Medieval Festival of Saint-Benoît-du-Sault

The medieval city celebrates

The Medieval Festival of Saint-Benoît-du-Sault takes place in the exceptional setting of this medieval city perched on a rocky promontory above the Portefeuille valley, classified among the most beautiful villages in France and a village of character in the Regional Natural Park of Brenne. The cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, Benedictine priory, and ramparts offer an ideal natural backdrop for this dive into the Middle Ages.

Craft market and street entertainment

The weekend is punctuated by a medieval craft market that takes over the city streets. Stands of artisans and creators offer medieval-inspired items: jewelry, leather goods, ironwork, pottery, textiles, and decorative weapons. Street entertainment punctuates the day with parades of costumed characters, musicians, jugglers, and fire-eaters. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume to fully participate in the medieval atmosphere.

Behourd and medieval combats

The Medieval Festival of Saint-Benoît-du-Sault is distinguished by its behourd demonstrations, a discipline of medieval combat in armor recognized by sports federations. Teams of fighters compete in spectacular melees in full armor, recreating medieval clashes. In 2024, the event had the honor of hosting the French Behourd Championship, attracting the best teams from France for exceptionally high-level fights. These demonstrations offer an impressive and authentic spectacle.

Concerts, food, and conviviality

On Saturday evening, a concert concludes the first day of festivities (entry: 5 euros). Food trucks and a bar offer food and drinks throughout the weekend, with medieval-inspired specialties. Entry to the medieval festival is free, making it a popular and accessible event for everyone. The Medieval Festival of Saint-Benoît-du-Sault is part of the initiative to promote the medieval heritage of this remarkable city in the south of the Indre region.