Fête de la Saint-Fiacre

The Fête de la Saint-Fiacre in Sens: the great festival of gardeners in the Yonne

Every second Sunday of September, the city of Sens, prefecture of the Yonne and city of art and history with a rich medieval past, celebrates Saint Fiacre, patron saint of gardeners. Organized by the Société Horticole de Sens, this festival is one of the oldest and most colorful in the Yonne, blending religious tradition, love of plants, and popular festivities.

Saint Fiacre: an Irish saint at the heart of Gaul

Saint Fiacre was an Irish monk from the 7th century who came to settle in Gaul, in the region of Meaux, where he founded a hermitage and cleared land to cultivate a garden and feed the poor. His dedication to working the land made him the patron saint of gardeners and horticulturists, and his feast day is celebrated on August 30th in the Catholic calendar. In Sens, this vibrant tradition has been passed down for generations, carried by the Société Horticole de Sens and its network of passionate garden members.

Saint-Étienne Cathedral adorned with flowers

The highlight of the Fête de la Saint-Fiacre is the floral decoration of the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, one of the first Gothic cathedrals in France (12th century). Under the vaults of this major national heritage monument, monumental floral arrangements transform the choir, nave, and chapels into a celestial garden. A solemn high mass, celebrated by the archbishop, opens the festivities with the accompaniment of hunting horns and an orchestra.

Parade of floats and flower-decorated carriages

After the mass, the festivities continue with the parade of floats and carriages decorated with fresh flowers. From the cathedral square, the floral procession sets off down Rue de la République to the Parc du Moulin-à-Tan, followed by a crowd of spectators. The floats, created by associations, gardening clubs, and local florists, compete in ingenuity and floral beauty in a colorful parade.

The large plant market at Parc du Moulin-à-Tan

The Parc du Moulin-à-Tan, with its green setting on the edge of the historic city, hosts the large plant and craft market:

• Nurserymen and horticulturists offering perennial plants, shrubs, bulbs, and houseplants
• Florists and floral designers with arrangements, bouquets, and floral art
• Artisans whose crafts are linked to nature and gardens: potters, woodturners, art blacksmiths
• Local producers: honeys, jams, herbal teas, essential oils
• Gardening activities: expert advice, cutting workshops, conferences

A popular festival open to all

The Fête de la Saint-Fiacre is a popular event, accessible to all, which brings together several thousand visitors from Sens and the entire Sénonais region, as well as from neighboring departments. Aspiring gardeners, informed amateurs, and casual strollers: everyone finds something to enjoy at this festival that combines a passion for plants, the beauty of floral art, and the conviviality of a city alive with celebration.