Lily of the Valley Festival of RambouilletFête du Muguet de Rambouillet

The Fête du Muguet is Rambouillet’s annual Lily-of-the-Valley Festival held each May, celebrating a local tradition over a century old 1. Over a weekend, the town is filled with a funfair and an artisan market. Festivities include a float parade of decorated lily-of-the-valley themed wagons, costumed participants, local folklore music, and competitions. The highlight is the evening fireworks show on the château’s lawns and the crowning of a “Queen of the Lily” 2 3.

Originating in 1906, the festival has become Rambouillet’s signature event. It coincides with the commercial sale of lilies (France’s tradition of offering lilies on May 1), but the event itself is a community celebration with roots in town heritage 1. Historically, special trains even brought Parisians to join the festivities, underlining its local cultural importance.