Grande Fête de Vallouise

The popular festival on the first weekend of August in Vallouise

The Grande Fête de Vallouise is a traditional popular festival held annually on the first weekend of August in the village of Vallouise-Pelvoux, in the heart of the Pays des Écrins in the Hautes-Alpes. Organized by the Comité des fêtes de Vallouise with the support of many volunteers, this free festival is a festive and family-friendly event that brings together locals and vacationers.

A free street arts festival

The artistic side of the Grande Fête de Vallouise is centered on street arts. For two days, about six street performances are offered each day in the streets and squares of the village. The artistic program is varied and colorful: bike carousel, juggling, acrobatics, clowns, puppets, street theater, storytelling, brass bands, and musical parades. All performances are free and accessible to everyone, with particular attention paid to young audiences.

Festive and convivial activities

Beyond the street performances, the Grande Fête de Vallouise offers numerous festive activities that punctuate the weekend. On Saturday, a flea market (garage sale) is set up in the village, followed by an evening pop-rock-funk concert in the village square. On Sunday, a fair with craft stalls and local products enlivens the day, accompanied by a pétanque tournament. The festival concludes on Sunday evening with a concert followed by a grand fireworks display. A popular ball, hosted by a different band each year, allows everyone to dance late into the night.

A popular event at the foot of the Écrins

The Grande Fête de Vallouise attracts around 2,000 people per day, including locals from the valley, second-home owners, and tourists staying in the Pays des Écrins. The friendly and family atmosphere, the exceptional mountain setting at the foot of the Parc National des Écrins, and the complete freeness of the performances make this event a highlight of the summer in the Hautes-Alpes. A bar and a food area are set up on-site by the Festival Committee.