Les Médiévales de Domfront

Les Médiévales de Domfront: The medieval city comes back to life

Since 1993, Les Médiévales de Domfront have been reviving the glorious past of this medieval town perched on its rocky spur, in the heart of the Norman countryside. Every two years, the town of Domfront-en-Poiraie transforms into a vast medieval theater, attracting over 25,000 visitors from all over Normandy and beyond.

A rich and spectacular program

For three days, the Médiévales offer an impressive program: street performances, knight tournaments, armored combat, costumed parades, equestrian shows, and entertainment for the whole family. The 2025 edition, the 22nd of its kind, featured the equestrian show "Les Kalembredaines", a medieval equestrian circus, as well as a medieval encampment at the foot of the castle ruins with demonstrations of war machines and educational workshops.

A medieval artisan market

The heart of the festival beats to the rhythm of the medieval artisan market, open on Saturday and Sunday. Blacksmiths, potters, illuminators, tanners, and other craftspeople showcase their ancestral skills and offer their creations in an authentic atmosphere. This market allows visitors to discover medieval artisanal techniques.

Domfront Castle: An exceptional historic setting

The ruins of Domfront Castle, a 11th-century medieval fortress linked to Henry I Beauclerc, provide an incomparable historic setting for the events. The medieval encampment is set up at the foot of the ramparts, while the cobbled streets of the town host parades and shows, creating total immersion in the medieval world.

A popular and family-friendly event

Les Médiévales de Domfront is a resolutely popular and family-friendly event. Educational workshops allow children to learn about medieval arts: calligraphy, heraldry, archery, and chainmail making. The shows are accessible to everyone and contribute to the transmission of the town's historical heritage.

An event driven by volunteers

Created in 1993 by heritage enthusiasts from Domfront, the association Les Médiévales de Domfront mobilizes hundreds of volunteers to organize this major event. Their commitment contributes to the preservation and enhancement of the medieval heritage of the town and Normandy.