L'Argentaria

ℹ️ Festival discontinued in Largentière — the association « Au-Delà du Temps » left the town in 2022. The page below traces the history of L'Argentaria from the time the festival animated Largentière. The association now continues its medieval activities elsewhere in southern Ardèche, notably « Le Temps des Chevaliers » at the Château de Saint-Montan.

Largentière Reclaimed Its Medieval Past

L'Argentaria took its name from the historical appellation of Largentière, a mining town whose silver mines brought it wealth in the Middle Ages. This festival of medieval cultures, organized by the association « Au-Delà du Temps », immersed the Ardèche town in its glorious past for a summer weekend. The Château de Largentière, then rented to the association by the municipality, was the main setting for festivities that spilled over into the streets and squares of the old town.

Chivalry Tournament and Spectacular Fights

The highlight of L'Argentaria was the chivalry tournament organized according to the rules of the International Combat League. Teams of armored fighters clashed in spectacular melees that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Individual combats, demonstrations of medieval fencing, and introductions to weapon handling completed this martial aspect of the festival. Participants, from all over France and Europe, offered an impressive spectacle of strength and skill.

Medieval Ball, Banquet, and Market

L'Argentaria went far beyond a simple tournament. A medieval ball invited participants to dance to the rhythm of period music, while the medieval banquet offered a culinary immersion into the flavors of the Middle Ages. The craft market brought together artisans perpetuating ancestral know-how: blacksmithing, stone carving, leatherwork, pottery, and illumination. Street performances, medieval music concerts, and castle activities completed the program.

« Le Temps des Chevaliers »: Activities Now in Saint-Montan

Throughout the summer, the association « Au-Delà du Temps » offered « Le Temps des Chevaliers » within the Château de Largentière: a troupe of actors, specialists in medieval craftsmanship, created and performed living history shows and participatory workshops (architecture, stone carving, blacksmithing). Since 2022, this summer activity has moved to the Château de Saint-Montan, in southern Ardèche, where it continues every summer (from July 28 to August 22 in 2025).