Fêtes Renaissance du Roi de l'Oiseau
The largest Renaissance historical reenactment in France in the heart of Le Puy-en-Velay
About Roi de l'Oiseau
Every third weekend of September since 1986, the upper town of Le Puy-en-Velay transforms into a 16th-century city for the Fêtes Renaissance du Roi de l'Oiseau. For four days, over 6,000 costumed participants, 30 associations, and artists from across Europe bring the era of Francis I to life through street performances, parades, historical reenactments, a Renaissance market, and the famous archery competition whose winner is crowned King of the Bird. This popular and immersive festival attracts nearly 120,000 visitors each year.
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The Fêtes Renaissance du Roi de l'Oiseau: A Dive into the 16th Century
Since 1986, the Fêtes Renaissance du Roi de l'Oiseau have transformed the city of Le Puy-en-Velay into a true Renaissance city. Created under the impetus of the municipality and the troupe of the Théâtre de l'Alauda, led by Jean-Louis Roqueplan and Hervé Marcillat, this festival is based on an authentic tradition: the game of the bird, an ancient archery competition that appeared in Le Puy-en-Velay in 1524. This custom, established by Charles V, involved shooting down a cloth bird called the Papegai (parrot in Occitan) with an arquebus or an arrow. The winner, proclaimed King for one year, received the keys to the city, the right to wear a sword, the rank of consul, and command of an arquebusier company.
A Large-Scale National Historical Reenactment
For four days, the focus is on street performances and the reenactment of 16th-century daily life in the Velay region. Over 6,000 costumed participants and more than 30 participating associations take over the narrow streets of the upper town to create a living backdrop: canvas camps, unpaid mercenaries, traveling artisans, period cuisine, pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela, cannon fire, acrobats, and musicians. Authenticity is at the heart of the festival: costumes, trades, music, and dance must breathe the 16th century.
The Renaissance Market and Performances
The Renaissance Market, which has become one of the most important of its kind nationally, brings together artisans and merchants offering period objects, costumes, food, and drinks. In parallel, over 250 free performances are offered throughout the city: street theater, dances, music, puppets, juggling, storytelling, animal training, and theatrical processions. Exceptional paid performances complete the program, including equestrian jousts, pyrotechnic shows, and the grand final of the archery competition followed by the coronation of the King of the Bird in the Place du Breuil.
Festival Highlights
Among the highlights are:
- The King's Shot: the grand archery competition open to all, whose final crowns the new King of the Bird
- The Grand Parades: Renaissance costume processions through the city with musicians, dancers, and extras
- Renaissance Balls: dancing evenings where the public participates in 16th-century court dances
- Equestrian Jousts: cavalry performances in the Grande Lice of the Place du Breuil
- Inns and Taverns: period dining with Renaissance recipes and drinks
- Skirmishes: reenactments of 16th-century battles and military scenes
A Festival Driven by Enthusiasts
The Association du Roi de l'Oiseau, composed of 90% volunteers, is the soul of this event. Seamstresses make costumes, artisans prepare the sets, and hundreds of extras mobilize each year to bring this page of history to life. Artistic coordination is provided by the Compagnie de l'Alauda under the direction of Jean-Louis Roqueplan. With artists from all over Europe and an estimated attendance of 120,000 visitors over four days, the Roi de l'Oiseau is now one of the largest Renaissance historical reenactments in France.
Roi de l'Oiseau — edition 2026
The 41st edition of the Fêtes Renaissance du Roi de l'Oiseau will be held from September 16 to 20, 2026, in Le Puy-en-Velay, with the theme "The New World." For four days, the upper town will transform into a 16th-century city with street performances, parades, historical reenactments, a Renaissance market, and the traditional archery competition. The full program and ticketing will be available in June 2026.
41st Edition - The New World
The Fêtes Renaissance du Roi de l'Oiseau return from September 16 to 20, 2026, for their 41st edition, dedicated to the theme "The New World." After a memorable 40th anniversary edition centered around Francis I, the festival will this year explore the great discoveries and the opening to the world that characterized the Renaissance.
For four days, the upper town of Le Puy-en-Velay will don its finest Renaissance colors for a total immersion into the 16th century. Over 6,000 costumed extras, dozens of associations, and artists from across Europe will animate the city's narrow streets, squares, and encampments.
What to Expect
- Over 250 free performances in the city's historic areas
- The Grand Renaissance Market: artisans, merchants, and flavors of the era
- The King's Shot: archery competition open to all, with the grand final and the King's coronation
- The Grand Parades: costume processions through the city
- Equestrian Jousts: cavalry performances
- Renaissance Balls: 16th-century dancing evenings
- Canvas camps, taverns, and inns: reenactment of daily Renaissance life
- Pyrotechnic and night shows
The full program and online ticketing will be available in June 2026 on the official website roideloiseau.com.
Highlights Roi de l'Oiseau 2026
To Remember for 2026
- Dates: Wednesday, September 16 to Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Theme: The New World
- 41st edition
- Location: Historic center of Le Puy-en-Velay
- Program and ticketing: available in June 2026
Prices Roi de l'Oiseau 2026
Practical information — Roi de l'Oiseau
Practical Information
Access
By car: Le Puy-en-Velay is accessible via the N88 from Saint-Étienne (1h) and Lyon (2h), via the A75 then the N102 from Clermont-Ferrand (2h15). Free park-and-ride facilities with shuttle buses are available during the festival. Traffic is restricted in the historic center during the festivities.
By train: Le Puy-en-Velay SNCF station, served from Lyon (via Saint-Étienne) and Clermont-Ferrand. The station is located near the city center.
By bus: The urban transport network serves the city center. Special shuttle buses are provided from the park-and-ride facilities during the festival.
Prices and Access
Free access: Access to the animated historic areas is completely free, with over 250 free performances throughout the city.
Renaissance Market: €1.50 per day or €6 for a 4-day pass. Free for children under 10 years old.
Paid performances:
- Equestrian Jousts: €10 (reduced rate €7)
- Archery competition final and King's Coronation: €12 (reduced rate €8)
- Pyrotechnic shows: €17 (reduced rate €12)
- Renaissance Balls: €8
- Concerts: from €7 to €10
Official Medal: €12. Festival Pack (medal + practical guide + 4-day market pass): €20.
Free for children under 3 years old for paid performances.
Opening Hours
Activities take place from morning to evening during the four days of the festival. Street performances start in the late morning and continue into the evening. Pyrotechnic and night shows take place at the beginning of the night. The detailed program with precise times is available in the Practical Guide (€4) and on the official website.
Ticketing
Online ticketing on the official website roideloiseau.com. Reservations for paid performances and the online store generally open at the end of June.
Practical Tips
- Come in costume! Renaissance costume rentals are available from the association.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking the cobbled streets of the upper town.
- Book your accommodation well in advance, as the city is fully booked during the festival.
- Consult the detailed program on the official website before your visit.
Contact
Association du Roi de l'Oiseau: 29, rue Raphaël, 43000 Le Puy-en-Velay
Phone: 04 71 09 38 41
Website: www.roideloiseau.com
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Roi de l'Oiseau
Centre historique du Puy-en-Velay
29, rue Raphaël, 43000 Le Puy-en-Velay