©Re-enactment Troops|A.S.PhotoSports A.Stefanopoulos

Lafayette celebrations

The Fêtes Lafayette will take place in Tence from 5 to 7 September 2025. Here are the reasons why, the programme and the good deals for this event organised by the brand new Mission Haute-Loire association. Eighteenth-century re-enactment troops, cannon firings, historical market, parades, lectures, films, fireworks… An event not to be missed under any circumstances, and one that promises to be historic!

Published on 21 August 2025

Lafayette celebrations in Tence?

And why not?

2 reasons :

A story of history lovers! Residents of Tence and the surrounding area. Around Joachim Leyronnas, a group of friends with a passion for history created a brand new association in February 2025 , “Mission Haute-Loire”, to organise this event. All its members are based in the area and have been working on the project for several years…
General Marquis de Lafayette was born in the Haute-Loire, admittedly in the west of the département, and many events take place there. But until now, nothing has been organised in the east of the department.

So why not in Tence? And General Lafayette’s motto will be the end of the story… And why not? Tence will be the setting for the Lafayette Festival.

©Tence From Le Velay Express|©F.Brousard

An anniversary date and much more

6th September 1757

General Marquis de Lafayette was born on 6 September 1757 at the Château de Chavaniac. 6 September is his birthday. But 6 September 2025 is also the bicentenary of Lafayette’s last trip to the United States. And this year, 6 September falls on a Saturday!

The Lafayette show

During the Fêtes Lafayette in Tence, you can discover: the show “Lafayette, the American War of Independence. For one hour, the Marquis himself will rec ount his extraordinary epic alongside the Americans. You’ll understand just how crucial France’s role was in the final victory and why, even today, the “hero of two worlds” continues to be admired across the Atlantic… A show not to be missed! President Monroe had asked the American Congress to pass a resolution granting land in Louisiana in gratitude for services rendered in the cause of independence.

Practice

Two performances: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September at 1.30pm at the Tence cinema. Free admission

The historic market and the parade

Many workshops will be on offer at the historical market: historical costume designer, Chavaniac Lafayette castle, lace demonstration and initiation, stone carving, calligraphy, art bookbinding, etc. At the re-enactment troops’ bivouac, you can meet 18th-century French soldiers. Fun and educational workshops for all, demonstrations of 18th-century games, rifle shooting, etc. Flags will be flying in Tence during the Fêtes Lafayette: the pavoisement!

Haute-Loire Mission

Practice

Visit to the re-enactment troops’ bivouac on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 6.45pm (4.45pm on Sundays) Free admission

Festivities programme

Saturday 6th September

10am Opening of the bivouac and the historical market at the Bivouac
11am Rifle and cannon firing demonstration and charge simulation at the Bivouac
1.30pm Dramatised lecture “Lafayette, the American War of Independence” at the Cinéma
2pm Reopening of the bivouac and the market
2pm Musical parade by Los Trevaires, a folk music troupe in the streets of Tence
3pm Demonstration of rifle firing, cannon firing and charge simulation at the Bivouac
3pm Talk “Presentation of Château Chavaniac-Lafayette” by Claire Pratviel (stage manager) at the Cinéma
4pm Show “La Conscription”. The Marquis de Lafayette needs soldiers to go and fight in America. Who will volunteer? at the Bivouac
5pm Special entertainment by the “La belle journée” association from Langeac, who will present the flags of the regiments that left for America with Lafayette at the Bivouac.
6pm Talk about Lafayette and historical re-enactment with “reconstituteurs” at the Cinéma
8.30pm Grand parade through the streets of Tence
9.30pm Fireworks

Sunday 7 September

10am Opening of the bivouac and market
10.45am Costumed mass celebrated by Mgr Baumgarten, Bishop of Le Puy in the church
12pm Demonstration of rifle shooting, cannon firing and charge simulation at the Bivouac
1.30pm Dramatised lecture “Lafayette, the American War of Independence” at the Cinema
2pm Reopening of the bivouac and the market
3.30pm Show “La Conscription”. The Marquis de Lafayette needs soldiers to go and fight in America. Who will volunteer? at the Bivouac
5pm Final parade through the streets of Tence
5.30pm Closing of the Lafayette Festivities at Place de l’Hôtel de Ville
6pm Screening of the film “Lafayette” by Jean Dréville, with Michel Le Royer at the Cinéma

It's up to you!

For those who want to take a more active role in the festivities, the AZ Flag website offers a wide range of flags. During the Fêtes Lafayette, Mission Haute-Loire will be selling tricorns (18th-century hats) at 8 euros each, so you can take part in the festivities without breaking the bank.

Practice

To prepare your visit to the Fêtes Lafayette. Car parks will be indicated at the entrance to the village. You can also come and discover the vogue of Tence which takes place at the same time!