Josselin Medieval Festival
The great medieval festival at the foot of the Rohan castle
About Josselin Medieval
The Josselin Medieval Festival: at the foot of the Rohan castle
Every two years, the Josselin Medieval Festival transforms the small town of character in the center of Morbihan into a true medieval village. The majestic Rohan castle, one of the most beautiful castles in Brittany with its flamboyant facade overlooking the Oust river, provides a spectacular backdrop for this historical celebration.
A day of medieval immersion
On July 14th, Bastille Day, Josselin lives to the rhythm of the Middle Ages from 9 am until the fireworks at 11 pm. The program is dense and spectacular:
- Inauguration and parade at 10 am: all festival participants parade through the streets of Josselin in period costumes
- Knight combats and equestrian tournaments
- Shows by troubadours, jugglers, and musicians
- Medieval market with artisans and merchants
- 24 shows scheduled throughout the day, featuring over 100 artists
- Fireworks at 11 pm to beautifully conclude the day
Saturday Evening's Night Market
The evening before the festival, on Saturday evening, a free medieval night market enlivens the town from 7 pm to 10 pm, offering a festive preview of the next day's festivities. Artisans, musicians, and actors create an enchanting atmosphere in the torchlit alleys.
Josselin, a small town of character
Classified as a Petite Cité de Caractère (Small Town of Character), Josselin boasts remarkable architectural heritage: the Rohan castle, the Notre-Dame-du-Roncier basilica, the half-timbered houses of the medieval center, and the Nantes-Brest canal that borders the town. This authentic setting enhances the historical immersion and makes the festival a unique experience.
Josselin Medieval — edition 2026
The Josselin Medieval Festival returns on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the foot of the Rohan castle. For this biennial edition, themed around dances in the Middle Ages (tarantellas, pavanes, branles, and estampies), over 25 professional and amateur troupes and more than 1,000 costumed characters will animate the historic center. A medieval market with 55 exhibitors, knight fights, troubadours, daily life encampments, and fireworks will punctuate the day. A nocturnal medieval market will take place as a curtain-raiser on Monday, July 13 (7 PM-10 PM).
Josselin Medieval Festival 2026
On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Josselin hosts a new edition of its medieval festival, in the streets of the historic center and at the foot of the Rohan castle. The 2026 edition honors dances in the Middle Ages: tarantellas, pavanes, branles, and estampies, with over 25 shows and more than 120 artists distributed among performances, parades, and encampments.
The medieval market brings together 55 exhibitors in the narrow streets, alongside encampments illustrating medieval daily life (woodworking, weaving, forging, weapon handling). Over 1,000 costumed characters wander throughout the day. Among the expected companies are armored combat shows, fire shows, troubadours, and traditional music groups.
The day before, on Monday, July 13 (7 PM-10 PM), a nocturnal medieval market opens the festivities. The day of July 14 concludes by the river with entertainment, food, and fireworks.
Programme Josselin Medieval 2026
Monday, July 13, 2026
- 7 PM-10 PM: nocturnal medieval market in the streets of Josselin
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
- 9 AM: gates open
- 10 AM: inauguration ceremony and opening parade (Place Alain de Rohan / Town Hall Square)
- 10:30 AM-6 PM: access to all shows (over 25 shows, 120+ artists)
- 6:30 PM: closing parade
- 9 PM: musical entertainment and food by the river (quay)
- 11 PM: fireworks
2026 Theme: dances in the Middle Ages (tarantellas, pavanes, branles, estampies). Over 25 professional and amateur troupes, over 1,000 costumed characters, medieval market with 55 exhibitors, daily life encampments, knight fights, and fire shows.
Prices Josselin Medieval 2026
Practical information — Josselin Medieval
Practical Information
Access
By car: Josselin is located in the north of Morbihan, accessible via the RN24 (Rennes-Lorient axis). From Vannes: 45 min. From Rennes: 1 hour. Free parking on the outskirts of the town.
Location
The festival takes place in the historic center of Josselin, at the foot of the Rohan castle. Shows take over the streets, squares, and the banks of the Oust river.
Prices
Free admission for children under 16 years old. Adults: €10, granting access to all 24 shows of the day (over 100 artists).
Schedules
Sunday, July 14th: opening at 9 am, inauguration and parade at 10 am, shows from 11 am to 6 pm, closing parade at 6:30 pm, fireworks at 11 pm.
The day before (Saturday): free medieval night market from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Contact
Comité des Festivités de Josselin – 3 chemin du Bois d'Amour, 56120 Josselin – Tel: 06 09 60 50 13 – Email: [email protected] – Website: medieval-josselin.com
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Where does it take place — Josselin Medieval
Centre historique de Josselin et château des Rohan
3 chemin du Bois d'Amour, 56120 Josselin