Les Heures Historiques de Sully-sur-Loire
France's largest multi-period festival at the foot of Sully-sur-Loire Castle
About Heures Historiques de Sully
Les Heures Historiques: An Immersive Journey Through the Centuries
Created in 2007 under the name "Heures Médiévales" (Medieval Hours), the festival quickly expanded its scope to become Les Heures Historiques de Sully, a unique multi-period event in France. Every May, the Sully-sur-Loire Castle departmental park, a medieval fortress bordered by the Loire River and a UNESCO World Heritage site, transforms into a true time machine.
A Journey from Prehistory to the 20th Century
Nearly 1,200 to 1,500 volunteer reenactors from France and Europe set up their camps on the vast castle lawns. Visitors journey through the ages as they wander: prehistoric people, Roman garrisons, medieval knights, Louis XIV's musketeers, soldiers of the French Revolution, figures from the First and Second Napoleonic Empires, pioneers of the American Westward Expansion, combatants from the two World Wars and the conflicts in Indochina, Korea, Algeria, and Vietnam, right up to the 1960s.
Activities for the Whole Family
The program offers a wealth of activities: a grand costumed parade through the town streets on Saturday morning, battle reenactments, knightly combat and sword duels, cannon and rifle firing demonstrations, falconry shows, historical dances, street performances, and musical entertainment. A large multi-period market allows visitors to discover ancient crafts, while numerous food stalls and restaurants offer medieval meals and local specialties.
An Exceptional Setting by the Loire
The Sully-sur-Loire Castle, an imposing 14th and 15th-century fortress surrounded by a moat, provides a spectacular natural backdrop for this event. Once the residence of Duke de Sully, minister to Henry IV, the castle is managed by the Loiret Department. During the festival, the castle courtyard is open free of charge to all visitors, and access to the interior rooms is free for those in full costume.
A Free and Accessible Event
Admission to the festival is completely free, as are the parking facilities. Thousands of spectators gather each year to experience this immersive and friendly event. The sound and light show and the fireworks display on Saturday evening beautifully conclude the festival's first day. The public is warmly invited to come in costume to fully participate in this celebration of living history.
Heures Historiques de Sully — edition 2026
2026 Edition - May 16th and 17th
Les Heures Historiques de Sully-sur-Loire returns on May 16th and 17th, 2026 for a new edition of this unmissable multi-period festival. The park of Sully-sur-Loire Castle will once again host over 1,200 volunteer reenactors from across France and Europe to transform the castle lawns into a living tapestry of history.
From Prehistory to the 1960s, visitors can wander among the encampments and experience moments of history: Gauls and Romans, medieval knights, figures from the Renaissance and the Grand Siècle, soldiers of the Revolution and the Napoleonic Empire, pioneers of the Wild West, combatants from the two World Wars and the conflicts in Indochina, Korea, and Algeria.
The program will feature the usual highlights: a grand costumed parade through the town streets on Saturday morning, battle reenactments, knightly combat, falconry shows, historical dances, cannon firings, a large multi-period market, and the traditional fireworks display on Saturday evening. Admission is free, and the public is invited to come in costume.
Programme Heures Historiques de Sully 2026
Provisional 2026 Program
- Saturday, May 16th (9:00 AM - 11:00 PM): Grand costumed parade in the morning, inauguration of encampments, battle reenactments, falconry shows, historical dance demonstrations, cannon and rifle firings, multi-period market, refreshment stands and medieval meals, fireworks in the evening
- Sunday, May 17th (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM): Visits to encampments, knightly combat, sword duels, military parades, children's activities, shows, and demonstrations throughout the day
Detailed program to be confirmed in Spring 2026 on the official website.
Highlights Heures Historiques de Sully 2026
To Remember for the 2026 Edition
- Dates: Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, May 17th, 2026
- Over 1,200 reenactors from Prehistory to the 20th century
- Grand costumed parade through the streets of Sully-sur-Loire
- Battle reenactments and knightly combat
- Multi-period market and traditional crafts
- Fireworks display on Saturday evening
- Free admission and free parking
Prices Heures Historiques de Sully 2026
Practical information — Heures Historiques de Sully
Practical Information
Access
By Car: Sully-sur-Loire is located 45 km southeast of Orléans via the D951. The festival takes place in the park of Sully-sur-Loire Castle, Chemin de la Salle Verte, 45600 Sully-sur-Loire. Free parking nearby.
By Train: Nearest SNCF station: Les Aubrais-Orléans, then take a regional bus or car (45 km).
Opening Hours
Saturday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Grand costumed parade at 10:30 AM, inauguration of camps at 11:30 AM, fireworks around 10:15 PM).
Sunday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Prices
Festival Admission: Free
Parking: Free
Castle Access (interior rooms):
- Full price: €8
- Reduced price: €5
- Under 6 years old: Free
- Fully costumed visitors: Free
Food & Drink
Refreshment stands, medieval meals, and local specialties available on site.
Accessibility
The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 02 38 36 36 86
Website: sullycomitedesfetes.com
Sponsored link
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Where does it take place — Heures Historiques de Sully
Parc du Château de Sully-sur-Loire
Chemin de la Salle Verte, 45600 Sully-sur-Loire