Living like in the Middle Ages for a weekend is possible at the Medieval Festival of Sedan, in the Ardennes. For two days, everything is reconstructed in every detail around the largest fortress in Europe, the fortified castle of Sedan.
Living like in the Middle Ages for a weekend is possible at the Medieval Festival of Sedan, in the Ardennes. For two days, everything is reconstructed in every detail around the largest fortress in Europe, the fortified castle of Sedan.
The Medieval Festival of Sedan is as grand as its fortress: created in 1996, this festival attracts nearly 40,000 visitors each year and mobilizes 400 volunteers around the largest fortress in Europe!
For a weekend, this event offers a journey back in time to the Princes of Sedan era. Medieval market, fighter and artisan camps, musicians, jugglers, acrobats, fire breathers, nobles, and commoners... everything is recreated in detail to ensure that this journey through time is free of anachronisms.
The medieval market set up around the castle and in the inner courtyard allows visitors to discover the trades of yesteryear: glassblower, luthier, tin worker, potter, wood gilder, bookbinder, illuminator...
The next Sedan Medieval Festival will take place on May 20th and 21st, 2023. The festival celebrates its 26th anniversary this year. Several highlights will punctuate this weekend dedicated to the Middle Ages:
The Camps:
You can stroll through medieval camps and historical reconstructions, featuring presentations of daily life, cuisine, weapons, war machines, calligraphy, weaving, and forging. You can also witness medieval combat and fencing tournaments in the moat.
Music, Performances, and Entertainment:
Outdoors: Musical processions, concerts, street theater, juggling, fire breathers, dance...
Indoors: The Gallery of Antiques hosts performances, including the Pierre Bayle Circle with two medieval farces. In the Treasure Room: various artisans of illumination, illustration, and Chinese calligraphy.
In the courtyard of the castle: Come together on the wedding podium with ceremonies throughout the weekend.
Children will not be forgotten this year either: various initiations with archery or crossbow, pony rides, and a playground of over 1000m².
The medieval market: open until 10pm on Saturday night.
Workshops at each camp and crafts (bookbinding, glassware, illumination, and lace). Animations for children: educational workshops, animals from the Liart educational farm, initiations to archery, crossbow, fencing, chivalry, weaving, and jousting.
Three new musical companies to discover this year: Les Bateleurs de Sire Jean and Rhésus Positif, Volivent and Prima Nocta.
An exceptional evening will take place on Saturday with a grand procession through the city center, followed by a concert in the moat and a fireworks display launched from the castle ramparts.
The Sedan Medieval Festival will take place on May 20th and 21st, 2023.
Address
Château Fort de Sedan
Cour du Château
08200 SEDAN
Tel: 03 24 29 98 80
Fax: 03 24 29 25 62
Opening Hours
Saturday: 10am to 10:30pm
Sunday: 10am to 7pm
Ticket Prices
Festival entry:
Adult: €10 per day
Adult: €15 for weekend pass
8-18 years old: €6 per day
8-18 years old: €8 for weekend pass
Free for children under 8
Visit to the Château Fort:
Special Festival rate of €6 per person (free for children under 8)
Torchlight night tours: Several departures planned, prices, schedules and reservation details to be communicated later.
Author Audrey on 10 October 2023
Sports and Leisure : Leisure
Author Audrey on 09 August 2022
Sports and Leisure : Team sports