Les Journées Médiévales de La Couronne

A medieval weekend in the abbey ruins

The Journées Médiévales de La Couronne transform the ruins of the Abbaye Notre-Dame de La Couronne into a true medieval village for a weekend in September each year. The event offers a complete immersion into medieval life, with animated camps, artisans at work, armored combat, and equestrian jousts.

Equestrian jousts and armored combat

The highlights of the Journées Médiévales are the equestrian jousts and armored combat, which recreate medieval tournaments within the abbey grounds. These impressive shows, performed by historical reenactment troupes, attract a large audience of enthusiasts and curious onlookers. The riders and armored combatants offer a striking visual spectacle against the backdrop of the abbey's gothic ruins.

A craft market and workshops for everyone

A craft market brings together about thirty regional artisans — blacksmiths, leatherworkers, cabinetmakers, jewelers — in the heart of the abbey from Saturday morning to Sunday evening. Workshops for children are offered: medieval games, archery, manuscript illumination. On Saturday evening, the banquet-show recreates the atmosphere of medieval feasts with fire jugglers, combatants, and evening entertainment.

The Notre-Dame Abbey, an exceptional setting

The Abbaye Notre-Dame de La Couronne, founded in the 12th century, offers an exceptional historical setting for the Journées Médiévales. Its gothic ruins, arcades, and stone walls form a natural backdrop that transports visitors to the past. The abbey is located in La Couronne, a commune in the Angoulême agglomeration, a few kilometers from the city center.