Parity
Editorial Alençon
Published July 13, 2026 at 9:05 am.
Despite vigilance for the red heat wave, the city of Alençon confirms the continuation of the celebration of National Day on Monday, July 13, 2026. The Patriotic Parade has been moved to the morning, and the Parade of Nations has been moved to 21:00. An enhanced prevention and assistance system will be deployed.
Every year the city of Alençon (Orne) celebrates the storming of the Bastille on the eve of July 14th, that is, on Monday July 13th of this summer 2026.
After a technical meeting that brought together the relevant agencies, as well as an analysis of weather conditions, potential risks and the capabilities of emergency services, city officials confirmed the continuation of the holiday with some changes.
The Patriotic Parade will last until 9:30 am.
Originally scheduled for 6:30 p.m., the patriotic parade will finally begin at 6:30 p.m. 9:30 amMonday 13 July due to exceptional weather conditions and Orne being placed on red alert due to extreme heat.
The route remains unchanged: the procession will leave Place Gaulle and go along Rue Saint-Blaise. Only the ceremony schedule has changed.
The Parade of Nations has been moved to 21:00.
HAS 21 o’clockThe Parade of Nations, organized as part of the World Folklore Festival, will pass through the streets of the center of Alençon.
Video: currently on Actu
The festival, organized by the folk ensemble Le Point d’Alençon, returns for the 34th edition with the participation of groups from India, Latvia, North Macedonia, Morocco, Senegal, Ukraine and France.
From 21 h 30 min.The Free’son Basse-Normandie Orchestra, performing pop-rock songs both contemporary and from the 1980s, will bring the Place Masson to life with a break during the fireworks display.
At the same time, Bayokos will perform at Poulet-Malassis Square.
Fireworks on Place Foch.
At nightfall, the traditional fireworks display will take place on Place Foch.
The weather forecast is consistent with the previous issue, with light winds and limited fire risk from fireworks displays, according to city officials. There is also little stress in patient care in healthcare settings.
The space will be reserved for people with reduced mobility. They can get there by going out on the Rue Lieutenant-Camille-Violan and the Rue Capitan-Charles-Aveline.
Enhanced emergency system
First aid points will be set up before and during the fireworks: on Place Foch, near the castle; Place Foch, Le Celtic bar.
After the fireworks, the station will operate in the Halle aux Toiles, near Place Poulet-Malassy and Rue des Porsches.
A pedestrian sanitation patrol will also be walking the streets of the city center throughout the evening. In case of discomfort or accident, please contact 15 or move closer to the nearest medical aid station.
Recommendations for vulnerable people
Because of the heat, noise, large crowds and travel downtown, city officials are recommending that the most vulnerable people take precautions or even not participate in the festivities or avoid the busiest areas.
This applies in particular to older or isolated people, people with heart, respiratory or chronic conditions, pregnant women, people with disabilities and those who are particularly sensitive to heat or are undergoing treatment that may contribute to dehydration.
Participants are encouraged to drink regularly, avoid long periods of time in crowded areas, take necessary medications with them, and come with someone when medical conditions require it.
The sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on public roads
City authorities remind you that the sale and consumption of alcohol on public roads is strictly prohibited. Bars and restaurants will not be able to sell alcoholic drinks to-go during the celebrations.
Drinking alcohol before or during the evening is also strongly discouraged to limit accidents, discomfort and risky behavior.
Regulated parking and traffic flow
Parking and traffic will be regulated in several sectors: Place General de Gaulle, Rue Saint-Blaise, Rue de la Pyramide, Rue Cazeau, Rue Clemenceau, Place Foch and Rue Brittany.
On the part of Place Foch located on the side of the town hall, parking is prohibited from 18:00 on July 10. The part located on the courtyard side has been there since 12 noon on July 12.
Pedestrian access to the court continues to be via rue de la Chaussee.
Firecrackers are prohibited
The use of firecrackers is strictly prohibited, especially in fireworks areas, for safety reasons.
Fan zone and other services adapted to the hot period
Due to the heat alert issued on Saturday, July 11 at 12:00 p.m., the city of Alençon and the community are also adapting several services.
The fan zone planned for Tuesday 14 July for the broadcast of the World Cup semi-final between France and Spain has been moved to the Anova Exhibition Centre. Gates will open at 19:00 ahead of kick-off at 21:00.
Sports facilities, with the exception of the Alensea Aquazone, will remain closed until Wednesday, July 15th inclusive.
The Arsonne and Alençon rehabilitation centers will be open from 7:00 to 15:00, except Sundays and public holidays. The weekly markets will also close earlier, with the end of unpacking scheduled for 12 noon. instead of 13:00.
Parc des Promenades will be open continuously until Wednesday, July 15th inclusive. The Museum of Fine Arts and Lace will continue to operate as usual.
Organizers of festivals and other events are asked to follow the prefecture’s recommendations.
Where to cool off in the heat?
Temperate rooms with access to water are open until Wednesday, July 15 from 9:00 to 20:00 in the basement of Holst Hall. Entrance is via Porsche Street.
The Aveline media library, Cour Bernadette-et-Jean-Mars, is also accessible in an air-conditioned space during its opening hours. However, it will be closed on Tuesday 14 July. It will welcome the public again on Wednesday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. then from 1:30 p.m. until 18:00. Adapted hours of operation for other online media libraries can be found on the CUA Media Library website.
Seniors can also use the air-conditioned rooms located on the ground floor of the independent residences Soleil d’Automne, 15, rue Jullien, and Clair Matin, 14, rue de Vicques. These places are available from 8:00 to 18:30, excluding Sundays and public holidays. Therefore they will be closed on Tuesday 14 July.
Finally, the city authorities recommend regularly checking the information disseminated by Météo-France and the Préfecture of Orne.
The Canicule toll-free number is available every day from 9:00 to 19:00. V 0 800 06 66 66. The call is free. It gives advice on how to protect yourself and look after the most vulnerable people.
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