Alençon (F) - Fête foraine de la Chandeleur

The Alençon funfair, often known locally as the ‘Foire de la Chandeleur’, is the first major festival of the year in the Orne region and a deeply rooted tradition in Normandy. It takes place every year around February and marks the end of the winter hibernation period for the inhabitants of the town and the surrounding area. The venue for this colourful spectacle is traditionally the spacious Hertré Square (Plaine d'Hertré), which is transformed into a brightly lit amusement park for several weeks.

What makes this fair special is its role as a ‘winter festival’. Despite the often still cool temperatures, it attracts thousands of visitors who are looking for a mixture of thrills and socialising. The fairground attractions are wide-ranging and offer entertainment for all age groups. Brave visitors are drawn to modern high-altitude rides that take them high above the rooftops of Alençon, while lovers of classic fairground traditions will find what they are looking for in the numerous bumper cars, lottery booths and shooting galleries. For the youngest guests, there are a variety of colourful children's carousels and trains that are an integral part of the fair.

An essential aspect of the Fête foraine d'Alençon is the gastronomic experience, which is strongly influenced by the sweet scents of French fairground culture. As the festival is closely linked to the time of ‘Chandeleur’ (Candlemas), freshly baked crêpes play a central role. In addition, the numerous stalls also offer churros, waffles, candied apples and savoury specialities that provide cosy warmth in the cold February air.

The event is more than just a place for rides; it is an important social gathering place that enlivens the city and brings generations together. In the evening hours, when the light installations of the rides illuminate the night sky and music echoes across the square, the festival develops a special dynamic that makes you forget the grey winter for a short time. Special promotion days with reduced prices also ensure that the fair remains an inclusive experience for all families in the region.

Travel information:

By public transport:

- By train: Alençon station (distance 2.6 km)

- By bus: Porte de Bretagne stop (lines B, C, D)

By car:

- Venue: Plaine d'Hertré (Rue du Hertre)

Parking:

- Car parks directly next to the venue (Rue Martin Luther King)