Mondoubleau en Fête

Mondoubleau en Fête: Celebrating the Living Heritage of the Perche

Every third weekend of September, on the occasion of the European Heritage Days, the small town of Mondoubleau - the capital of the Collines du Perche vendômois - dresses up to host Mondoubleau en Fête. This festive and family-friendly event highlights the living heritage, itinerancy, and natural riches of this still-preserved territory in the northwest of Loir-et-Cher.

A Rich and Varied Program

The Mondoubleau en Fête program unfolds over two full days, from Saturday evening to Sunday evening, and offers a multitude of free activities. On Saturday afternoon, a watercourse walk of about two hours, guided by the association Perche Nature, allows participants to discover the local riverside flora and fauna. A guided tour of the church complements this heritage aspect. Saturday evening is dedicated to an open-air concert in the market square.

The 'Machins' Contest: A Percheron Invention

A quirky and joyful highlight of the festival, the 'Machins' contest is an intergalactic competition of invented cargo bikes. Participants design and ride contraptions as improbable as they are ingenious through the streets of Mondoubleau, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd. On Sunday at 2 p.m., a parade-visit with the contest bikes traverses the historic center in a festive atmosphere.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides and Heritage Tours

On Sunday morning and afternoon, horse-drawn carriage rides pulled by Percheron horses - an emblematic breed of the Perche region - tour the streets of Mondoubleau's town center. Visitors can also participate in a guided tour of the historic center scheduled for 3:30 p.m., to discover the remains of the medieval castle, the half-timbered houses, and the remarkable monuments of the town.

Catering and Camaraderie

On-site catering is available on Saturday evening and Sunday lunchtime, while a refreshment stand operates continuously throughout the weekend in the market square. All activities are free, fostering a spirit of sharing and discovery accessible to all.