Festival de Cerfs-Volants: two days of spectacular demonstrations at Base 217, we were there!

Don't you think there's a bit of a shortage of kites in the skies outside Argenteuil? This weekend, May 10 and 11, 2025, you'll have to head to Essonne, to the famous Base 217, to attend the first edition of the Festival de Cerfs-Volants, organized by the Agglomération Cœur d'Essonne. An event that hopes to become a not-to-be-missed event, financially accessible to all, and with plenty of entertainment to delight the whole family!

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For two days, the public will be able to witness spectacular demonstrations of giant kites, some with wingspans of up to 30 meters, flown by top professionals in the field. An exhibition will explain the history and technological evolution of these flying objects, andworkshops will enable youngsters to design and fly their own kite in a dedicated area.

A former military base in the process of being transformed, Base 217 is ideal for hosting this festival, with its size and openness to the sky. Backed by Gérard Clément, co-founder of the Berck-sur-Mer International Festival, this premiere is part of the region's cultural agenda, putting glitter in the eyes of young and old alike!

We had the opportunity to take a tour and observe magnificent creations in the air, with as many flying whales, dragons, dolphins chased by a diver, even a crocodile or an angel, for a colorful and impressive sky for all ages. We were quickly overwhelmed by this beauty, which we were lucky enough to see under a beautiful sun and a strong wind - perfect weather for kites!

Our advice

We advise you to bring your own picnic lunch, as there are long queues to eat at the food-trucks. Bring something to protect you from the sun, as there isn't much shade! Likewise, take the bus from Brétigny-sur-Orge station if you don't want to walk for an hour, but you'll still have a good 20 minutes to get to Gate K of Base 217, or bring your bikes and scooters.

With small children, it's best to come by car, which seems to be on the Porte R side. Check well before you come, because according to other visitors, the GPS don't have the same itinerary! And if you didn't get tickets for this year's sold-out event, make the most of them next year, because it's sure to be back!