Les Médiévales de Ferrette
Medieval festival at the foot of the castle of the Counts of Ferrette in the Sundgau
About Médiévales de Ferrette
Les Médiévales de Ferrette: A Dive into the Heart of Alsatian Middle Ages
Since 1996, the association Ferrette la Médiévale has been reviving medieval history and traditions in the exceptional setting of Ferrette, a charming town nestled in the heart of the Sundgau, in the extreme south of Alsace. Presided over by Régis Labelle, this historical and festive association brings together medieval history enthusiasts who value authenticity and quality in reenactment.
An Exceptional Historical Setting
The festival unfolds at the foot of the ruins of Ferrette Castle, the former fortress of the Counts of Ferrette that dominated the Sundgau from the 11th century. This listed site, perched on a limestone rocky outcrop, offers a spectacular panorama of the valley and provides an ideal natural backdrop for a medieval festival. The picturesque narrow streets of the town, its half-timbered houses, and its Renaissance fountains enhance the immersion into an atmosphere of a bygone era.
A Rich and Immersive Program
Les Médiévales de Ferrette offers a dense and varied program designed to immerse visitors in the daily life of the Middle Ages. Recreated medieval encampments allow visitors to discover the crafts, skills, and domestic life of the period. An artisanal market brings together craftspeople offering jewelry, leather goods, pottery, decorative weapons, and ancient culinary specialties in recreated stalls. Minstrels and troubadours liven up the streets with their songs and music, while storytellers bring the legends of the Sundgau to life.
Shows and Activities
Equestrian jousts and epic battles of knights in armor are the spectacular highlights of the festival. Demonstrations of ancient sports—archery, fencing, wrestling—allow visitors to try their hand at medieval warrior disciplines. For the younger ones, a medieval farm, a carousel, alchemy workshops, and fun activities guarantee an unforgettable weekend. The medieval and folk ball on Saturday evening extends the celebration until midnight, followed by an enchanting fire show.
A Biennial Event Rooted in Local History
Les Médiévales de Ferrette are held on even-numbered years, a rhythm that allows the association to prepare increasingly ambitious and well-documented editions. The 2024 edition celebrated the 700th anniversary of the marriage of Jeanne de Ferrette to Albert II of Habsburg in 1324, a major historical event that attached the County of Ferrette to the House of Habsburg and left a lasting mark on the history of Alsace. This historical anchoring distinguishes Les Médiévales de Ferrette from a simple costume party and makes it a true event of reenactment and heritage transmission.
Médiévales de Ferrette — edition 2026
The Ferrette Medieval Festival returns on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 2026, for its biennial edition, on the theme of « The Castle Guardians ». At the foot of the ruins of the Counts of Ferrette castle, in the Alsatian Sundgau, the Ferrette la Médiévale association brings to life the legend of the mysterious guardians of the city's depths, featuring dwarves, knights, and tales of bravery. On the program: medieval encampments, craft market, equestrian jousts, combat demonstrations, fire show, electro-medieval concert, and a grand medieval ball.
2026 Edition — « The Castle Guardians » — June 27 and 28, 2026
The Ferrette Medieval Festival takes place on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 2026, with an opening night on Friday, June 26. This edition is part of the « Châteaux & Légendes » 2026 festival (« The Song of Stones ») and features the theme of « The Castle Guardians »: an atmosphere inspired by the legend of the mysterious guardians of the city's depths, where Ferrette dwarves, earth creatures, knights, tales of bravery, and ancient traditions intertwine.
An immersion in the heart of the Middle Ages
At the foot of the Counts of Ferrette castle and in the town center, visitors will find the ingredients that make the Medieval Festival a success: reconstructed encampments depicting the life of men-at-arms and common folk, a medieval market with demonstrations of ancient crafts (stained glass, cooperage, stone carving, forging, baking), minstrels and troubadours wandering through the streets, a medieval farm, mini-theaters and activities for children, taverns, and medieval catering.
Shows and highlights
The program features demonstrations of chivalry and sword fighting, equestrian jousts, and archery demonstrations. On Saturday evening, the electro-medieval concert « Le Songe de Joli Cœur » and the show « Feu & Légendes du Château » light up the site. Theatrical and musical creations are offered at the castle, as well as archery initiation workshops and the archers' tournament « Le Tir à l'Oiseau du Roi ».
Programme Médiévales de Ferrette 2026
Friday, June 26, 2026 (Opening Night)
- 8:00 PM — Chamber Choir Concert at Saint-Bernard-de-Menthon Church.
Saturday, June 27, 2026 — from 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM
- Site opening: medieval encampments (life of men-at-arms and common folk), medieval market and demonstrations of ancient crafts (stained glass, cooperage, stone carving, forging, baking).
- Wandering minstrels and troubadours, medieval farm, mini-theaters and children's entertainment.
- Sword fighting and chivalry demonstrations, equestrian jousts.
- Archery initiation workshops and archers' tournament « Le Tir à l'Oiseau du Roi ».
- Theatrical and musical creations at the castle.
- In the evening — Electro-medieval concert « Le Songe de Joli Cœur ».
- In the evening — Show « Feu & Légendes du Château ».
Sunday, June 28, 2026 — from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Resumption of encampments, medieval market, taverns, and family entertainment.
- Combat demonstrations, equestrian jousts, and archery.
- Shows and wandering performances throughout the day.
The detailed hourly program is progressively released by the association on the official website ferrette-medievale.org and on the Facebook page Ferrette la Médiévale.
Highlights Médiévales de Ferrette 2026
- Dates: Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 2026 (opening night on Friday, June 26)
- 2026 Theme: « The Castle Guardians » — legend of the dwarves and guardians of the city
- Edition part of the « Châteaux & Légendes » 2026 festival
- Electro-medieval concert « Le Songe de Joli Cœur » (Saturday evening)
- Show « Feu & Légendes du Château » (Saturday evening)
- Equestrian jousts, sword fights, archers' tournament « Le Tir à l'Oiseau du Roi »
- Encampments, medieval market, ancient crafts, taverns, and children's entertainment
- Hours: Saturday 10:00 AM-11:30 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Prices Médiévales de Ferrette 2026
Practical information — Médiévales de Ferrette
Practical Information
Access
By car: Ferrette is located 25 km south of Mulhouse. From the A36, take the Altkirch exit and follow the D432 towards Ferrette. Free parking is available at the bottom of the village with shuttle services.
By public transport: Bus line from Altkirch (Soléa / Distribus network). The nearest train station is Altkirch (TER Mulhouse-Bâle line).
Opening Hours
Saturday: 10 AM to 11 PM (medieval ball from 7 PM to midnight, fire show at 10 PM).
Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM (final procession at 5 PM).
Prices (2024 edition)
- Adults: 10 euros
- Under 18s: 5 euros
- Free for children under 10 years old
- Tickets on sale on-site or online via HelloAsso
Food and Drink
Medieval taverns offer period culinary specialties and artisanal drinks on the festival grounds.
Contact
Association Ferrette la Médiévale
38 rue du Château, 68480 Ferrette
Phone: 06 79 12 51 88
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ferrette-medievale.org
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Where does it take place — Médiévales de Ferrette
Château de Ferrette et centre-bourg
Rue du Château, 68480 Ferrette