Les Médiévales de Clisson
The great medieval festival at the foot of Clisson Castle
About Médiévales de Clisson
Les Médiévales de Clisson are a major medieval festival organized every two years by the association Les Amis du Château de Clisson, in the heart of the historic center of this fortified town in Loire-Atlantique. For a weekend in July, the town transforms into a Middle Ages city with military encampments, chivalry demonstrations, béhourd tournaments, artisans, blacksmiths, peddlers, jugglers, musicians, troubadours, puppets, and street theater. On Saturday evening, a medieval ball, rustic feasts, and a grand fire show conclude the day. This free event, attracting between 5,000 and 10,000 visitors, celebrates the rich medieval past of the town of Olivier de Clisson, Constable of France.
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Les Médiévales de Clisson: A Dive into the Middle Ages in Loire-Atlantique
Since 1983, the town of Clisson, a fortified medieval city nestled at the confluence of the Sèvre nantaise and the Moine in Loire-Atlantique, has hosted Les Médiévales de Clisson every two years. This major historical and popular festival plunges the town back into the atmosphere of the 15th century, the era of the famous Olivier de Clisson, Constable of France. Organized by the association Les Amis du Château de Clisson, founded in 1937, this festival transforms the historic center into a vibrant medieval city, under the imposing gaze of the medieval castle, a listed historic monument.
A Rich Program of Chivalry, Crafts, and Shows
For a weekend in July, the streets and squares of Clisson's historic center come alive with an intense and diverse program. Visitors can wander among:
- Reconstituted military encampments with demonstrations of daily life in the Middle Ages
- Chivalry demonstrations and béhourd tournaments (armored combat)
- Medieval market with artisans, blacksmiths, peddlers, and merchants offering period items
- Street performances: jugglers, troubadours, musicians, fire-eaters, stilt walkers, and magicians
- Skits and theater recounting the local history of the castle and the town
- Puppet shows and children's entertainment for families
- Falconry and bird of prey demonstrations
Saturday Evening: Medieval Ball, Feasts, and Fire Show
The highlight of the Médiévales is the Saturday evening, a true moment of conviviality and celebration. Visitors are invited to a medieval ball with an introduction to period dances, accompanied by rustic feasts under the market halls (by reservation). The evening concludes with a grand pyrotechnic show and fire-eaters illuminating the castle and the town center in a magical atmosphere.
An Event Rooted in Clisson's Heritage
Les Médiévales de Clisson are part of the promotion of the town's exceptional medieval heritage, dominated by its imposing 12th-15th century fortress. The association Les Amis du Château de Clisson, with its own costumed troupe and 70 volunteers, also offers medieval costume rentals to allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere. The festival is supported by the Department of Loire-Atlantique as part of the promotion of Grand Patrimoine. With around 35 medieval shops and stalls, dozens of artistic companies, and attendance ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 visitors, Les Médiévales de Clisson have become a must-see event for living heritage in the Pays de la Loire region.
Médiévales de Clisson — edition 2026
21st edition of Les Médiévales de Clisson, on July 18 and 19, 2026. New immersion into the Middle Ages in the heart of Clisson's historic center, under the gaze of the medieval castle. Encampments, chivalry, tournaments, medieval market, street performances, music, juggling, puppets, theater, activities for young and old, medieval ball, feasts, and fire show.
Les Médiévales de Clisson 2026: The Middle Ages Return on July 18 and 19
On July 18 and 19, 2026, the historic center of Clisson will once again transform into a medieval city for the 21st edition of the Médiévales. The association Les Amis du Château de Clisson promises a new immersion into the 15th-century atmosphere, with an intense program at the foot of the castle.
On the program for this medieval weekend: reconstituted military encampments, chivalry demonstrations and béhourd tournaments, a medieval market with artisans, blacksmiths, and peddlers, street performances with jugglers, troubadours, musicians, fire-eaters, and stilt walkers, theatrical skits and children's entertainment with puppets and medieval games. On Saturday evening, the traditional medieval ball, rustic feasts under the market halls, and the grand fire show will conclude the day in a magical atmosphere. Access to the festival is free.
Highlights Médiévales de Clisson 2026
- Dates: July 18 and 19, 2026
- 21st edition of Les Médiévales de Clisson
- Military encampments and chivalry demonstrations
- Medieval market: artisans, blacksmiths, peddlers
- Street performances: jugglers, troubadours, musicians, fire-eaters
- Children's entertainment: puppets and medieval games
- Medieval ball, rustic feasts, and fire show on Saturday evening
- Free access
Prices Médiévales de Clisson 2026
Practical information — Médiévales de Clisson
Practical Information
Site Access
Les Médiévales de Clisson take place in the historic center of Clisson, around the castle and the Place du Minage, in Loire-Atlantique, about 30 km southeast of Nantes.
- By car: From Nantes, take the A83 (Clisson exit) or the D149 towards Clisson (approx. 30 minutes). Parking is available in the peripheral car parks of the town. Parking in the town center is limited on festival days.
- By train: Clisson SNCF station, served by TER Pays de la Loire and the Nantes-Clisson Tram-Train (approx. 25 minutes from Nantes). The station is a short walk from the historic center.
Opening Hours
The festival runs over two days (Saturday and Sunday), generally from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM. The medieval evening on Saturday (ball, feasts, fire show) continues into the evening.
Prices
Access to the festival is free: wandering through the encampments, street performances, medieval market, and entertainment. Some specific activities are paid:
- Rustic feasts (medieval meal in the market halls): by reservation
- Participatory workshops: information on-site
- Medieval costume rental: offered by the association
Food and Drink
Medieval food stands from the association, food trucks, and local producers present on site.
Contact
- Organizer: Association Les Amis du Château de Clisson
- Email: [email protected]
- Official Website: www.lesmedievalesdeclisson.fr
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Médiévales de Clisson
Centre historique de Clisson — Château de Clisson
Place du Minage, 44190 Clisson