Les Médiévales de Crémieu
The great medieval festival in the heart of the fortified town of Crémieu
2026
About Médiévales de Crémieu
For over twenty years, the Médiévales de Crémieu have transformed the fortified medieval town in North Isère into an open-air theater every September. Over two days, around twenty professional troupes from across France bring the town to life with costume parades, street performances, theater, juggling, sketches, troubadour music and dance, concerts in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, jousting tournaments at the pré Minssieux, a recreated military camp, a medieval market, an artisan street, and banquets under the Halle. Entry to the town is free, and the event welcomes over 30,000 visitors each year.
Médiévales de Crémieu — edition 2026
The 21st edition of the Médiévales de Crémieu will take place on Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th, 2026, in the fortified town of North Isère, with free admission. The city promises over 100 hours of performances and demonstrations by around twenty troupes from across France. New highlights include the equestrian show "Géovie, la légende de l'épée magique" by the Action Équestre company at the Pré Minssieux, a brand-new Artisans' Street, a medieval market with over 70 vendors, a re-enacted military camp, concerts in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, and an animated banquet under the Halle.
21st Edition — September 12th and 13th, 2026
The Médiévales de Crémieu return on Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th, 2026, for their 21st edition. The town will be open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturday and from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, with an opening parade starting from the Porte Neuve at 11:00 AM on both days. Admission to the town is free. In the official program's editorial, Mayor Isabelle Flores announces "dozens of troupes from all over France, over 100 hours of shows and demonstrations, and numerous free activities," highlighting a fresh approach for this year with new troupes, new shows, and new performance spaces.
Géovie, the Legend of the Magic Sword
The major highlight of 2026 is the equestrian show "Géovie, la légende de l'épée magique," created by the professional company Action Équestre (69) and performed at the Pré Minssieux. This tournament combines jousting, stunts, combat, Cossack vaulting, and equestrian feats, all enhanced by pyrotechnic effects. The show lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes and will be performed four times over the weekend: Saturday at 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM, and Sunday at 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM. Organizers recommend arriving 30 minutes before the start.
Street Performances, Music, and Dance
Around twenty troupes will perform continuously throughout the town's alleys and squares: Le Colporteur (81), Josy et Peps (03), Ysobel la tisserande (38), Gaspard le Busard et Belette (13), Les Trois Larrons (69), Le Bouffon des Gueux (03), Medio Evo (34), and Les Dauphins de feu (38) for theater, sketches, juggling, and fire shows; Les Goliards (13), Saltabraz (59), Cantamen (38), Vagarem (26), Caminaïre (34), Marazula (43), Le Courtil des Courils (38), Passamezzo (69), and the BàO choir (38) for musical processions, singing, and dancing. Two concerts are scheduled in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church: Vagarem on Saturday at 6:30 PM and Cantamen on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Saturday evening concludes with flaming sword combat by Excalibur Dauphiné at 9:30 PM, followed by the fire show from Les Dauphins de Feu at 10:00 PM; Sunday ends with a grand final gathering of all troupes at 6:15 PM.
Military Camp and Daily Life
At the Pré Minssieux and throughout the town, re-enacted camps—complete with tents, weapons, and equipment—offer a glimpse into the daily lives of medieval soldiers and civilians, featuring combat demonstrations, cannon firing, weapon presentations and workshops, board games, and scenes of daily life. Participants include the Cercle d'Armes du Dauphiné (38), Chantelame (38), Excalibur Dauphiné (38), La Piedtailhe (43), Crémieu Escrime Médiévale, and the Cremjeu association.
Artisans' Street and Medieval Market
The Artisans' Street is the second new feature for 2026: stone carvers, coin strikers, wood turners, and other craftsmen will showcase their skills and techniques from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on both days. The large medieval market will host over 70 exhibitors in the streets of the historic center, offering artisanal creations, delicacies, and accessories.
