Vietnamese dragon dance performed at the fourth Maintenon-Pierres Japan Festival Eure-et-Loir, Centre-Val de Loire on September 19, 2026 (Hữu Chiến/VNA)
On September 19, Vietnamese culture took centre stage at the Maintenon-Pierres Festival in Eure-et-Loir, Centre-Val de Loire, France, bringing together traditional music, martial arts, handicrafts and cuisine for its fourth edition.
Held on September 19 to 20, the festival featured Vietnam as this year’s guest of honour, with visitors invited to experience a range of cultural traditions. Folk songs, zither performances, dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations and traditional toys such as tò he formed part of the programme, alongside Vietnamese culinary specialities.
The event also placed particular emphasis on martial arts, which served as one of the festival’s main themes. Moreover, cultural and artistic performances were complemented by activities showcasing traditional craftsmanship and culinary heritage.
Maine Mayor Thomas Laforge said the festival was established to bring different cultures and generations together, while creating opportunities to share traditions and common interests. With Vietnam joining the event alongside Japan, he encouraged residents and visitors to discover both cultures through direct interaction and cultural experiences.
Dinh Ngoc Duc, Director of the Vietnamese Cultural Centre in France, highlighted the cultural similarities shared by Vietnam and Japan, particularly their emphasis on family, community and the preservation of traditional values. He also noted France’s role as an open and culturally diverse setting for international exchange.
Vietnam’s participation, he added, provides an opportunity to present the country’s cultural heritage to French and international audiences while fostering cooperation among Vietnamese, Japanese and French cultural organisations. He described cultural exchange as a means of strengthening mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between nations.
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