Les 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.