Normandy’s top medieval fairs

A huge medieval market and demonstrations, a fantastic life-size investigation, a parade through the cobbled streets, a competition for the best costume… Joan of Arc, whose heroic and unhappy fate is inextricably linked to Rouen, is back, this time in a festive guise.

From 29 to 31 May 2025

A historical encampment, a market, a fancy-dress banquet, archery tournaments, duels, sword fights and a grand Renaissance ball: that’s the enticing programme of the Medieval Festival of Clères, which takes place in the castle and the village at the beginning of July.

Back in 2026

(Visitors in costume benefit from a reduced rate)

With the Dieppe castle in the background and breathtaking sea views, this newcomer in the festival world mixes medieval and marine fantasy.

12 and 13 July 2025

Free event

Now the third largest medieval festival in France!  With its medieval market stalls clustering around the cathedral, there are street pageants, a medieval mass and a grand parade.

From 27 to 29 June 2025

Free event

Step back in time, and take a day out in the Middle Ages, when the young and not-so-young can pit their wits against the inhabitants of the seigneurie in period costume, all in an attempt to Solve the Enigma! There is no other historical reenactment quite like it in the whole of France!

From 3 to 10 August 2025

The programme features re-enactors in a Carolingian, Viking and Norman setting. Meet the keen men and long-suffering partners who set out to bring to life Ornavik, an experimental archaeological site near Caen.

From 18 to 20 July 2025

Head to Ornano Park at Womens’ Abbey! The 11th-century Church of the Holy Trinity is a fine example of Norman architecture and houses the tomb of Queen Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror. The displays and performances are free, while the stalls include medieval cooking to mark your fun day out.

2025 dates TBC

Bring back to life the Middle Ages within the fiefdom of William the Conqueror. Knights on horseback jousting, medieval encampments, stalls (“échoppes” in old French) are all on the fun-loving menu!

9 and 10 August 2025

Trollball, rôle-play, concerts, etc. Some of the spectacles are performed at night, and the activities centre on Fantasy and Steampunk. Not to be missed – and all beside the seaside!

20 and 21 September 2025

The Château de Colombières, witness to a thousand years of history, returns to the Middle Ages for a medieval weekend. With the participation of the Compagnons de Formigny, specialists in re-enactment, and several groups of enthusiasts. A medieval camp, a craftsmen’s village, jousting tournaments, béhourd (armoured combat) demonstrations, shows and workshops will take place around the fortress.

2025 dates TBC

This beautiful site is set within an arboretum. The programme features jousts, falconry displays and a medieval market.

Back in 2026!

Tournaments, jousts, re-enacted combat, all this and more awaits the visitor to this twelfth century Abbey deep in the demesne forest of Lyons.

14 and 15 August 2025

For an exceptional day of history, this event will take place at Château la Motte in Montfort-sur-Risle. You’ll rub shoulders with minstrels, fire-eaters and knights in shining armour in a large re-enactment camp where crafts and lifestyles will be on display. There’s no shortage of entertainment at this 20th edition.

7 September 2025

In 1066, William the Conqueror set sail from Dives-sur-Mer with his fleet to conquer England and become king. This summer, come and relive this epic story through a series of events. Torchlight processions, a jousting tournament, a shipyard, a Viking camp and a craft market: a great show on the banks of the Dives and in the Parc André Lenormand.

Back in 2027 for William’s Millennium

In this medieval town full of character, street plays, medieval markets, processions, banquets and jousts await!

1st to 3rd August 2025