Les Médiévales de Fontaine-Guérard
Immersive medieval festival in the enchanting setting of the Cistercian abbey of Fontaine-Guérard in Radepont
About Médiévales de Fontaine-Guérard
A Journey Through Time in the Heart of a Cistercian Abbey
Each year at the beginning of June, the abbey of Fontaine-Guérard in Radepont opens its doors for a weekend of medieval festivities. Nestled in the Andelle valley, this Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century offers a striking natural and architectural setting for this historical reenactment, which covers a period from the Viking era to the end of the 15th century. The event is organized by the association Renaissance de Fontaine-Guérard, which works to preserve and promote this emblematic monument of Norman heritage.
Living and Spectacular Historical Reenactments
Several historical reenactment groups in period costumes set up their camps within the abbey grounds, recreating medieval daily life with great fidelity. Visitors can witness sword fight demonstrations, weapon handling, blacksmithing, and leatherworking. Artisans showcase their ancestral skills, while street theater and medieval dance troupes animate the abbey's alleys throughout the weekend. Medieval music resonates within the ancient walls, carried by the melodies of troubadours and minstrels.
A Paradise for Families and Children
Les Médiévales de Fontaine-Guérard places great importance on the younger audience. A fun castle welcomes aspiring knights, while traditional wooden games, crest-making, sculpting, and archery workshops allow children to fully immerse themselves in the medieval world. These participatory activities make the event an ideal family outing, combining historical discovery and fun.
Medieval Market, Gastronomy, and Candlelit Banquet
A medieval and fantasy market brings together numerous artisans offering jewelry, pottery, decorative weapons, medieval-inspired clothing, and art objects. For gastronomy, a wood-fired rotisserie and a stall selling artisanal drinks delight visitors. The highlight of the weekend is the Saturday evening banquet show, held in the former nuns' dormitory, lit by candlelight. A medieval menu is served while the company La Chalémie provides period music and dances, followed by a fire show by 'La Flamme dans tous ses États'.
The Abbey of Fontaine-Guérard, a Jewel of Norman Heritage
The Abbey Notre-Dame de Fontaine-Guérard, founded around 1190, is one of the finest examples of Cistercian architecture in Normandy. Classified as a Historic Monument, it retains its chapter house, vaulted cellar, the remains of its church, and the ruins of the nuns' dormitory. The bucolic setting of the Andelle valley, between river and forest, gives these medieval festivities a unique atmosphere that attracts thousands of history and heritage enthusiasts each year.
Médiévales de Fontaine-Guérard — edition 2026
The 10th edition of the Médiévales de Fontaine-Guérard will take place on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, in the exceptional setting of the Cistercian abbey of Fontaine-Guérard in Radepont (Eure). About ten historical re-enactment and performance companies bring the Middle Ages to life, from the Viking era to the 15th century, with a medieval and fantasy market, weapon demonstrations, fights, dances, children's workshops, and a candlelit banquet-show on Saturday evening.
10 Years of the Médiévales de Fontaine-Guérard
For this anniversary edition on June 6 and 7, 2026, the Fontaine-Guérard Abbey welcomes about ten historical re-enactment and performance companies that bring the Middle Ages to life, from the Viking era to the 15th century. Visitors are invited to explore the encampments set up within the Cistercian abbey, where each company presents daily medieval life : demonstrations of weapons, crafts, cooking, forging, and period medicine.
Activities and Shows
Throughout the weekend, the pathways come alive with street theater, medieval music, juggling troupes, sword fights, and demonstrations of axe and knife throwing (with possible initiation for the public). Visitors can participate in workshops and enjoy several medieval dance performances throughout both days.
For Children
The youngest visitors have a dedicated area : a fun castle, traditional wooden games, workshops (crest creation, sculpture), and archery. Children dressed in medieval costumes benefit from a reduced entry fee for the festival.
Medieval Market and Food
About thirty artisans set up their stalls on site, offering objects of medieval or fantasy inspiration : jewelry, pottery, decorative weapons, clothing, accessories. For food, a wood-fired rotisserie, aligot, and a craft beverage stall are available all weekend.
Candlelit Banquet-Show (Saturday Evening)
The highlight of the edition is the banquet-show on Saturday, June 6, starting at 8:00 PM, organized in the former nuns' dormitory, lit by candles. A medieval menu is served while the company L'Arbre de Sovenance offers music, juggling, and medieval dances. The evening concludes with a grand fire show led by Gregory Montagna. The banquet requires mandatory prior reservation via online ticketing (online payment is required to validate the reservation).
Programme Médiévales de Fontaine-Guérard 2026
Saturday, June 6, 2026 — 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Festival gates open at 10:30 AM
- Installation of historical re-enactment camps (Vikings to 15th century)
- Demonstrations of weapons, crafts, forging, cooking, and medieval medicine in the camps
- Demonstrations and initiations to axe and knife throwing
- Street theater and medieval music all day long
- Sword fights and demonstrations of weapon techniques
- Children's workshops : fun castle, wooden games, crests, sculpture, archery
- Medieval and fantasy market with about thirty artisans
- On-site catering : wood-fired rotisserie, aligot, craft beverages
- 8:00 PM — Candlelit banquet-show in the former nuns' dormitory (by reservation, online payment mandatory). Medieval menu, entertainment by L'Arbre de Sovenance company (music, juggling, medieval dances) followed by a grand fire show by Gregory Montagna
Sunday, June 7, 2026 — 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Resumption of activities in all camps
- Demonstrations of weapons, crafts, cooking, forging, medieval medicine
- Street theater, music, medieval dances, and fights
- Workshops and activities for children
- Medieval market open all day
- On-site catering
- Festival closes at 6:00 PM
Highlights Médiévales de Fontaine-Guérard 2026
- 10th anniversary edition of the Médiévales de Fontaine-Guérard
- About ten historical re-enactment companies present
- Candlelit banquet-show in the nuns' dormitory (Saturday evening)
- Grand fire show by Gregory Montagna at the close of the banquet
- Medieval and fantasy market with about thirty artisans
- Exceptional setting of the 12th-century Cistercian abbey
Prices Médiévales de Fontaine-Guérard 2026
Practical information — Médiévales de Fontaine-Guérard
Practical Information
Access
By car: The abbey of Fontaine-Guérard is located on the CD 714 in Radepont (27380), in the Andelle valley. Free parking nearby.
By train: Rouen station (25 km), then car or taxi.
Opening Hours
Opens at 10:30 AM on Saturday, closes at 6 PM on Sunday. The Saturday evening banquet starts at 8 PM (reservations required).
Prices
Entrance fee to the site. Banquet show requires reservation (separate adult and child prices).
Contact
Association Renaissance de Fontaine-Guérard
Phone: 06 86 08 04 67
Email: [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Médiévales de Fontaine-Guérard
Abbaye de Fontaine-Guérard
Abbaye de Fontaine-Guérard, CD 714, 27380 Radepont