Relive the Middle Ages in the heart of Breton cities
Do you want to travel through time? With the medieval festivals in Brittany, summer promises to be a colourful affair! Young and old can enjoy magical days in historic settings, including musicians, jousting, markets and grand banquets, equestrian and juggling shows!
Sarzeau – Château de Suscinio – 17 and 18 May 2025
What are you doing on 17 and 18 May this year? Because what we’re doing is setting off for a weekend in 1485 and making merry on the Rhuys Peninsula. At Domaine de Suscinio, knights, craftspeople and musicians have taken possession of the grounds and the Château. There, on the seashore, at the home of the Dukes of Brittany, they’ll get you to experience history life-size. Jousting on horseback, introduction to crossbow archery, frenzied dancing, craftwork demonstrations and more besides… A challenge waiting at every corner of the estate. Activities, re-enactments – there’s something for all ages and tastes. So put on your best chain-mail and join us!
The Fête des Remparts is an event you simply mustn’t miss out on! Every other year, Dinan returns to its bygone customs and provides one and all with a getaway beyond the reach of time, with warm-up jousts, knightly tournaments, dances, big market, tricksters, jugglers and much more besides… Make your way past the medieval city’s ramparts and immerse yourself in “a thousand years of history” lasting a full three days. With the sound of jaw harps as a background, enjoy the performances awaiting you on every street corner. Sample medieval recipes; take a stroll in the English garden, take your pick of the wares for sale on the market stalls – and then there are the makeup workshops to keep the children amused… A grand parade will bring the festivities to a convivial close on Sunday evening.
The medieval festival of Brocéliande would not be as delicious without its typical market. 50 km west of Rennes, at Comper castle in Concoret, around 40 creators will be set up for the weekend, accompanied by troubadours and knights. This exceptional day is punctuated with many events: equestrian and stilt walker shows, Breton tales and games, etc. Plunge into a world of valiant princes and fairies! Enchanted!
Every year for a weekend, the medieval town of Hennebont near Lorient relives the Middle Ages. Horses get the show started with a parade through the town. Dress up and join the dancers and musicians! At the medieval camp, there will be archery demonstrations, combats between knights, falconry demonstrations and equestrian events. Plays, concerts, period dances and giant wooden games complete the programme: a host of opportunities to have fun, sometimes in quite an unusual way!
For a day, the small town of character of Josselin, between Rennes and Vannes, reconnects with its medieval past. Join the jugglers, dancers and acrobats in the streets. Feeling peckish? Head to the period market, where local flavours will awaken the nose and taste buds. Entertainment, knights’ tournaments and burlesque shows take place one after another before a spectacular closing parade. The evening continues with a grand firework display.
A unique nocturnal show. Equestrian and nautical jousts. Acrobatics, magic, music, aerial dance and fire-eaters. 30 minutes south of Rennes, Le Grand-Fougeray puts on a grand show for its Medieval Festival! Find yourself in the 14th century, just for a weekend. The setting is enchanting: the woodland park of Tour Duguesclin. Between shows, stroll among farms, stalls and camps: you’ll find everything you need for eating and drinking. Children will have a field day with tree climbing, archery and giant wooden games. Let the party begin!
7. A village en fête between knights in armour and street entertainers
The Festoyes de Chevré – La Bouëxière – 15 September 2024
Raise your banners for the Festoyes de Chevré, where history comes to life in a whirlwind of colours and sounds! Turn yourself into a knight in armour or lady of the court and set off to enjoy a whole range of historical entertainments: epic duels, sumptuous banquets and workshops on the theme of the Middle Ages, from the 9th to the 13th century. Vibrate to the rhythm of our troubadours’ bewitching music and don’t miss out on the jugglers, fire-eaters and other street entertainers on hand … An unforgettable adventure awaits you, where every alleyway harbours mysteries and marvels for you to discover as a family.
