Fêtes Jeanne Hachette
The oldest historical festival in Beauvais since 1472
About Fêtes Jeanne Hachette
Five centuries of commemorating Beauvaisian courage
The Fêtes Jeanne Hachette have perpetuated the memory of the Siege of Beauvais in 1472 for over five centuries. That year, the troops of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, besieged the city. According to tradition, a woman of the people named Jeanne Laisné, nicknamed Jeanne Hachette, seized a hatchet and tore down the Burgundian banner, helping to galvanize the Beauvaisian resistance and repel the attacker.
A medieval weekend in the heart of Beauvais
Every last weekend of June, the center of Beauvais transforms into a true medieval encampment. Facing the majestic Saint-Pierre Cathedral, a medieval market brings together artisans, blacksmiths, and merchants offering period items, armor, jewelry, and local products.
The historical procession
The highlight of the festival is the grand costumed historical procession that winds through the streets of Beauvais, reenacting the events of 1472. Hundreds of extras in period costumes parade to the sound of brass bands, culminating in the appearance of Jeanne Hachette brandishing her famous weapon.
Knightly tournament and shows
The program includes a knightly tournament on Saturday evening, fire-eater performances, street entertainment by troupes of medieval jugglers, acrobats, and musicians, as well as the participation of international brass bands. The nocturnal show 'Dentelle de pierres' (Stone Lace) highlights the city's architectural heritage.
A tribute to the courage of women
The Fêtes Jeanne Hachette celebrate the courage of the women of Beauvais. Tradition dictates that it is the women who lead the procession, recalling the decisive role they played in the defense of the city. This tribute gives the festival a strong and contemporary symbolic dimension.
Fêtes Jeanne Hachette — edition 2026
The 554th Fêtes Jeanne Hachette will be held on June 27 and 28, 2026 in Beauvais. For a weekend, the city center relives the year 1472: medieval market and camp in front of Saint-Pierre Cathedral, costumed royal procession, chivalry tournament, grand medieval mass of Sainte-Angadrême, and brass bands from elsewhere. A free event celebrating the Beauvaisian heroine and the courage of the city's women.
554th edition — June 27 and 28, 2026
The 554th Fêtes Jeanne Hachette take place on the last weekend of June, Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 2026, in Beauvais city center. Organized by the Amis des Fêtes Jeanne Hachette association, certified Qualité Tourisme™, this historical commemoration brings to life the siege of the city by Charles the Bold's troops in 1472 and the feat of Jeanne Laisné, known as Jeanne Hachette, who tore down the Burgundian standard to galvanize the Beauvaisian resistance.
A medieval weekend around the cathedral
Throughout the weekend, a medieval market sets up in front of Saint-Pierre Cathedral and a medieval-themed camp takes place near Saint-Étienne Church and on Place Jeanne-Hachette. Artisans, stalls, a tavern, fire-eaters, and street performers animate the city center. The market and camp are open on Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Royal procession and chivalry tournament
The highlight of Saturday evening is the royal procession: a grand costumed parade that slowly winds through the streets of Beauvais, featuring Jeanne Hachette and Colin Pilon amidst horsemen and lords in period costumes. The evening concludes on Place Jeanne-Hachette with a chivalry tournament performed by professional troupes.
The historic Sunday
On Sunday, the grand medieval mass of Sainte-Angadrême, accompanied by the Harmonie de Beauvais, is celebrated at Saint-Étienne Church, preceded by the procession of Sainte-Angadrême. The afternoon continues with the assault procession and historical reenactments, paying tribute to the decisive role of the women of Beauvais in the city's defense.
Programme Fêtes Jeanne Hachette 2026
Saturday, June 27, 2026
- From 10:00 AM — Opening of the medieval market and camp (Place Jeanne-Hachette and surroundings of Saint-Pierre Cathedral), entertainment, artisan stalls, and tavern throughout the day
- All day — Street shows, fire-eaters, juggling and music troupes, performances by guest brass bands
- 8:00 PM — Royal procession: grand historical costumed parade through the city center, with Jeanne Hachette, Colin Pilon, horsemen, and lords in period costumes
- Evening — Chivalry tournament on Place Jeanne-Hachette, performed by professional troupes, followed by nocturnal entertainment
Sunday, June 28, 2026
- From 10:00 AM — Medieval entertainment, market and camp open (until 5:00 PM)
- Morning — Procession of Sainte-Angadrême starting from Saint-Étienne Church
- Morning — Grand medieval mass of Sainte-Angadrême at Saint-Étienne Church, accompanied by the Harmonie de Beauvais
- Afternoon — Assault procession and reenactment of the events of 1472
Times provided by the organizer and the Beauvais tourist office based on the usual structure of the Fêtes. The detailed 2026 program (guest troupes and brass bands) will be specified by the association closer to the event on jeanne-hachette.fr.
Highlights Fêtes Jeanne Hachette 2026
- 554th edition of one of France's oldest historical festivals, since 1472
- Costumed royal procession and chivalry tournament on Saturday evening
- Medieval market and camp in front of Saint-Pierre Cathedral
- Grand medieval mass of Sainte-Angadrême on Sunday
- Completely free access all weekend
Prices Fêtes Jeanne Hachette 2026
Practical information — Fêtes Jeanne Hachette
Practical Information
Location
Beauvais City Center, around Saint-Pierre Cathedral, 60000 Beauvais.
Access
By train: Beauvais station, a 10-minute walk from the city center.
By car: A16 motorway, Beauvais-Centre exit. Parking in the city center.
Prices
Free admission to all festivities.
Opening Hours
Saturday evening and all day Sunday, last weekend of June.
Contact
Association Les Amis des Fêtes Jeanne Hachette
Website: www.jeanne-hachette.fr
Accommodation
Numerous hotels, B&Bs, and gîtes are available in the town and its surroundings. The local tourist office can help you find accommodation to suit your budget and needs. It is recommended to book in advance during the festival period, as accommodations can be in high demand.
Accessibility
The organizers strive to make the festival accessible to as many people as possible. People with reduced mobility are invited to contact the organization in advance of the event to prepare their visit and benefit from the best possible reception conditions.
Families and children
The festival is suitable for families with children. Entertainment and dedicated areas are provided for the younger ones. Strollers are generally accepted on site, but it is advisable to check the access conditions for different performance venues.
Learn more
For any further information on the festival, its program, prices, and access conditions, do not hesitate to consult the official event website or contact the organizers directly. The festival's social media channels regularly provide updated news and practical information.
Preparing your visit
It is advisable to check the official festival website or its social media channels a few days before the event for the latest information on the program, schedules, and any changes. During the summer period, remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. In autumn and winter, pack warm and waterproof clothing. A site map is usually available at the festival reception to help you easily navigate between the different activities and areas.
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Where does it take place — Fêtes Jeanne Hachette
Centre-ville de Beauvais
Centre-ville, 60000 Beauvais