Free for 372 years, admission to the Fête des Loges in Saint-Germain-en-Laye(Yvelines) will remain free for the 2025 edition: the introduction of an ecoparticipation fee decided by the Mairie de Saint-Germain-en-Laye has been suspended, confirmed Aurélien Hector, president of the Fête des Loges committee representing the fairgrounds.
A long-standing tradition since 1652, the Fête des Loges is one of France's oldest and most popular funfairs. Historically, admission to the festival has always been free. This decision, taken by the municipality of Saint-Germain-en-Laye in disagreement with the wishes of the fairgoers, was aimed at reducing an annual deficit of €280,000, aggravated in recent years by rising costs, particularly those linked to security.
The festival, which takes place every summer in the state-owned forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, incurs incompressible expenses due to the specific nature of the site, which is classified as a protection forest by the Office National des Forêts(ONF). This natural setting, though charming, entails additional costs for the installation of infrastructures.
"We're going to set up a working group to find ways of saving money, so as to achieve a budget that's close to break-even," says the committee chairman.
In order to cut costs, the fairground operators suggest making the site permanent and adopting an operation similar to that of open-air markets. "The installation of underground electrical boxes would considerably reduce installation costs."
"Fête des Loges had a balanced budget until 2019, before the COVID crisis. However, over the following years, the deficit has steadily worsened," he points out.
According to Aurélien Hector, " this participation, however small, called into question the very idea of the funfair, whereas today, we're fighting to defend our trade and our environment ", which is usually free and open to all. He points out that the event was listed as a Unesco intangible heritage site a few months ago."Here, everyone is welcome, even without money. Everyone can stroll freely, enjoy the atmosphere and listen to the music," he stresses.
He insists on the fact that this is not an amusement park, but a festival where free, accessible family entertainment takes place, such as the various parades.
The Fête des Loges, a not-to-be-missed event in the Yvelines, will therefore remain open to strollers and gourmands this year. In any case, it remains a promise of entertainment in a unique setting, combining rides, delicacies and conviviality. We look forward to seeing you again in June 2025.
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