Festival Médiéval des Ducs de Bourbon

A journey through time in the heart of Montluçon

Every two years, the medieval city of Montluçon transforms into a true medieval town for the Festival Médiéval des Ducs de Bourbon. For three days in July, around 200 artists take over the Château des Ducs de Bourbon esplanade and the cobbled streets of the old town to offer visitors over 35 hours of shows and entertainment.

Knights, troubadours, and acrobats

The program immerses the public in a magical and mysterious medieval world. Knights and vassals, ladies and gentlemen, minstrels and troubadours, artisans and animal handlers, jesters, jugglers, dancers, and magicians, beggars and commoners animate every corner of the city. From knightly combat to equestrian jousting, from ancient music concerts to fire-eater shows, every street holds a surprise for visitors of all ages.

Animals and falconry

Along the paths, visitors encounter a varied bestiary that enhances the medieval immersion. Bears, horses, falcons, vultures, owls, and barn owls participate in shows and parades. Falconry demonstrations with free-flying birds of prey are among the most spectacular moments of the festival, recalling the art of hunting practiced by medieval lords.

The Château des Ducs de Bourbon: a magnificent historic setting

The festival comes alive in an exceptional setting. The Château des Ducs de Bourbon, built in 1370 by Louis II de Bourbon on the foundations of an 11th-century fortress, majestically overlooks the city from its promontory. Its esplanade, offering a remarkable panorama of Montluçon and the Cher valley, forms the heart of the festival. The medieval city winding around the castle, with its narrow streets, its magnificent half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, and its private mansions, forms an ideal natural backdrop for this dive into the past.

A participatory and family-friendly festival

The festival invites visitors to wear period costumes to stroll through the city animated by concerts of ancient music. A festive, musical, and convivial banquet is offered, allowing guests to share a meal in the warm atmosphere of the Middle Ages. The event is open to all and is aimed at history enthusiasts as well as families looking for an original and immersive experience.