Les Lithaniennes
Medieval-fantasy festival in Varzy, Nièvre
About Les Lithaniennes
Les Lithaniennes is a medieval-fantasy festival held every summer in Varzy, Nièvre. The event features a medieval market with costumed artisans and merchants, a fantasy book fair, medieval entertainment, a period encampment, street performances, and combat demonstrations. The festival, with free admission, immerses visitors in a world blending medieval history and fantasy imagination in the heart of this charming small town in the Nivernais region.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Les Lithaniennes at the best price.
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A Journey Between the Middle Ages and Fantasy
Les Lithaniennes is a unique festival that blends medieval history and fantasy worlds in the streets of Varzy, a charming small town in the Nièvre region. Every summer, the town transforms into a medieval-fantasy setting where knights, wizards, artisans, and storytellers gather for the visitors' delight.
The Medieval Market
The heart of the festival is its medieval market, which brings together artisans and merchants in period costumes:
- Medieval Crafts: Blacksmithing, leatherworking, woodturning, illumination, and calligraphy
- Jewelry and Adornments: Creations inspired by medieval and Celtic goldsmithing
- Costumes and Accessories: Medieval-inspired clothing, decorative armor
- Period Products: Mead, ale, spices, and medieval sweets
Fantasy Book Fair
Les Lithaniennes hosts a book fair dedicated to the literature of the imaginary: fantasy, science fiction, and historical novels. Authors, illustrators, and publishers are present for signings and meetings with readers.
Entertainment and Performances
The entertainment program is rich and varied:
- Medieval Encampment: Reconstruction of a period camp with tents, cooking, and daily life of the Middle Ages
- Street Performances: Jugglers, fire-eaters, musicians, and storytellers roam the festival
- Combat Demonstrations: Medieval fencing and sword fighting techniques
- Participatory Workshops: Archery, introduction to calligraphy, and medieval games
Varzy, a Town of Character
Varzy is a small commune in northern Nièvre, with a rich historical heritage including the Auguste Grasset Museum, the Sainte-Eugénie collegiate church, and ancient houses. The Les Lithaniennes festival helps to promote this town of character beyond the department.
Les Lithaniennes — edition 2026
New edition of Les Lithaniennes in Varzy. Medieval-fantasy festival with market, book fair, and medieval entertainment.
Prices Les Lithaniennes 2026
Practical information — Les Lithaniennes
Access
Varzy is located in the north of Nièvre, 40 km east of Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire and 50 km north of Nevers.
- By Car: Via the D977 from Clamecy or the D34 from La Charité-sur-Loire.
- By Train: Clamecy or Cosne-sur-Loire station, then a 30 to 40-minute drive.
Location
Town center of Varzy.
Hours
Saturday from 10 AM to 10 PM. Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Prices
Free admission.
Contact
Association Les Lithaniennes
Website: leslithaniennes.wixsite.com/accueil
Facebook: Festival Les Lithaniennes
Accessibility
The event site is accessible to people with reduced mobility. If you have specific needs, it is recommended to contact the organizers in advance to best prepare for your visit.
Accommodation Nearby
Varzy and its surroundings offer a varied choice of accommodation: hotels, bed and breakfasts, rural gites, and seasonal rentals. It is strongly advised to book in advance, especially during the event period, as accommodation capacity can be quickly filled. The local tourist office can guide you to available establishments that meet your needs.
Dining on Site
Food stalls and a refreshment stand are usually available on the event site. The restaurants, bars, and food shops in Varzy are also open and offer local cuisine highlighting the products of the Nivernais and Burgundian regions.
Recommended Equipment
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as most activities take place outdoors. Depending on the season, consider bringing sunscreen and a hat in summer, or warm and waterproof clothing in autumn and winter. A light backpack can be useful for carrying your purchases and personal belongings.
Pets
Leashed dogs are generally accepted on the event site, unless otherwise indicated by the organizers. Bring water and waste bags for your pet.
Photography and Social Media
Photography is allowed throughout the site. Feel free to share your memories on social media and follow the official event pages to stay informed about the latest news and the detailed program.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Les Lithaniennes at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Les Lithaniennes
Centre-bourg de Varzy
Centre-bourg, Varzy, 58210 Varzy