Fête Nationale d'Auxerre
The celebration of July 14th in Auxerre: fireworks on the banks of the Yonne, firefighters' ball, and open-air concert
About 14 Juillet à Auxerre
Every year around July 14th, the city of Auxerre (89000) celebrates the National Holiday on the banks of the Yonne. Torchlight procession, street show, grand fireworks display launched from the Quai de la République over the Yonne, firefighters' ball, and entertainment in Place Saint-Georges: a free and popular program in the heart of the capital of the Yonne, facing the cathedral and the Saint-Germain abbey.
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The Fête Nationale d'Auxerre, a July 14th on the Banks of the Yonne
Every year, the city of Auxerre (89000), prefecture of the Yonne and historical capital of Northern Burgundy, celebrates the National Holiday with a festive and popular program that takes place on the banks of the Yonne and in the historic heart of the city. Between a spectacular fireworks display, a firefighters' ball, street shows, and an open-air concert, July 14th in Auxerre is a must-attend event for residents and visitors of the region.
Torchlight Procession and Evening Shows
The festivities usually begin on the evening of July 13th, with a torchlight procession that starts from the heart of the town and illuminates the streets of Auxerre in a warm and festive procession. Circus shows, street performances, and musical entertainment liven up Place Saint-Georges, transformed for the occasion into a true open-air festive space. Food stalls and refreshment stands allow families to settle in and enjoy the evening in a friendly atmosphere.
The Grand Fireworks Display on the Banks of the Yonne
The highlight of the show is the grand fireworks display, launched at 11:00 PM from the Quais de la République, over the waters of the Yonne. This pyrotechnic spectacle illuminates the Auxerre sky and reflects in the river, creating a strikingly beautiful scene with the majestic silhouette of the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne and the Abbaye Saint-Germain as a backdrop. Thousands of Auxerre residents and visitors gather on the quays, banks, and bridges to witness this key moment, considered one of the most beautiful fireworks displays in Burgundy.
The Firefighters' Ball
After the fireworks, the evening continues with the traditional firefighters' ball, organized in Place Saint-Georges. This friendly and dancing event, animated by an orchestra or DJ, brings residents together for a festive evening that perpetuates the republican tradition of the July 14th ball. Accessible to all and free, the Auxerre firefighters' ball is a popular event for all generations.
Official Ceremonies of July 14th
On the morning of July 14th, official ceremonies bring together elected officials, representatives of veterans, fire brigades, and the population for a parade and a military review. A friendly reception is then offered in the courtyard of the Yonne prefecture, in the republican and fraternal spirit that characterizes this national day. In the afternoon, sports and cultural activities such as pétanque liven up various neighborhoods of the city.
Auxerre, a Medieval Gem on the Banks of the Yonne
Auxerre is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Burgundy, dominated by its remarkable Cathédrale Saint-Étienne (12th-16th century) and its Abbaye Saint-Germain, one of the oldest in France. The banks of the Yonne, lined with half-timbered houses and Renaissance facades, offer an exceptional setting for summer festivities. The reflection of the cathedral in the waters of the Yonne during the fireworks is one of the most iconic images of the city.
14 Juillet à Auxerre — edition 2026
Join us on July 13th and 14th, 2026, in Auxerre (89000) for the National Holiday! On the evening of July 13th: festivities starting at 7 PM in Place Saint-Georges, street show, torchlight procession, and grand fireworks at 11 PM from the Quai de la République over the Yonne. Firefighters' ball to close. On July 14th: official ceremonies and entertainment in the city. Entirely free program.
Fête Nationale d'Auxerre 2026 — July 13th and 14th
On July 13th and 14th, 2026, the city of Auxerre (89000) will once again celebrate the National Holiday with its festive and popular program on the banks of the Yonne and in the city center.
Evening of July 13th
Starting at 7:00 PM, Place Saint-Georges comes alive with food stalls and a festive atmosphere. A street show — circus, performance, or light show — is scheduled for the evening. At 10:30 PM, the torchlight procession will wind through the narrow streets of old Auxerre in a luminous and participatory procession. Then, at 11:00 PM, the grand fireworks display will light up the Auxerre sky from the Quai de la République, with the exceptional backdrop of the pyrotechnic explosions reflecting in the waters of the Yonne and the nocturnal silhouette of the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne. Thousands of spectators will take over the quays, Parc Roscoff, and the riverbanks for this highlight of the year. After the fireworks, the firefighters' ball will extend the evening with music and dancing.
July 14th Ceremonies
On the morning of July 14th, official ceremonies will bring together elected officials, firefighters, and veterans for a parade and a military review. A friendly reception will be offered at the end of the ceremony.
Why Come Celebrate July 14th in Auxerre?
- Exceptional fireworks display on the banks of the Yonne, facing the cathedral
- Torchlight procession in the medieval old town of Auxerre
- Open-air firefighters' ball after the fireworks
- Incomparable architectural setting (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, Abbaye Saint-Germain)
- Entirely free program
Programme 14 Juillet à Auxerre 2026
2026 Program
Sunday, July 13th
- 7:00 PM: Festivities starting from Place Saint-Georges (food, entertainment)
- Evening: Street show
- 10:30 PM: Torchlight procession
- 11:00 PM: Grand fireworks display (Quais de la République)
- After 11 PM: Firefighters' ball (Place Saint-Georges)
Monday, July 14th
- Morning: Official ceremonies, parade, and military review
- Afternoon: Cultural and sports activities
Highlights 14 Juillet à Auxerre 2026
- Grand fireworks display at 11 PM on the banks of the Yonne (reflections in the river and cathedral as a backdrop)
- Torchlight procession in the old town of Auxerre
- Street show on the evening of July 13th
- Firefighters' ball after the fireworks
- Official ceremonies on the morning of July 14th
- Entirely free program
Prices 14 Juillet à Auxerre 2026
Practical information — 14 Juillet à Auxerre
Practical Information
Main Locations
- Fireworks: Quais de la République (banks of the Yonne), 89000 Auxerre
- Ball and Entertainment: Place Saint-Georges, Auxerre
- Ideal Viewing Spot: Parc Roscoff or Quais de la République
Usual Program
- July 13th Evening – 7:00 PM: Festivities starting from Place Saint-Georges
- July 13th – 9:15 PM: Street show (circus, performance)
- July 13th – 10:30 PM: Torchlight procession
- July 13th – 11:00 PM: Grand fireworks display from the Quais de la République
- After the fireworks: Firefighters' ball (Place Saint-Georges)
- July 14th Morning: Official ceremony and parade
- July 14th Afternoon: Sports and cultural activities
Access
- By Car: Auxerre is accessible via the A6, exit Auxerre-Nord or Auxerre-Sud. Parking in the city center. Allow time for parking during the fireworks.
- By Train: Auxerre-Saint-Gervais SNCF station, Paris-Gare de Lyon/Laroche line. Direct journey from Paris in about 1.5 hours.
Prices
All events are completely free: fireworks, shows, torchlight procession, and firefighters' ball.
Contact
- Auxerre Town Hall
- Phone: 03 86 72 32 00
- Website: auxerre.fr
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — 14 Juillet à Auxerre
Quais de l'Yonne et Place Saint-Georges
Quais de la République, 89000 Auxerre