Theatrical Tours and Banquet
Dame Ysobel, a weaver from Crémieu, will lead one-hour theatrical tours starting from the tourist office: Saturday at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, Sunday at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Tours are limited to 30 people and require online booking. The medieval banquet under the Halle is a plated meal and, for the first time, will be animated by the troupes: Saturday at 7:00 PM and Sunday at 12:00 PM.
Highlights Médiévales de Crémieu 2026
- Géovie, the Legend of the Magic Sword — new equestrian show by the Action Équestre company: jousting, stunts, Cossack vaulting, and pyrotechnics (Pré Minssieux, Saturday 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM, Sunday 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM)
- Opening parade of troupes departing from Porte Neuve at 11:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday
- Concerts in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church: Vagarem on Saturday at 6:30 PM, Cantamen on Sunday at 2:00 PM
- Saturday evening: flaming sword combat by Excalibur Dauphiné at 9:30 PM, followed by the fire show from Les Dauphins de Feu at 10:00 PM
- Medieval banquet animated by the troupes under the Halle, Saturday at 7:00 PM and Sunday at 12:00 PM
- Artisans' Street (new for 2026): stone carvers, coin strikers, and wood turners at work
- Medieval market with over 70 exhibitors and a re-enacted military camp at Pré Minssieux
- Grand final gathering of all troupes, Sunday at 6:15 PM
Programme Médiévales de Crémieu 2026
Saturday, September 12th, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- 11:00 AM — Opening Parade · departs from Porte Neuve
- 1:30 PM — Caminaïre (music and song) · Marazula (dance) · Le Courtil des Courils (dance)
- 2:00 PM — Géovie, the Legend of the Magic Sword (equestrian and pyrotechnic show, 1h20) · Pré Minssieux
- 2:00 PM — Les Trois Larrons (theater) · Saltabraz (music) · Le Bouffon des Gueux (buffoonery) · Ysobel la tisserande (theatrical tour, departs from tourist office)
- 2:30 PM — Medio Evo (sketches and combat) · Le Colporteur (storyteller) · Josy et Peps (stilt walking) · Passamezzo (music) · Gaspard le Busard et Belette (sketches)
- 3:00 PM — Vagarem (music and song) · Marazula (dance)
- 3:30 PM — Caminaïre (music and song) · Le Bouffon des Gueux (buffoonery) · Les Goliards (musical procession)
- 4:00 PM — Les Trois Larrons (theater) · Le Courtil des Courils (dance) · Ysobel la tisserande (theatrical tour)
- 4:30 PM — Le Colporteur · Passamezzo (music) · Medio Evo · BàO Choir (singing) · Josy et Peps
- 5:00 PM — Gaspard le Busard et Belette · Les Goliards · Caminaïre · Vagarem
- 5:30 PM — Géovie, the Legend of the Magic Sword · Pré Minssieux
- 5:30 PM — Marazula (dance) · Saltabraz (music)
- 6:00 PM — Les Trois Larrons (theater)
- 6:30 PM — Vagarem Concert · Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church (1h)
- 6:30 PM — Le Bouffon des Gueux (buffoonery)
- 7:00 PM — Animated Medieval Banquet · under the Halle
- 7:00 PM — Josy et Peps · Caminaïre · Saltabraz · Le Colporteur
- 7:30 PM — Le Courtil des Courils (dance) · Les Goliards (musical procession)
- 8:00 PM — Medio Evo (sketches and combat)
- 8:30 PM — Saltabraz (music)
- 9:30 PM — Excalibur Dauphiné · flaming sword combat
- 10:00 PM — Les Dauphins de Feu · fire show
Sunday, September 13th, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- 10:00 AM — Ysobel la tisserande (theatrical tour, departs from tourist office)
- 11:00 AM — Opening Parade · departs from Porte Neuve
- 12:00 PM — Medieval Banquet · under the Halle
- 1:30 PM — Géovie, the Legend of the Magic Sword (equestrian and pyrotechnic show, 1h20) · Pré Minssieux
