Franco-Scottish Historical Festival

The Auld Alliance: an exceptional historical link

The Franco-Scottish Historical Festival of Châtillon-sur-Indre finds its roots in one of the oldest alliance treaties in the world: the Auld Alliance, signed in 1295 between France and Scotland. This pact of friendship and mutual defense has spanned centuries and deeply marked the history of Berry. From 1419, nearly 20,000 Scottish soldiers landed at the port of La Rochelle to help the Dauphin Charles reconquer the Kingdom of France from the English. This epic culminated with the coronation of Charles VII in Reims on July 17, 1429, led in Champagne by Joan of Arc after the liberation of Orléans.

A biennial event for medieval and Scottish immersion

The Franco-Scottish Festival is organized every two years in Châtillon-sur-Indre. Recent editions were held on June 3-4, 2023, then June 7-8, 2025, and the next edition is announced by the town hall for 2027. For two days, the Place du Champ de Foire transforms into a medieval and Scottish village. Visitors wander among the stalls of the medieval market, historical re-enactment camps, and craftspeople. Troops in period costumes recreate the daily life of Scottish soldiers and French knights, with their armor, weapons, and campaign equipment.

Bagpipes, Highland Games, and Scottish dances

The beating heart of the festival is Celtic music. Groups of bagpipers parade through the streets and animate the square with their enchanting melodies. The Highland Games allow participants to try their hand at traditional Scottish events: caber toss, stone put, tug-of-war. Demonstrations of Scottish dances and medieval dances complete this program rich in entertainment.

Lively banquet and concerts

On Saturday evening, a grand lively banquet gathers guests in a festive and friendly atmosphere, to the sound of bagpipes and period music. Celtic and medieval music concerts follow one another throughout the weekend, offering spectators a true sound journey between Scotland and Berry. The festival is also an opportunity to discover the rich architectural heritage of Châtillon-sur-Indre, with its medieval castle and its Caesar's Tower.

A unifying and cultural event

Organized by the City of Châtillon-sur-Indre in partnership with the Alliance Franco-Écossaise association and the Tourist Office, the festival brings together history enthusiasts, families, and curious visitors in a spirit of sharing and discovery. It contributes to the cultural and tourist influence of Berry by highlighting a little-known part of French history, while forging living links between the French and Scottish communities.