Les Médiévales de Crémieu
The great medieval festival in the heart of the fortified town of Crémieu
About Médiévales de Crémieu
Les Médiévales de Crémieu: A Spectacular Immersion in the Middle Ages
Every September, the medieval town of Crémieu, a fortified jewel in Nord-Isère, turns back the clock several centuries to host one of the largest medieval festivals in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Since their creation in 2001, Les Médiévales de Crémieu have become a must-attend event for history enthusiasts, families, and all lovers of live performance. The event enjoys a reputation that extends far beyond the departmental borders, attracting up to 30,000 visitors from all over the region.
An Exceptional Historical Setting
Crémieu offers an incomparable setting for this medieval festival. Its 14th-century ramparts, fortified gates, classified medieval market hall, and Dauphin castle form an authentic and grand backdrop. The entire town transforms into an open-air theater: residents, merchants, and visitors don period costumes, creating an atmosphere where knights, ladies, troubadours, and artisans mingle as in days of old.
Over 100 Shows and Activities
The program of the Médiévales is exceptionally rich. Over twenty professional troupes take over the streets, squares, and monuments of the town to offer more than 100 performances throughout the weekend. Free street shows—jugglers, dancers, fire-eaters, musicians, magicians, flag throwers, stilt walkers—animate the town continuously between 1:30 PM and 6 PM. Among the regular troupes are renowned companies like Caminaire, Saboï, and Les Goliards.
The Medieval Camp at Pré Minssieux
The Pré Minssieux hosts a vast medieval camp where knights and artisans recreate medieval daily life. Visitors can discover choreographed fights, siege warfare demonstrations, cannon firings, as well as high-quality paid shows: falconry with free-flying raptors, an equestrian show, and a nocturnal fire show.
Medieval Market and Participatory Workshops
A medieval market sets up in the town center, bringing together artisans, creators, and producers offering art objects, costumes, armor, jewelry, and local products. Free workshops allow young and old to try their hand at archery, medieval fencing, coin striking, woodturning, and traditional wooden games.
An Event Supported by the Entire Town
Organized by the Town of Crémieu, the Médiévales mobilize nearly 200 professionals and 300 passionate volunteers who bring this popular festival to life. Entry into the town is free, allowing everyone to enjoy the market, street performances, and the unique atmosphere of the festival. Only the shows at Pré Minssieux require a paid ticket at an accessible price.
Médiévales de Crémieu — edition 2026
21st Edition — September 2026
Les Médiévales de Crémieu return for their 21st edition on September 12 and 13, 2026. Following the resounding success of the 20th edition, which attracted up to 30,000 visitors, the fortified medieval town of Crémieu is preparing to host another edition of this great popular festival, one of the most important in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
A Rich Program of Activities
As every year, the Médiévales will offer a dense and varied program. Visitors can enjoy costumed opening parades, over 100 free street performances animated by professional troupes — jugglers, dancers, fire-eaters, musicians, flag throwers, stilt walkers, and magicians — as well as the large medieval camp at Pré Minssieux.
Shows and Demonstrations
The paid shows at Pré Minssieux will return with the must-see falconry demonstrations, the equestrian show, and the grand nocturnal fire show on Saturday evening. The medieval camp will feature choreographed fights, siege warfare demonstrations, and craft activities.
Medieval Market and Gastronomy
The medieval market will take over the streets of the historic center with artisans, creators, and producers. The medieval banquets under the Halle will offer a convivial meal in an exceptional historical setting. Taverns and terraces will complete the food and drink offerings.
The detailed program and ticketing information will be available on the Crémieu Town Hall website closer to the event.
Prices Médiévales de Crémieu 2026
Practical information — Médiévales de Crémieu
Practical Information — Les Médiévales de Crémieu
Dates and Times
The Médiévales traditionally take place on the second weekend of September.
- Saturday: 11 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM to 6 PM
The opening parades start at 11 AM each day from the town center. Free street performances run from 1:30 PM to 6 PM.
Prices
Entry to the medieval town is free. Street performances, the medieval market, and participatory workshops are free to access.
Paid shows at Pré Minssieux (falconry, equestrian, fire show):
- Under 5s: free
- 5 to 10 years old: €5
- Over 10 years old: €10
Ticket sales stop 15 minutes before each show. Online ticketing available on the Crémieu town hall website.
Food and Drink
Medieval meals under the Halle: €20 per person (350 seats per service).
- Saturday evening from 7 PM: starter, diots-polenta stew, tart
- Sunday lunch from 12 PM: starter, chicken-potatoes, tart
Association-run taverns and terraces are also set up in the town for refreshments throughout the day.
Access and Parking
Crémieu is located about 40 minutes from Lyon and 50 minutes from Grenoble. Access is mainly by road.
Parking:
- North Parking: Route de la Balme (access from Leyrieu/Lagnieu)
- West Parking 1: Impasse de l'Ancienne Gare (access from Villemoirieu)
- West Parking 1bis: Chemin de la Chaite (overflow parking)
- PMR Parking: Place du 8 mai 1945
- Drop-off point: Passage des Marronniers
Single rate: €5 per day. Payment on-site by credit card, cash, or check.
Security
The event is subject to the Vigipirate plan. Weapons (even fake ones) are forbidden. Security agents control access to the town.
Contact
- Crémieu Town Hall: Place de la Nation-Charles de Gaulle, 38460 Crémieu
- Phone: 04 74 90 70 92
- Email: [email protected]
- Security Emergencies: 04 74 90 77 42
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Where does it take place — Médiévales de Crémieu
Cité médiévale de Crémieu
Centre historique, Place de la Nation-Charles de Gaulle, 38460 Crémieu