Fête des Remparts

A European-Scale Medieval Festival

The Fête des Remparts in Dinan is one of the largest medieval events in Europe. Every two years, on the third weekend of July, the fortified city of Dinan transforms into a vast open-air medieval theater, attracting over 100,000 visitors to its cobbled streets, at the foot of its ramparts, and in its historic squares.

From Humble Origins to a Major Event

The history of the Fête des Remparts dates back to October 10, 1982, when the Société des Amis du Musée et de la Bibliothèque de Dinan organized a day called "Discovering Dinan's Monuments". On October 9, 1983, 15,000 people came to discover its ramparts during the first Journée des Remparts (Ramparts Day). The event quickly grew, structuring itself around historical reenactments, tournaments, and shows, to become the biennial festival we know today.

Tournaments, Encampments, and Medieval Market

The Fête des Remparts program includes knightly tournaments, medieval encampments recreated with great historical accuracy, an artisan market featuring nearly 150 craftspeople (leather, cutlery, jewelry, cabinetmaking, cosmetics, medieval games), street performances, medieval music concerts, and a grand fest-noz. Festival-goers are encouraged to wear period costumes, creating total immersion in the medieval atmosphere.

Exceptional Architectural Heritage

The Fête des Remparts draws its strength from the incomparable setting of Dinan, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Brittany. The ramparts, the castle, and the half-timbered houses on Rue du Jerzual and the port form an ideal natural backdrop for this dive into the past. The event contributes to Dinan's tourism appeal and highlights the city's architectural heritage.