- 1:30 PM — Le Courtil des Courils (dance) · Josy et Peps (stilts) · Medio Evo (sketches and combat) · Vagarem (music and song) · Le Colporteur (storyteller) · Saltabraz (music)
- 2:00 PM — Cantamen Concert · Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church (1h)
- 2:00 PM — Marazula (dance)
- 2:30 PM — Le Bouffon des Gueux · Caminaïre · Les Trois Larrons · Gaspard le Busard et Belette
- 3:00 PM — Vagarem (music and song) · Medio Evo (sketches and combat)
- 3:30 PM — Le Colporteur · Saltabraz · Le Courtil des Courils
- 4:00 PM — Marazula · Les Trois Larrons · Les Goliards · Caminaïre · Ysobel la tisserande (theatrical tour)
- 4:30 PM — Le Bouffon des Gueux · Vagarem · Josy et Peps
- 5:00 PM — Géovie, the Legend of the Magic Sword · Pré Minssieux
- 5:00 PM — Gaspard le Busard et Belette · Medio Evo
- 5:30 PM — Caminaïre · Marazula · Saltabraz · Le Colporteur · Les Trois Larrons
- 6:15 PM — Grand final gathering of all troupes
Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM — Continuous
- Medieval market: over 70 exhibitors in the historic center streets
- Artisans' Street (new for 2026): stone carvers, coin strikers, wood turners
- Military camp and daily life scenes at Pré Minssieux: Cercle d'Armes du Dauphiné, Chantelame, Excalibur Dauphiné, La Piedtailhe — combat demonstrations, cannon firing, weapon workshops
- Real combat and longsword initiation with Crémieu Escrime Médiévale · Fighters' lists, Place de la Nation
- Giant chess games, free access · Place de la Nation
- Medieval board games with the Cremjeu association · Chapter room (access via the cloister)
Prices Médiévales de Crémieu 2026
Equestrian show "Géovie, the Legend of the Magic Sword" (Pré Minssieux, 1h20): over 10 years old €10 · 5 to 10 years old €5 · under 5 years old free. Ticket sales stop 15 minutes before each show; we recommend arriving 30 minutes early.
Concerts at Saint-Jean-Baptiste church (1h): over 12 years old €5 · 0-12 years old free.
Theatrical tours with Dame Ysobel (1h, departs from tourist office, max 30 people): over 12 years old €5 · 0-12 years old free. Online booking only.
Banquet in the Halle, full plated menu: Saturday 7:00 PM, over 12 years old €30 · 0-12 years old €20; Sunday 12:00 PM, over 12 years old €25 · 0-12 years old €20. Online booking recommended.
Visitor parking: €5 per vehicle per day. Free accessible parking for disabled visitors at Place du 8 mai 1945.
Online ticketing has been open since July 20th, 2026, on the Crémieu city website.
Practical information — Médiévales de Crémieu
Practical Information — Les Médiévales de Crémieu
Dates and Times
The Médiévales take place on the second weekend of September in the medieval town of Crémieu.
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The opening parade departs from the Porte Neuve at 11:00 AM on both days. The medieval market and artisan street are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Pricing
Entry to the medieval town is free: street performances, the medieval market, the artisan street, the military camp, giant chess games, and workshops are all open to the public.
- Jousting tournament at the pré Minssieux (1h 20m): under 5s free · 5 to 10 years 5 € · over 10 years 10 €. Ticket sales stop 15 minutes before each show; arriving 30 minutes early is recommended.
- Concerts at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church (1h): 0-12 years free · over 12 years 5 €.
- Theatrical tours with Dame Ysobel (1h, departs from the tourist office): 0-12 years free · over 12 years 5 €. Online booking only, maximum 30 people per tour.
Online ticketing is available via the City of Crémieu website.
