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 every year 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 Vallouise Festival Committee with the support of many volunteers, this free event is a festive, family-friendly gathering that brings together locals and vacationers alike.

A free street arts festival

The artistic side of the Grande Fête de Vallouise focuses on street arts. Over two days, half a dozen street performances are offered daily throughout the village streets and squares. The artistic program is varied and vibrant: bicycle merry-go-rounds, juggling, acrobatics, clowns, puppets, street theater, storytelling, brass bands, and musical parades. All performances are free and accessible to everyone, with special attention given to young audiences.

Festive and friendly activities

Beyond the street performances, the Grande Fête de Vallouise offers numerous festive activities that keep the weekend lively. On Saturday, a flea market (garage sale) takes over the village, followed in the evening by a disco-funk dance in the village square. On Sunday, a fair and a pétanque tournament liven up the day, leading up to the pop-rock dance and the traditional fireworks display that close out the festivities on Sunday night. A different band plays for the dance each year, allowing 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, a mix of valley locals, second-home owners, and tourists staying in the Pays des Écrins. The friendly, family atmosphere, the exceptional mountain setting at the foot of the Parc National des Écrins, and the fact that all performances are completely free make this event a highlight of the summer in the Hautes-Alpes. A bar and food area are set up on-site by the Festival Committee.