Do I need to book to attend the Biennial?

No, the concerts and parades are free and open to all. Reservations are required to take part in the Color Run .

Can I bring my family?

Yes, the Biennial is a family and intergenerational event, with activities to suit all ages.

Where can I park during the event?

Several public car parks are available around the town centre . Follow the signs on site.

What time are the fireworks?

The fireworks will bring the festivities to a close at 1am on Sunday night.

Yes, there will be refreshment stands, stalls and restaurants in the town centre throughout the weekend.

The 2026 Biennial in Fontenay-le-Comte | Pays de Fontenay-Vendée Tourist Office

The Biennial
in Fontenay-le-Comte 23 & 24 May 2026

Every two years, Fontenay-le-Comte transforms itself into a huge open-air stage to host one of the region’s most emblematic events: La Biennale. For a whole weekend, the streets of the town vibrate to the rhythm of parades of floral floats, free concerts and festive entertainment.

It’s a popular, family-friendly and spectacular festival where residents, volunteers and visitors alike write a new page in Fontenay’s history. Get ready for a colourful adventure!

Focus on 2026 programming

Saturday 23rd May

Launch of the festivities

From 3pm, Fontenay-le-Comte’s neighbourhoods kick off the festivities on Place de Verdun with their own stalls and entertainment.

Run Color

A festive 5km race with no time limit or ranking, where participants run through a cloud of coloured powders thrown up by spectators. A simple mission: run, laugh and finish in multicolour!

From 4pm to 6.30pm: Run Color collective warm-up, then start of the race in starting waves.

🔗 O nline registration

Free outdoor concerts

The evening will continue with a series of concerts in Place de Verdun, including:

6.30pm to 9pm: DCS Ambiance Musicale
9.15pm to 10pm: Raph Sensé & Chris Anderson
10pm to 10.30pm: Infernos (fire show)
10.45pm to 11.45pm: La Petite Culotte – performer of the hit La Goffa Lolita
Midnight to 1am: DJ Florum

Sunday 24 May

The big parades

The most eagerly awaited moment of the weekend!

The famous floral floats created by the city’s neighbourhoods will be paraded in a festive atmosphere accompanied by brass bands, bandas and percussion groups.

Daytime parade

Leaving at 2pm from the Espace René Cassin.

Night-time parade

Leaving at 10pm from the Espace René Cassin.

Fireworks display

The festivities come to a close at 1am with a grand fireworks display.

The spirit of the event

A popular tradition that can’t be ignored

For over a century, the Biennial Festival has set the pace in Fontenay-le-Comte. Organised every even-numbered year during the Whitsun weekend, it brings together generations, neighbourhoods and visitors with the same mission: to celebrate together.

A collective adventure

Behind each float, there are months of preparation, hundreds of passionate volunteers and an incredible amount of energy. Here, the whole town becomes the heroine of its own show.

A whirlwind of music and colour

Fanfares, bandas, street shows, lights and entertainment: you can’t just sit back and watch. The Biennial will take you on a festive epic where you’ll dance as much as you admire.

About the Biennial

Rates

– Free access to parades and concerts
– Run Color: €15 / participant

Meeting place

The festivities take place in Fontenay-le-Comte town centre, mainly on Place de Verdun (concerts and stalls) and on Rue de la République for the float parades.

Parking

Free main car park at the Pôle d’échange multi-usage (PEMU).
🔗Calculate my route to the car park

Place de Verdun, rue Kléber, rue du Port and rue de la République are closed to parking during the event.

Refreshment and catering

Place de Verdun

Prepare your mission!

Do I need to book to attend the Biennial?
No, the concerts and parades are free and open to all.
Reservations are required to take part in the Color Run.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, the Biennial is a family and intergenerational event, with activities to suit all ages.
Where can I park during the event?
Several public car parks are available around the town centre. Follow the signs on site.
What time are the fireworks?
The fireworks will bring the festivities to a close at 1am on Sunday night.
Can we eat there?
Yes, there will be refreshment stands, stalls and restaurants in the town centre throughout the weekend.