For one day,Corbeil-Essonnes is set to become the couscous capital of the Ile-de-France. The Festival Couscous en Folie will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from midday to nightfall, for a day of sharing, oriental flavours and popular festivities. The event, which is entirely free of charge, takes place in the open air on the town hall forecourt, and promises a delicious mix of cuisine, crafts and music.
The festival is the brainchild of the ABC D'ici et d'ailleurs Berber association, well established in Corbeil, which aims to celebrate both culinary diversity and local know-how. The highlight of this first edition will be a competition for the best couscous in the Île-de-France region, where 10 selected restaurateurs will compete to win over a jury of professionals and enthusiasts. To take part, establishments must be based in the Paris region, have been in business for at least a year, and be able to serve more than 300 portions, while offering 20 "signature" couscous for the jurors and eight for the staff.
But it's not just about competition. The festival also gives pride of place to craftsmanship, with stands dedicated to local designers (fashion, decoration, jewelry, objets d'art...), for a participation fee of 200€. It's the perfect opportunity to pick up some unique pieces while strolling between two tastings. A free concert will bring the day to a close, before a fireworks display at dusk.
This new festival is part of the festive dynamic of Corbeil-Essonnes, a town already renowned for its Guinguettes du Monde festival, which celebrates international cultures and traditions. With the Festival Couscous en Folie, the city confirms its appeal for multicultural events accessible to all.
In short, if you're looking for great couscous, free entertainment and fireworks, this is a great event to mark in your diary. And don't forget, it's from 12pm to 10pm, so you can combine semolina, merguez and a good time.
Location
Corbeil-Essonnes Town Hall
2 Place Galignani
91100 Corbeil Essonnes
Prices
Free
