Les Festoyades de Monpazier

The bastide of Monpazier in medieval attire

Each summer, the bastide of Monpazier, an architectural gem from the 13th century founded by King Edward I of England and listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, dons its medieval attire for the Festoyades. This medieval festival transforms the cobbled streets and the majestic Place des Cornières into a living medieval setting, where troubadours, knights, artisans, and entertainers mingle.

Medieval shows and entertainment

The Festoyades program combines shows and entertainment for all ages. Troubadours and musicians fill the streets with medieval melodies, while jugglers and fire-eaters offer spectacular performances. The béhourd demonstrations — full-armor combat — are one of the highlights of the day, with impressive duels that transport the audience to the heart of knightly tournaments.

Gourmet market and craft workshops

The gourmet market offers tastings of dishes inspired by medieval recipes, prepared according to ancient culinary traditions. The craft workshops allow visitors to discover ancestral skills: blacksmithing, pottery, medieval calligraphy, and other crafts of yesteryear. Artisans in period costume share their techniques and invite the public to try their hand at these traditional arts.

An exceptional architectural setting

The bastide of Monpazier provides an exceptional architectural setting for this medieval festival. Its Place des Cornières, lined with arcades and dominated by the grain market hall, is a perfect backdrop for the festivities. The regular layout of the bastide, with its right-angled streets and half-timbered houses, transports visitors to an authentically medieval atmosphere.