Festival Historique Tonnerrois
The Figures of Tonnerrois — from Antiquity to the Present Day in the Heart of the Hôtel-Dieu Marguerite de Bourgogne
About Festival Historique Tonnerrois
Every autumn in Tonnerre, the Festival Historique Tonnerrois revives the great figures who have shaped the identity of this Burgundian town, from Antiquity to the present day. A theatrical fresco in costume, a portrait gallery, an artisan market, concerts, fencing, and popular entertainment are organized around the medieval jewel that is the Hôtel-Dieu founded in 1293 by Marguerite de Bourgogne, Countess of Tonnerre. A unifying event combining living heritage and conviviality.
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A Festival at the Heart of Exceptional Medieval Heritage
Tonnerre, a town in the Yonne department of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, holds one of France's most remarkable architectural treasures: the Hôtel-Dieu founded in 1293 by Marguerite de Bourgogne, Countess of Tonnerre and former Queen of Sicily. With its 88 meters in length, this medieval hospital is the longest in Europe to have retained its original infirmary hall. It is in this exceptional setting and in the streets of the town that the Festival Historique Tonnerrois summons the illustrious ghosts of Tonnerrois every autumn.
Organized by the Communauté de Communes Le Tonnerrois en Bourgogne, this festival, born in the early 2020s, has quickly found its audience thanks to an original formula combining historical rigor, citizen participation, and festive entertainment accessible to all.
The Figures of Tonnerrois: A Human and Popular Fresco
The heart of the festival is the theatrical fresco of the Figures of Tonnerrois, a living parade where residents, volunteers, and history enthusiasts, in period costumes, portray the emblematic characters who have marked local life, from Antiquity to the present day. Participants embody military, political, artistic, or industrial figures of their choice, after an open casting process.
Among the most frequently honored characters are:
- Marguerite de Bourgogne (1249-1308) — Countess of Tonnerre, founder of the Hôtel-Dieu, widow of Charles of Anjou, King of Sicily. She gifted the town its most precious monument.
- The Chevalier d'Éon (1728-1810) — spy, diplomat, and military man born in Tonnerre, a fascinating figure whose gender identity caused a scandal throughout Enlightenment Europe. The museum dedicated to him in Tonnerre perpetuates his memory.
- Ernest Cœurderoy (1825-1862) — a physician and revolutionary from Tonnerre, a figure of 19th-century French anarchism.
A Rich Program Over Two Days
The festival takes place over a two-day weekend in September, taking over several areas of the town of Tonnerre:
- Theatrical fresco in costume: parade of historical figures through the streets of Tonnerre, with recited texts and short plays performed for the public.
- Portrait gallery: exhibition at Espace Marland presenting the portraits and biographies of the Figures of Tonnerrois highlighted during the edition.
- Artisan and exhibitor market: stands of local artisans, creators, and producers in the spirit of the Burgundian terroir.
- Food and wines of Tonnerrois: tasting of local wines (AOC Épineuil, Bourgogne Tonnerre) and craft beers, with on-site catering.
- Concerts and conferences: musical programming and talks by historians on the heritage of Tonnerrois.
- Ancient games and fencing bouts: participatory activities for all ages, introductions to period practices.
The Hôtel-Dieu Marguerite de Bourgogne: A Medieval Jewel as a Backdrop
The Hôtel-Dieu of Tonnerre, located at Place Marguerite de Bourgogne, serves as the natural and symbolic backdrop for the festival. Founded in 1293 and welcoming its first patients in 1295, this listed monument is one of Europe's oldest medieval hospitals still standing in its original state. Its 88-meter-long infirmary hall, its 13th-century broken barrel vault ceiling, and the tomb of Marguerite de Bourgogne make it an unparalleled place of memory.
During the festival, the town of Tonnerre comes alive around this emblematic building, creating a vibrant dialogue between past and present, between ancient stones and today's inhabitants dressed as yesterday's figures.
A Participatory Festival Rooted in the Community
The strength of the Festival Historique Tonnerrois lies in its participatory model: residents of Tonnerre and the surrounding region are invited to join the theatrical fresco through an open casting call, with no artistic prerequisites. All that is needed is comfort speaking aloud to recite a text or, failing that, to participate as an extra in a procession. This unifying format anchors the festival in local life and gives it an authenticity that few cultural events can claim.
Organized by the Communauté de Communes with the support of the town of Tonnerre, the Chablis-Tonnerrois Tourist Office, and numerous volunteers, the festival embodies the territory's commitment to showcasing its exceptional heritage to both residents and external visitors.
Festival Historique Tonnerrois — edition 2026
The 4th edition of the Festival Historique Tonnerrois is scheduled for September 2026 in Tonnerre. This historic and participatory weekend will feature a new theatrical fresco in costume depicting the emblematic figures of Tonnerrois, an artisan market, medieval entertainment, concerts, and tastings of Burgundian wines, in the heart of the town founded by Marguerite de Bourgogne.
