La Médiévale de Mantes - Foire aux Oignons
Step back into the Middle Ages at one of France's oldest fairs
2026
About Foire aux Oignons de Mantes
The Médiévale de Mantes is a vibrant celebration featuring a medieval market, live performances, and the historic Foire aux Oignons. This free, family-friendly event draws thousands of visitors for a day of festive tradition.
Foire aux Oignons de Mantes — edition 2026
The 576th Foire aux Oignons et Médiévale de Mantes will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in the town center of Mantes-la-Jolie, marking the first day of the Toussaint school holidays. The town hall has moved the date up from its usual late November slot to align the event with other medieval festivals, which are typically held in the autumn or spring. The program already includes sword fighting, traditional craft demonstrations, and a medieval village; however, the birds of prey shows featured in previous years will not be returning for this edition.
576th Foire aux Oignons - Mantes Medieval Festival 2026: A New Date
The Médiévale de Mantes - Foire aux Oignons returns for its 576th edition on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in the heart of Mantes-la-Jolie, moving away from its traditional late November timing. The local council decided to bring the date forward to better align with other medieval events, which are more commonly held during the autumn or spring months.
The confirmed program features sword fighting, demonstrations of historical trades, and a fully reconstructed medieval village. Please note that the birds of prey shows, a staple of previous years, will not be held this time. The full schedule, including the traditional Tâte-Oignon ceremony and specific timings, will be released by the City closer to the event date.
Highlights Foire aux Oignons de Mantes 2026
- New date: Saturday, October 17, 2026 (first day of the Toussaint holidays), instead of late November
- 576th edition of the Foire aux Oignons
- Sword fighting and traditional craft demonstrations
- Reconstructed medieval village
- No birds of prey show this year
Programme Foire aux Oignons de Mantes 2026
The detailed program for the October 17, 2026 edition has not yet been released by the organizers; it will be added as soon as it becomes available. Already confirmed are sword fighting displays, demonstrations of traditional crafts, and a reconstructed medieval village. Unlike previous years, there will be no birds of prey show this time (source: Évasion FM, August 19, 2026).
Prices Foire aux Oignons de Mantes 2026
Practical information — Foire aux Oignons de Mantes
Practical Information
Getting there
By train: Mantes-la-Jolie station (Transilien line J from Paris Saint-Lazare, approx. 50 minutes; TER Normandie). The city center is just a short walk from the station.
By car: Mantes-la-Jolie is accessible via the A13 (exit 12) or the D983. Parking is available in the city center and at park-and-ride facilities.
Opening hours
The fair runs from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Admission
Free admission. All entertainment is free and open to everyone.
Contact
Ville de Mantes-la-Jolie
Phone: 01 34 78 81 00
Website: www.manteslajolie.fr
A medieval market in the heart of the city
On the day of the fair, the Porte des Comptes and Nationale streets are transformed into a bustling medieval market. Skilled artisans—including woodturners, weavers, glassblowers, calligraphers, and candlemakers—set up their stalls to demonstrate ancient crafts before your eyes. Merchants and peddlers from across the region offer handmade goods, gourmet treats, and local specialties in an authentic, lively atmosphere.
Medieval shows and entertainment
Throughout the day, the city center comes alive with medieval performances, featuring armored knights in combat, historical fencing demonstrations, musicians, and troubadours. A medieval village is set up with workshops for children, including knight games, heraldry lessons, and illumination. A tavern is also available for refreshments.
The Mantes Onion Fair: over five centuries of tradition
The Foire aux Oignons de Mantes-la-Jolie is much more than just a market; it is one of the oldest fairs in France, with origins dating back to the 15th century. For over 575 years, Mantes-la-Jolie has celebrated this age-old tradition every autumn at the foot of the majestic Collégiale Notre-Dame, a Gothic architectural gem often compared to Notre-Dame de Paris.
A unifying event for Mantes-la-Jolie
Organized by the City of Mantes-la-Jolie, the Médiévale de Mantes is a community-focused event that highlights the city's exceptional historical heritage. Free and open to all, it attracts thousands of visitors from across the Île-de-France region every year and stands as one of the highlights of the autumn season in the Yvelines.
Where does it take place — Foire aux Oignons de Mantes
Foire aux Oignons de Mantes in brief
History of Foire aux Oignons de Mantes
Edition 2025 Nov 2025Other festivals near Mantes-la-Jolie
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Published by Valentin Contard, festival listings writer. Reviewed, corrected and approved by Christophe Contard, editor-in-chief. .
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