Les Médiévales au Bord de l'Eau

Les Médiévales au Bord de l'Eau: A Journey Through Time in the Heart of Amiens

Since 1991, Les Médiévales au Bord de l'Eau has immersed visitors in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, right in the heart of one of Amiens' most beautiful districts. The Saint-Leu district, with its half-timbered houses, canals, and narrow streets, provides a naturally fitting backdrop for this historical evocation. The Parc Saint-Pierre, a vast green space bordered by the branches of the Somme, completes this enchanting setting.

Founded by Sylvianne Parmentier and supported by the Association Histoire et Traditions Amiénoises, this medieval festival has, over the decades, become one of the most popular events in Amiens' cultural calendar. More than 80 volunteers work each year to organize this gathering, which brings together artisans, reenactors, merchants, and street performers from all over France and Europe.

A Rich and Spectacular Program

Les Médiévales au Bord de l'Eau offers a dense and varied program:

• Water Jousting: Spectacular combats on the water, in the tradition of medieval jousting, take place on the canals of the Saint-Leu district.
• Equestrian Tournaments: Knights in armor clash in impressive displays of combat.
• Costumed Parades: Over 200 participants in period costumes parade through the district's streets.
• Medieval Encampment: More than 300 reenactors set up their camp in Parc Saint-Pierre, showcasing ancient crafts, artisan skills, and daily life in the Middle Ages.
• Medieval Market: About a hundred merchants and artisans offer regional products, handcrafted items, and medieval gastronomic specialties.

The Soupe des Hortillonnages: An Amiens Tradition

An unmissable moment of the Médiévales, the soupe des hortillonnages (hortillonnages soup) perpetuates a centuries-old culinary tradition. Prepared with vegetables grown in the nearby hortillonnages—these floating gardens that make Amiens famous—this giant soup is distributed free to visitors, symbolizing the link between the medieval festival and the city's unique market-gardening heritage.

Growing Influence

With approximately 40,000 visitors welcomed over two days, Les Médiévales au Bord de l'Eau is among the most attended medieval festivals in northern France. The event extends from Boulevard du Cange to Boulevard Baraban, taking over the streets, squares, and green spaces of the Saint-Leu district and its surroundings.

The festival also provides an opportunity to highlight Amiens' exceptional architectural heritage: the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, overlooks the Saint-Leu district and offers a majestic backdrop to the medieval festivities.