Medieval Festival of Chalmazel
The medieval festival at the foot of Chalmazel castle
About Medievales de Chalmazel
The Medieval Festival of Chalmazel is a biennial event organized by the Chalmazel Festival Committee in the village of Chalmazel-Jeansagnière, in the heart of the Monts du Forez in the Loire. Since the year 2000, the village has been transformed into a medieval city at the foot of the Marcilly-Talaru castle. More than fifteen troupes take over the streets closed to traffic: fire-eaters, jugglers, acrobats, musicians, and fighters. Medieval market, taverns, encampments, workshops for children, banquet, ball, and a nocturnal fire show punctuate this festive weekend accessible to the whole family.
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A Journey Through Time in the Heart of Forez
Since the year 2000, the Medieval Festival of Chalmazel has transformed the village of Chalmazel-Jeansagnière into a true medieval city every two years. Nestled at an altitude of 900 meters in the Monts du Forez, the village offers an exceptional natural and heritage setting for this dive into history. From the church to the Pontet district, via the Château des Marcilly-Talaru (13th century) and the town hall square, every alley is adorned with banners, artisan stalls, and medieval encampments.
More Than Fifteen Exceptional Troupes
Each edition hosts more than fifteen medieval performance troupes from all over France. Fire-eaters, jugglers, acrobats, stilt walkers, jesters, musicians, and dancers take over the village streets throughout the weekend. Among the companies that have marked previous editions: Tribu Kassguëul, Compagnie du Clair Obscur, Goupil ou Face, Les Baladeux, In Vino Veritas, Caminaire, Saboï, Marazula, La Corne Percée, the Archers de la Salamandre, Jurajali, and L'Étoile. The shows are spread across several stages in the village so that the public doesn't miss any of the festivities.
A Rich Program for the Whole Family
On Saturday afternoon, from 3 p.m., the village comes alive with street fights, comic sketches, medieval dance and music, archery demonstrations, games of skill, and creative workshops for children (face painting, treasure hunt, medieval games). The medieval market offers period crafts and local products, while the taverns serve roast beef, hypocras, and other ancient dishes. On Saturday evening, a torchlight procession in period costumes precedes a grand fire show, followed by a fireworks display and a medieval ball in the village square. On Sunday, the festivities resume from 10 a.m. with the same fervor, enriched by a medieval banquet (by reservation) and a plant discovery walk.
An Event Rooted in Local Heritage
Supported by the Chalmazel Festival Committee and an army of volunteers, the Medieval Festival has become a must-see event for the living heritage of the Loire. Wearing period costumes is strongly encouraged for total immersion. The village is entirely closed to car traffic during the event, offering a safe pedestrian area where young and old can wander freely between the activities. With its thirteen editions, the event attracts visitors from all over the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and beyond.
Medievales de Chalmazel — edition 2026
13th edition of the Medieval Festival of Chalmazel. For a whole weekend, the village of Chalmazel-Jeansagnière transforms into a medieval city at the foot of the Marcilly-Talaru castle. More than fifteen troupes of entertainers, fire-eaters, jugglers, acrobats, musicians, and dancers take over the streets. On the program: medieval market, taverns, encampments, workshops for children, fights, archery, torchlight procession, fire show, fireworks, and medieval ball. Village closed to traffic, free parking and shuttles.
13th Medieval Festival of Chalmazel — July 25 and 26, 2026
The 13th edition of the Medieval Festival of Chalmazel will be held on July 25 and 26, 2026. The village of Chalmazel-Jeansagnière transforms for a weekend into a living medieval city, at the foot of the majestic Château des Marcilly-Talaru (13th century). From the church to the Pontet district, via the town hall square, every street in the village hosts shows, encampments, and an artisan market.
Exceptional Performance Troupes
More than fifteen medieval troupes from all over France will invade the streets of Chalmazel throughout the weekend. Fire-eaters, jugglers, acrobats, stilt walkers, jesters, and musicians will offer continuous performances on several stages throughout the village. The artistic program promises an even more impressive edition than the previous ones.
Saturday: Shows, Market, and Night of Fire
From 3 p.m., the village comes alive with street fights, sketches, medieval music and dance, archery, medieval games, and children's workshops. The medieval market offers period crafts, and the taverns serve roast beef and old-world specialties. In the evening, a torchlight procession in period costumes at 9:30 p.m. precedes a grand fire show, followed by fireworks at 11 p.m. and a medieval ball in the village square.
Sunday: Feast and Activities
Festivities resume from 10 a.m. with the same street entertainment, enhanced by a medieval banquet (by reservation at 04 77 26 41 52) and a plant discovery walk from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The medieval market and taverns are open again to extend the immersion.
Programme Medievales de Chalmazel 2026
Program — Saturday, July 25, 2026
- 3:00 PM: Gates open — start of street entertainment
- 3 PM-7 PM: Entertainer shows, fights, music, dance, archery, medieval games, children's workshops
- 3 PM-10 PM: Medieval market and taverns open
- 9:30 PM: Torchlight procession in period costumes with songs and dances
- 10:00 PM: Grand fire show
- 11:00 PM: Fireworks
- 11:30 PM: Medieval ball in the village square
Program — Sunday, July 26, 2026
- 10:00 AM: Opening — resumption of activities
- 10 AM-12 PM: Plant discovery walk
- 10 AM-6 PM: Street shows, medieval market, taverns, children's workshops
- 12:00 PM: Medieval banquet (by reservation)
Highlights Medievales de Chalmazel 2026
- 13th edition of the Medieval Festival of Chalmazel, on July 25 and 26, 2026
- More than 15 renowned medieval troupes
- Village entirely closed to traffic and transformed into a medieval city
- Fire show, torchlight procession, and fireworks on Saturday evening
- Medieval market, taverns with roast beef and period specialties
- Creative workshops and treasure hunt for children
- Medieval banquet on Sunday (by reservation)
- Medieval ball in the village square
- Free parking and shuttles
Prices Medievales de Chalmazel 2026
Practical information — Medievales de Chalmazel
Practical Information
Access
The Medieval Festival takes place in the village of Chalmazel, 42920 Chalmazel-Jeansagnière (Loire). The village is entirely closed to traffic during the event.
- By car: From Saint-Étienne (approx. 1h15) via D8 via Montbrison. From Lyon (approx. 2h) via A72 then D8. From Clermont-Ferrand (approx. 1h30) via D906 via Ambert. Free parking outside the village.
- Free shuttles: A free shuttle service is available between the parking lots and the village center.
Opening Hours
- Saturday: from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Sunday: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Prices
- Weekend pass: €18
- 1-day pass: €10
- Free for children under 10 years old
- Payment methods accepted: cash, checks
Food & Drink
Medieval taverns offering roast beef, period specialties, and drinks. Medieval banquet on Sunday by reservation.
Pets
Pets are allowed (on a leash).
Tips
Wearing medieval costumes is strongly encouraged. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the village's cobblestone streets.
Contact
- Phone: 04 77 26 41 52
- Phone (Tourist Office): 04 77 24 84 50
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.medievalesdechalmazel.fr
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Medievales de Chalmazel at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Medievales de Chalmazel
Bourg de Chalmazel
Le Bourg, 42920 Chalmazel-Jeansagnière