National Day of Villeneuve-sur-Yonne

July 14th in Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, a nautical festival on the banks of the Yonne

The National Day on July 14th takes on a fluvial and friendly dimension in Villeneuve-sur-Yonne. This ancient royal bastide, founded by Louis VII in the 12th century, with its two preserved medieval gates and picturesque quays, offers a remarkable historical setting to celebrate the national holiday on the banks of the Yonne river.

July 13th: The Firefighters' Ball

The festivities open on the evening of July 13th with the Firefighters' Ball, organized at the town hall park in a family-friendly and festive atmosphere. A traditional event that brings together residents and visitors on the eve of July 14th.

July 14th: Regattas and Boaters, the nautical festival

On July 14th, the town's big celebration is the traditional Regattas and Boaters day on the banks of the Yonne. The river becomes the scene of nautical activities accessible to all:

• Free introductions to canoeing, sailing, rowing, and water skiing, led by local nautical associations
• OFNIs (unidentified floating objects) race: whimsical boats built by participants compete on the Yonne in good spirits — departure traditionally given in mid-afternoon
• Demonstrations, boat baptisms, and river cruises
• Republican picnic and catering on the quays

An exceptional medieval setting

Villeneuve-sur-Yonne boasts a remarkably preserved medieval architectural heritage. The two medieval town gates – the Porte de Joigny and the Porte de Sens – frame the main street of the royal bastide, while the collegiate church of Notre-Dame dominates the town. The quays on the Yonne river, with their half-timbered houses and old washhouses, form an idyllic scene for summer festivities.

Not to be confused with the August fireworks display

In Villeneuve-sur-Yonne, the grand fireworks display is not held on July 14th but in mid-August, on the evening of August 14th on Quai Roland Bonnio, as part of the Medieval Festival « Villeneuve'Festif » which enlivens the town on August 14th and 15th. The National Day on July 14th, however, is centered on the Regattas and Boaters nautical day.