A seven-metre-tall giant turns the corner, and the whole street cheers. Welcome to the Gayant Festival in Douai, Northern France.
In our last article, we shared our weekend exploring the mining basin. What we didn’t mention: we were there during the Fêtes de Gayant, the city’s biggest celebration. For three days, the centre of Douai belongs to a family of wicker giants and the crowds that follow them — a tradition you won’t find anywhere else in France.
➺ Also check out our article about Douai.
✤✤✤
The Fêtes de Gayant in Douai
If we were in Douai on those dates, it was to attend the city’s most important event: the Fêtes de Gayant.
History of the Fêtes de Gayant
Traditionally, the Fêtes de Gayant take place on the first weekend after July 5, from Saturday to Monday. This celebration marks the annual outing of Douai’s family of giants:
- Monsieur Gayant
- Madame Gayant (or Marie Cagenon)
- their three children Jacquot, Fillon, and Binbin!
These giants are impressive in size: Monsieur Gayant is about 8.5 m tall and is carried by six men. The family’s appearance is accompanied by a funfair, but above all by a huge parade featuring music groups, performers, and more.
We didn’t know about this festival at all before being there, and we were surprised to find this tradition of giants here. It actually reminded us of the festivals in Viana do Castelo in Portugal, where giants also appear during local festivities. (romaria de Nossa Senhora da Agonia). Even though Monsieur Gayant is much more imposing, he really made me think of those Portuguese giants. In 2005, UNESCO recognized the Giants of France (and Belgium) as intangible cultural heritage of humanity!
As a little anecdote, we were in Portugal in August (after this weekend in Douai, then), and during the Viana do Castelo festival parade, we spotted a special guest… The giant from the town of Lezennes!
Our Experience of the Fêtes de Gayant
The weekend in Douai was marked by two highlights: discovering the city and enjoying the festivities.
Sunday, the day of the grand procession, was especially intense. The family of giants crosses the city for several hours, accompanied by brass bands and thousands of spectators.
The most memorable moment remains the giants’ outing very early in the morning, followed by scenes of popular joy, especially when children try to kiss Binbin, a symbolic rite of passage to be considered a “true Douaisien.”
The Grand Procession and the Atmosphere in Town
After a morning spent around the giants, we took advantage of a break to visit the Douai belfry.
At noon, the city also offers a great convivial moment around a giant buffet featuring specialties from Northern France: Welsh, Flemish carbonade, waffles, merveilleux…
The afternoon is then devoted to the grand procession, an impressive parade lasting more than two hours and combining costumes, music, floats, and confetti.
Visiting Douai: Practical Information
Where to Stay?
We stayed at the Ibis Styles in Douai. Even though it is slightly outside the center, it turned out to be very pleasant. The rooms, decorated with an artistic touch, are clean and well maintained. As for breakfast, Ibis hotels never disappoint on that front, so we recommend it without hesitation.
Where to Eat?
We tried Maison Prévost, an excellent place combining bistronomy and gastronomy. A lovely surprise with original dishes and overall very good quality.
Getting Around
To visit Douai, there’s no need to come by car, as the train station is easy to reach on foot from the city center. Perfect for the #teamwithoutacar among you! However, if you want to do as we did and combine Douai with the mining basin, you’ll need a vehicle.
➺ By the way, don’t miss our article about the mining basin of Northern France, if this heritage interests you.
✤✤✤
The Fêtes de Gayant are much more than a local event: they are a true tradition that is part of Douai’s identity.
We loved discovering this popular festival, which gives the city a unique dimension. Between heritage, conviviality, and spectacle, it’s an experience to enjoy at least once.
A huge thank you to the tourist offices of Autour du Louvre Lens and Douaisis Tourisme for organizing this weekend, as well as to all their partners.
FAQ – Fêtes de Gayant
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fêtes de Gayant
What is the Gayant Festival in Douai?
The Fêtes de Gayant are a traditional celebration in the city of Douai, featuring a family of giants paraded through the streets during a large festive procession held every July.
When does the Gayant Festival take place?
The Fêtes de Gayant traditionally take place on the first weekend following 5 July, from Saturday to Monday.
Who are the giants of Douai?
The family of giants of Douai is made up of Monsieur Gayant, Madame Gayant and their three children: Jacquot, Fillon and Binbin.
Why is the Gayant Festival famous?
It is one of the oldest traditions in Northern France, and the giants’ processions are inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Can you attend the Gayant Festival with children?
Yes, the event is completely family-friendly, with parades, brass bands, a funfair and plenty of activities for all ages.