4th Edition 2026 — The Figures of Tonnerrois
The Festival Historique Tonnerrois returns for its fourth edition in September 2026, continuing its tradition of a historic and participatory weekend in the streets of Tonnerre. The formula that made the previous editions successful will be repeated, with the theatrical fresco of the Figures of Tonnerrois at the heart of the program: a parade in period costumes, led by residents and volunteers embodying the illustrious figures who have shaped the town's identity since Antiquity.
The festival will take place in the heart of Tonnerre's exceptional heritage, in the orbit of the Hôtel-Dieu Marguerite de Bourgogne (Place Marguerite de Bourgogne, 89700 Tonnerre), a medieval monument founded in 1293 and listed as one of Europe's most remarkable. The cobbled streets of the historic center, the Fosse Dionne, and the town's public spaces will serve as natural stages for the events.
The provisional program includes:
- Theatrical fresco in costume: parade of the Figures of Tonnerrois in the town's streets
- Portrait gallery: exhibition on the characters honored in this edition
- Artisan and exhibitor market: local artisans, creators, and producers
- Tastings of Tonnerrois wines: AOC Épineuil, Bourgogne Tonnerre, craft beers
- Concerts and historical conferences
- Ancient games and fencing bouts for all ages
Casting to participate in the theatrical fresco will be open to willing residents. No prerequisites are required: good will and enthusiasm are enough to join the great collective adventure of the Festival Historique Tonnerrois.
Programme Festival Historique Tonnerrois 2026
Provisional Program 2026
- Theatrical fresco: parade in costume of the Figures of Tonnerrois through the streets of the historic center
- Portrait gallery: exhibition at Espace Marland
- Artisan market: artisans, creators, producers from Tonnerrois
- Tastings: AOC Épineuil and Bourgogne Tonnerre wines, craft beers, catering
- Concerts and musical programming
- Historical conference led by a specialized speaker
- Ancient games and fencing: participatory activities for the whole family
Detailed program to be confirmed by the Communauté de Communes Le Tonnerrois en Bourgogne.
Highlights Festival Historique Tonnerrois 2026
Highlights of the 2026 Edition
- Theatrical fresco: Tonnerre alive and costumed in its own streets
- Hôtel-Dieu Marguerite de Bourgogne as an exceptional heritage setting
- Participatory festival open to all — citizen casting to join the fresco
- Wines of Tonnerrois (AOC Épineuil, Bourgogne Tonnerre) in the spotlight
- Family-friendly: ancient games, fencing, activities for children
Prices Festival Historique Tonnerrois 2026
Practical information — Festival Historique Tonnerrois
Practical Information
Dates and Location
The Festival Historique Tonnerrois is held annually on a weekend in September (Saturday and Sunday) in the town center of Tonnerre. Activities take place at the Espace Marland, in the streets of the historic center, and around the Hôtel-Dieu Marguerite de Bourgogne, Place Marguerite de Bourgogne, 89700 Tonnerre.
Access
By car: Tonnerre is accessible from Paris via the A6 motorway towards Lyon, exit Nitry or Tonnerre (approx. 2 hours). From Auxerre: 38 km via the N77. Parking is available in the town center near the Salle Marland and the Hôtel-Dieu.
By train: Tonnerre station is served from Paris-Gare de Lyon (Paris–Dijon–Lyon line, approx. 1 hour 45 minutes) and from Auxerre (approx. 30 minutes). The station is a 15-minute walk from the historic center.
GPS: Hôtel-Dieu de Tonnerre — Place Marguerite de Bourgogne, 89700 Tonnerre (47.8575° N, 3.9744° E).
Prices
The festival is largely offered with free access: theatrical fresco in the streets, portrait gallery, street entertainment, games, and fencing bouts. Some specific activities or food services may incur a fee. Please inquire with the Communauté de Communes Le Tonnerrois en Bourgogne before each edition.
Practical Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes: the theatrical fresco and activities take place outdoors and on the cobbled streets of the historic center.
- Dress appropriately for September weather in Burgundy: mornings and evenings can be cool.
- Arrive early to enjoy the portrait gallery at Espace Marland and the artisan market before the main theatrical fresco.
- The wines of Tonnerrois (AOC Épineuil, Bourgogne Tonnerre) are featured at the tasting stands — bring a glass and a bag for purchases.
- The event is family-friendly with ancient games, participatory activities, and colorful costume parades.
Contact and Information
Communauté de Communes Le Tonnerrois en Bourgogne
Phone: +33 6 09 50 07 97
Website: www.letonnerroisenbourgogne.fr
Office de Tourisme Chablis, Cure, Yonne et Tonnerrois
Website: www.chablis-tonnerrois.fr
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Festival Historique Tonnerrois
Hôtel-Dieu Marguerite de Bourgogne et centre-ville de Tonnerre
Place Marguerite de Bourgogne, 89700 Tonnerre