Les Historiques de Gaillon
Historical reenactment weekend at the Renaissance Château de Gaillon
About Historiques de Gaillon
Les Historiques de Gaillon: A Thousand Years of History Come to Life
The Historiques de Gaillon is a historical reenactment event that takes place every summer in the prestigious setting of the Château de Gaillon and its historic district, in the Eure department. Organized by the Association for the Renaissance of the Château de Gaillon (ARC), this event brings to life the great moments of local history, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, and through World War II.
A Thousand-Year-Old Castle
The Château de Gaillon is a jewel of Norman heritage. First mentioned in a charter by Richard II, Duke of Normandy, in 1025, it became one of the first Renaissance castles in France in the 16th century under the impetus of Cardinal d'Amboise. In 2025, the castle celebrated its millennium, offering the occasion for an exceptional edition of the Historiques. Today, undergoing restoration, the castle and its Upper Gardens provide a majestic setting for historical reenactments.
A Rich and Varied Program
Les Historiques de Gaillon offer a dense program over two days:
- Grand opening parade from the town hall, followed by an inaugural show
- Medieval and World War II reenactment camps with demonstrations of crafts, combat, and daily life
- Craft market with artisans offering period items and creations inspired by history
- Medieval and Renaissance dances and music with the troupes DancerieS Mundia, Meska, and Saltabraz
- Conferences on the local history and heritage of Gaillon
- Street performances with the company Flamboilune, Roland du Mont Gambier, and the Héritiers du Château Gaillard
- Festive evening with a Renaissance ball and fire show
La Cour des Ripailles
The Cour des Ripailles invites visitors to dine in a medieval spirit, with cuisine inspired by period recipes and products from the Norman region. The convivial atmosphere of ancient banquets can be found in this gourmet space at the heart of the festival.
A Commitment to Heritage
Les Historiques de Gaillon are part of the ARC's initiative, which has been working for years to preserve and promote the Château de Gaillon. The event helps to raise awareness of this exceptional heritage and mobilize the public around its restoration. The festival is supported by the Agglomération Seine-Eure and local authorities.
Historiques de Gaillon — edition 2026
On June 6 and 7, 2026, Les Historiques de Gaillon make their grand return for their "Rendez-vous aux jardins" edition. This free historical re-enactment festival takes place at the foot of the Renaissance Château de Gaillon (Eure, Normandy) with re-enactment camps, shows, medieval and Renaissance music and dance, introductory workshops (archery, fencing), conferences, a craft market, food trucks, and a grand costumed parade. Festive evening on Saturday with the Ripailles banquet (by reservation), participatory ball, theater, and fire show.
Les Historiques de Gaillon are back on June 6 and 7, 2026 for a second edition focused on nature and gardens, integrated into the national event Rendez-vous aux jardins.
Hours
- Saturday, June 6 — 10 AM to 10:30 PM (festive evening from 6 PM to 10:30 PM)
- Sunday, June 7 — 10 AM to 6 PM
Program
- Medieval and Renaissance re-enactment camps
- Street shows, theater, music, and dance
- Creative workshops and introductions for all (archery, fencing)
- Tours of the site and the castle gardens
- Naturalist activities and biodiversity awareness
- Conferences on the gardens of Gaillon yesterday and today
- Craft market and food trucks
- Horse-drawn carriage rides (paid) and "hiking" tour of the gardens
Guest Companies and Troupes
- Belli Mercator — burlesque troublemakers
- Saltabraz — medieval quartet (music and dance)
- Compagnie Faunée — theater
- Danceries Mundia — Renaissance dances
Highlights
- Saturday, June 6, 6 PM-10:30 PM — Festive evening: Ripailles Banquet (by reservation), participatory ball, play, fire show
- Sunday, June 7 at 2 PM — Grand costumed parade starting from Gaillon town hall
The event is organized by the Association pour la Renaissance du Château de Gaillon (ARC) in collaboration with the castle team, to promote this exceptional heritage in the heart of Normandy.
More information on leshistoriquesdegaillon.fr.
Highlights Historiques de Gaillon 2026
- "Rendez-vous aux jardins" edition: nature, biodiversity, and heritage
- Saturday evening: Ripailles Banquet, participatory ball, theater, and fire show
- Sunday 2 PM: grand costumed parade starting from the town hall
- Guest companies: Belli Mercator, Saltabraz, Faunée, Danceries Mundia
- Craft market, food trucks, introductory workshops (archery, fencing)
- Free festival for the whole family (Saturday evening banquet paid by reservation)
Prices Historiques de Gaillon 2026
Practical information — Historiques de Gaillon
Practical Information
Location
Château de Gaillon and historic district of Gaillon (27600). Activities take place in the Upper Gardens of the castle and adjacent streets.
Access
By car: Gaillon is accessible via the A13 (Gaillon exit). Free parking is signposted in town.
By train: Gaillon-Aubevoye station, served by Nomad trains from Paris Saint-Lazare (approx. 1 hour) and Rouen.
Prices
Consult the official website for prices and access conditions.
Food
La Cour des Ripailles offers medieval catering on site.
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Where does it take place — Historiques de Gaillon
Château de Gaillon
2 rue du Général de Gaulle, 27600 Gaillon, 27600 Gaillon