Melon en fête

Melon en fête

The 2025 edition of Melon en Fête promises to be a gracious one, as it celebrates the recognition of the Melon de Cavaillon PGI. The programme includes entertainment, meals, parades, a market selling local produce and a night market.

centre-ville, 84300, Cavaillon

From Friday 4 to Saturday 5 July 2025.

Page updated on 04/07/2025

Two days of festivities to celebrate the Melon

Every summer, Cavaillon celebrates the melon in all its forms with a must-see event in Provence: the Melon Festival!

The 2025 edition of “Melon en Fête” promises to be exceptional, highlighting the Cavaillon Melon, now officially recognized with a PGI label. Gourmet market, parades, a 100% local banquet, shows, tastings of fresh products, and Provençal entertainment for the whole family will take over the town center for two days of celebration filled with conviviality, gastronomy, and local heritage.

A colorful festival in the heart of the Luberon, to enjoy with family or friends.

Festive Dress Code

Come dressed in white with a touch of orange!

A simple and cheerful way to join the festive spirit and celebrate the Cavaillon melon together!


The Melon and Cavaillon

Much more than just a summer fruit, the Cavaillon melon is a true emblem of Provençal terroir. Its sweet flesh, captivating aroma and refreshing taste make it one of the season’s stars—and the pride of an entire region.

Grown between the Durance River and the Luberon mountains, it has been part of the town’s history for centuries—celebrated on the finest tables, shipped to Paris as early as the 19th century, and now officially recognized with a PGI label since February 2025, which guarantees its origin and quality.

The Melon Festival pays tribute to this delicious heritage, lovingly cultivated by local producers. A vibrant tradition to enjoy without moderation!

The full program of Melon en Fête 2025

Friday, July 4

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  • 6:30 pm – Opening Parade of the Cavaillon Melon Brotherhood
    Departure from the Roman Arch, passing through the town center streets
  • 7:00 pm – Official Opening of the Festival
    Public aperitif offered by the City of Cavaillon and distribution of bandanas
    Roman Arch – Place du Clos

Festive vibe with colorful balloons at the Cavaillon Melon Festival
  • 7:15 pm – Induction Ceremony into the Melon Brotherhood
    Roman Arch

Melon and local produce market in the heart of Cavaillon

  • 8:30 pm to midnightThe Grand Melon en Fête Banquet
    Place Tourel

To celebrate the official PGI recognition of the Cavaillon Melon, the City of Cavaillon invites you to a memorable dinner at the foot of Saint-Jacques hill, on Place François Tourel.

The restaurants L’Instant Gourmand, Le Bistro du Clos, and Le Cabanon have teamed up to create an exceptional 100% local menu centered around the Cavaillon Melon, using high-quality ingredients.

Menu

Starter: Melon and tomato tartare, buffalo mozzarella, pistachio oil, and basil
Main course: Braised Ventoux pork, thyme and melon reduction, served with ratatouille
Dessert: “Around Melon and Apricot” – vanilla diplomat cream, rosemary syrup, melon and shortbread

Aperitif included.

Price: €25 – Booking online or at the Destination Luberon Tourist Office counters

Book your gourmet evening

Live entertainment during dinner!

Manu and Co and their show Le Bastringue Divague, a roving Guinguette performance, will serve up a flavorful mix of French chansons (Boris Vian, Fréhel, Brel, Aznavour), seasoned with flamenco notes (Les Négresses Vertes) and a pinch of gypsy jazz (Sanseverino, Django Reinhardt).

  • 10:00 pmRoussataïo: 100 Horses Running Free
    Route: Place du Clos, Cours Bournissac, Victor Hugo and Gambetta, Pasteur, Raspail and Aimé Boussot streets (2 laps around town)
    Experience the spectacular stampede of 100 free-running horses and the grand Melon of Cavaillon parade cart through the town center!

Traditional equestrian parade during the Melon Festival in Cavaillon

Saturday, July 5

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  • 9:00 am to 6:00 pmMelon and Local Products Market
    Place du Clos
    Provençal entertainment, cooking demos, tastings, games, and sales of melons and local products. Nearly 30 stalls welcome you all day long.

Melon-based cooking demonstration with the Disciples of Escoffier

  • 9:00 am to 5:00 pm – Giant Treasure Hunt for All Ages
    Starting point: Place du Clos
  • 9:00 am to 6:00 pm – Traditional Wooden Games
  • Exhibition “From Plant to Plate”, 9:30 am–12:30 pm & 2:00 pm–6:00 pm
    Espace Léon Colombier
    An educational journey through the life of a melon—from cultivation to tasting.
  • 10:00 am to 6:00 pmMini-Farm and Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
  • 10:30 am to 12:00 pmGrand Melon Parade
    The large decorated melon cart drawn by horses will parade through the streets, joined by local brotherhoods and Provençal associations.

Cooking Demonstrations – Place du Clos

  • 11:00 am – Cooking demo by the Disciples of Escoffier
  • 2:30 pm – Demo by Jean-Jacques Prévôt
    Former Michelin-starred chef – With the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France
  • 4:00 pm – Demo by Emma Obadina
    Franco-Japanese pastry chef – Restaurant Nagori
  • 2:30 pm – Street Parade by the Peña Los Amigos
    Town center
  • 3:30 pmProvençal Dances and Flag Throwing by Embelido
  • 5:00 pmProvençal Music by Embelido
    Espace Léon Colombier
  • 5:00 pm – Brass Band Musical Walkabout
    Town center
  • 5:30 pm – Prize draw for the Giant Treasure Hunt winners
  • 6:00 pmAcrobatics Show: *Perfect Timing*
    Rue de la République – Passage des Arts
  • 7:00 pm to midnightNight Market
    Cours Gambetta
    Around thirty stallholders and artisans offering handmade and local products: jewelry, candles, gift ideas...
  • 9:00 pm to 1:00 amMelon en Fête Grand Concert
    Place Gambetta
    Featuring the Bernard Becker orchestra and its 16 professional musicians. A festive evening with a 100% danceable repertoire!

Open-air concert in Cavaillon during the Melon Festival

An event supported by local businesses

Shop window contest and melon tastings in downtown stores.

Free Parking

Parking is free throughout the entire festival!
Available parking lots are displayed at town entrances with real-time space availability.

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Melon en fête_Cavaillon
Melon en fête_Cavaillon
Melon en fête_Cavaillon
Melon en fête_Cavaillon

Practical information on Melon en fête

Opening times and periods

From Friday 4 to Saturday 5 July 2025.

Price(s)

Free access. Meal at €25 with reservation: https://boutique.destinationluberon.com.

Informations

Languages

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