For over 20 years, every two years, on the first weekend of July, the residents of Aÿ have been handing over the keys of their city to their good king Henri IV. As the owner of a wine press and a fervent lover of Aÿ wines, the town's inhabitants pay him a worthy tribute!
When the Spanish ambassador came to present his credentials and proudly listed all his noble titles, King Henri IV, with irony, simply replied: "And I am the Sire of Aÿ and Gonesse," that is, the lord of good wine and good bread. His doctor had advised him to drink Champagne wine, lighter, rather than Burgundy wine. Particularly appreciating this "medicine," Henri IV knew the product of our hillsides well.
A fortunate coincidence, at the end of the 17th century, revealed the bubbles in the wine. Due to the quality of its terroir, and also thanks to the commercial acumen of its bourgeoisie, Aÿ made the reputation of this novelty, which was then called, not "Champagne" but "Vin d'Aÿ" (Wine of Aÿ). During the Henri IV festivities, throughout Aÿ, there are surprises to discover, specialties to taste, and an atmosphere to capture during a weekend of joy and relaxation in the great Champagne tradition. Music, shows, a grand parade, crafts, and gastronomy are on the program!
PROGRAM
Open Courtyards : Winegrowers and individuals open their doors to you all weekend. These Champagne houses hardly reveal their wine-making function at first glance. They charm with their large courtyard around which the cellars, the grape harvest room, and the dwelling house are arranged. These courtyards offer catering, craft exhibitions, or musical entertainment.
Market The market features exhibitors specializing in gastronomy, crafts, and local products.
Aubades On Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, brass bands and harmonies take turns animating the streets.
Play Areas Young and old are invited to try all kinds of vintage toys.
Barrel Organ Festival Grand Barrel Organ Festival. Magnificent organs and a limonaire will be stationed in the streets of Aÿ. Participants from all over France and abroad.
SATURDAY
4:00 PM Inauguration (church square) with official speeches. Performances by brass bands, dancers, and flag throwers from our twin cities (Besigheim, Quaregnon, Sinalunga, Newton Abbot).
11:00 PM A grand fireworks display launched from the hillsides. Its scale will transport you and take you into the magical world of dreams... set to music!
SUNDAY
2:30 PM Parade on the theme "Henri IV's Secret Gardens" Every two years, entertainment professionals, brass bands, wine fraternities, Aÿ associations, the Communauté de Communes, and twin cities parade to accompany Henri IV on his white horse. 500 costumed participants, 20 horses, and 20 floats are expected.
