Renaissance Festival of the Château du Pailly

An exceptional Renaissance setting for a historical festival

The Château du Pailly, located 13 km from Langres in the Haute-Marne countryside, is considered the most prestigious masterpiece left by the Renaissance in Champagne. Built between 1563 and 1573 for Gaspard de Saulx-Tavannes, Marshal of France, this monument, listed since 1921, offers an incomparable setting to relive the splendors of the French Renaissance. State-owned, it is brought to life and promoted by the Association Renaissance du Château du Pailly, founded in 1998.

Historical Reenactment: Henri II's Tournament

The highlight of the Renaissance Festival, the reenactment of the tournament organized by Henri II in 1559 transports spectators to the heart of the 16th century. This equestrian show, presented on Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., faithfully evokes the jousts and chivalrous combats of the era, in the tradition of the great royal festivals of the Renaissance. Knights in armor clash before the eyes of the public seated in the château's park.

Equestrian Shows and Demonstrations

The equestrian program of the Renaissance Festival offers several shows throughout the weekend:

• Lucie et les chevaux: dressage and artistic vaulting demonstrations (Sunday at 5 p.m.)
• The American Way Riders: quarter horse and lasso show (Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Sunday at 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.)
• Arc à cheval: demonstrations of horseback archery and other equestrian disciplines (Saturday only)

These high-level performances offer a vibrant panorama of equestrian arts, blending historical traditions and contemporary performances.

Workshops, Activities, and Camp Life

Beyond the shows, the Renaissance Festival invites young and old to immerse themselves in 16th-century daily life. Ceramics and animal drawing workshops are offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. Visitors can admire Renaissance costumes displayed on wicker mannequins in the château's golden salon, and even rent period costumes to participate in the Renaissance ball organized in the main courtyard, with musicians and a dance master.

Guided Tours and Heritage Discovery

Guided tours of the château lasting one hour are offered throughout the day, allowing visitors to discover the remarkable architecture of this Renaissance building: its main courtyard, its ornate facades, its gardens, and its furnished interiors. Free visits of the park and gardens complete the offer. An artisanal market, organized in partnership with the Le Pailly festival committee, offers local products and crafts.

A Family-Friendly and Convivial Event

The Fête Renaissance du Château du Pailly is an event open to all, designed for families. Children can participate in creative workshops, discover horses and ancient crafts, while adults enjoy the shows, tours, and festive atmosphere. On-site catering allows visitors to extend their day in the enchanting setting of the château's park, in the heart of the Langres region.