activities for children, face painting, and fun entertainment
• Association stands: presentation of the associations of the Centre-Ville district, who take advantage of the event to make themselves known and welcome new members
• Aperitif and catering: a toast offered to residents, refreshment stands, and light catering at symbolic prices
• Musical entertainment: a concert or musical performance in the early evening in the emblematic spaces of the district
• Dance evening: a popular ball in the evening hosted by a DJ or a local band

The Centre-Ville district and its exceptional heritage

The Vieille Ville of Belfort is a district of remarkable heritage richness. Its grid layout is reminiscent of 17th-century military quarters. The main monuments include:

• The Vauban citadel, a listed historic monument, which overlooks the city from its rocky outcrop
• The Bartholdi Lion, a universal symbol of Belfort's resistance in 1870-1871, carved from pink Vosges sandstone
• The Saint-Christophe Cathedral, an 18th-century Baroque building
• The Grand Théâtre Granit, a national theater with bold contemporary architecture

A lively and commercial district

The Vieille Ville is home to many local shops, restaurants, cafés, and art galleries that contribute to its daily vibrancy. During the neighborhood festival, shopkeepers often join in the festivities by extending their opening hours or offering special entertainment.

The Vieille-Ville Neighborhood House

The Vieille-Ville Neighborhood House is the municipal public facility that structures the associative and festive life of the area. It hosts courses, workshops, and association meetings throughout the year, and becomes the epicenter of the neighborhood festival during the summer. Its team works closely with the City of Belfort's Festival Committee to ensure the quality of the event.