Dining
The medieval banquet is served at the table under the Halle, featuring a full menu (starter, main course, dessert, and drink):
- Saturday at 7:00 PM, featuring troupe entertainment: 0-12 years 20 € · over 12 years 30 €
- Sunday at 12:00 PM: 0-12 years 20 € · over 12 years 25 €
Online booking is recommended. Taverns and food stalls are also available throughout the town all day.
Access and Parking
Crémieu is located in North Isère, between Lyon and Lake Paladru. Access is primarily by road.
- North Parking: route de la Balme (access from Leyrieu)
- West Parking 1: impasse de l'Ancienne Gare (access from Villemoirieu)
- West Parking 1bis: chemin de la Chaite
- Disabled Parking: place du 8 mai 1945 — free
- Drop-off point: passage des Marronniers
Visitor parking fee: 5 € per vehicle per day. Payment on-site by credit card, cash, or check.
Safety
Weapons, even replicas, are prohibited. Security personnel monitor access to the town. Security HQ (Maison des associations): 04 74 90 77 42. A first-aid station is located on-site.
Contact
Mairie de Crémieu — Place de la Nation-Charles de Gaulle, 38460 Crémieu
Phone: 04 74 90 70 92
Email: [email protected]
Les Médiévales de Crémieu: A Spectacular Journey to the Middle Ages
Every year at the start of the autumn season, the medieval town of Crémieu, a fortified jewel in North Isère, turns back the clock several centuries to host one of the largest medieval festivals in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Organized by the City of Crémieu, the Médiévales have established themselves over the past two decades as an unmissable event for history buffs, families, and fans of live performance. The festival's reach extends far beyond the town, drawing more than 30,000 visitors annually.
An Exceptional Historical Setting
Crémieu provides an incomparable backdrop for this medieval celebration. Its ramparts, fortified gates, listed medieval market hall, and preserved heritage offer an authentic stage. The entire town becomes an open-air theater: residents, shopkeepers, and visitors alike don period costumes, creating an atmosphere where knights, noble ladies, troubadours, and craftsmen mingle as they did in days of yore. Festivities begin each day with a parade departing from the Porte Neuve at 11:00 AM.
Over 100 Hours of Entertainment
The program for the Médiévales is remarkably dense: around twenty professional companies from all over France take over the streets, squares, and monuments of the city to provide over 100 hours of shows and demonstrations, along with more than 100 individual activities throughout the weekend. Free street performances—including theater, juggling, buffoonery, short plays, fire-breathers, and stilt-walkers—run continuously from the afternoon into the evening. These are complemented by musical processions, singing, dancing, and concerts held in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church.
The Military Camp at Pré Minssieux
The pré Minssieux hosts a vast recreated camp where warriors and artisans bring the daily lives of medieval soldiers and civilians to life: tents, weapons and equipment, combat demonstrations, cannon fire, weapon presentations and workshops, board games, and scenes of daily life. It is also at the pré Minssieux that the main ticketed jousting tournament takes place each year, featuring tilts, stunts, and equestrian acrobatics.
Medieval Market, Artisan Street, and Workshops
A medieval market with dozens of exhibitors sets up in the streets of the historic center, offering artisanal creations, costumes, accessories, delicacies, and local products. An artisan street brings together stonemasons, coin strikers, and woodturners who demonstrate their skills and techniques. Free activities round out the experience: real combat and longsword initiation with Crémieu Escrime Médiévale, giant chess games at the place de la Nation, and medieval board games with the Cremjeu association.
An Event Driven by the Whole Town
The Médiévales mobilize over a hundred volunteers, municipal staff, local merchants, associations, and elected officials of Crémieu. Entry to the town is free, allowing everyone to enjoy the market, street shows, and the festive atmosphere. Only the jousting tournament at the pré Minssieux, church concerts, theatrical tours, and banquets under the Halle require tickets, which are affordably priced.
Where does it take place — Médiévales de Crémieu
Médiévales de Crémieu in brief
History of Médiévales de Crémieu
Edition 2025 Sep 2025Other festivals near Crémieu
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