Medieval Festival of Joinville

A Medieval Town in the Heart of Haute-Marne

Joinville, a Petite Cité de Caractère® (Small Town of Character®) founded in the 11th century on the borders of the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire, offers an exceptional heritage setting for this medieval festival. Its half-timbered houses, its Renaissance private mansions along the Quai des Peceaux, and its historic monuments—the Notre-Dame church, the flamboyant Gothic Sainte-Anne chapel, the Auditoire, and the Apothicairerie—form an authentic backdrop that immerses visitors in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

The Grand Jardin Castle, Setting for the Festival

The Grand Jardin Castle, a pleasure pavilion created in the 16th century by Claude de Lorraine, first Duke of Guise, is the heart of the event. Its geometric gardens, its boxwood labyrinth, its orchards, and its 19th-century romantic park host the main activities. It is within this listed setting that the night show takes place, a highlight of the festivities that concludes each evening in a magical atmosphere.

An Artisan and Local Produce Market

About thirty artisans from Lorraine, Champagne, and Burgundy set up their stalls in the castle courtyard and gardens. Blacksmiths, potters, illuminators, calligraphers, weavers, and jewelers offer demonstrations of ancestral skills and sell artisanal creations. A local produce market complements the offerings with regional products and medieval-inspired dishes.

Equestrian Jousts and Live Performances

Equestrian shows and jousts are among the highlights of the festival. Historical reenactment groups, such as "Les Portes de l'Histoire" (The Gates of History), present lance handling demonstrations, choreographed fights, and theatrical scenes inspired by the era of Jean de Joinville, the famous 13th-century chronicler and companion of Saint Louis during the Seventh Crusade.

Activities for the Whole Family

Participatory workshops allow children to discover medieval arts: wool spinning, weaving, vintage wooden games, and creative workshops. An investigation game takes young and old through the town's alleys. Introductions to ancient dances, costumed parades, and medieval music concerts animate the streets throughout the day.

The Lantern Procession

An emblematic tradition of the festival, the lantern procession is a torchlight procession that takes place at the dawn of the festivities on the banks of the Grand Jard. This solemn and poetic moment, where flickering lights are reflected on the water, marks the official opening of the medieval festival and creates a timeless atmosphere.

A Friendly Medieval Banquet

A medieval banquet is offered by reservation, allowing guests to enjoy a medieval-inspired meal within the castle grounds. A tavern remains open all day for refreshments in the spirit of the era, with hippocras, beer, and local dishes.