Les Médiévales de Gourdon

A Medieval Festival in the Heart of an Authentic Medieval Town

Perched on its hill overlooking Quercy Bouriane, the town of Gourdon boasts remarkable medieval heritage, providing the natural and ideal setting for Les Médiévales de Gourdon. Every first weekend of August, this historic town in the Lot transforms into a true 15th-century village, where the cobbled streets, historic squares, and ancient buildings come alive with medieval entertainment.

The Legend of Bertrand de Gourdon and Richard the Lionheart

Les Médiévales de Gourdon draw upon a rich historical legacy, notably the famous legend of Bertrand de Gourdon, the crossbowman who mortally wounded Richard the Lionheart during the siege of Châlus castle in 1199. This legendary tale, staged by the troupe Héritages du Sénéchal, is one of the central themes of the festival's performances, blending local history with living art in striking scenes.

Two Days of Entertainment for the Whole Family

The Médiévales program is structured around numerous activities spread over two full days, from morning until late at night:

• Medieval Encampments: Reenactment groups set up their camps in the town, allowing visitors to discover daily life in the Middle Ages — calligraphy with Dame Gaëlle, medieval cooking, medicine with Messire Christian, blacksmithing, and combat techniques.
• Shows and Tournaments: Scenes on the art of war, archery and crossbow demonstrations, sword fights, knight tournaments presented by specialized companies like CowProd.
• Street Arts: Jugglers, fire-eaters, stilt walkers, dancers, acrobats, and minstrels roam the streets to recreate the atmosphere of ancient fairs.
• Young Audience Shows: Puppet theater, medieval tales, dragon shows, and interactive activities for children.
• Craftsmanship and Trades: Glassblowers, weavers, woodturners, lacemakers, blacksmiths, and calligraphers showcase their ancestral skills in a medieval market.

The Grand Banquet and Fire Show

The evenings of the Médiévales are highlight moments of the event. On Sunday evening, a grand medieval banquet, enlivened by troubadours, brings guests together for a period meal served by torchlight. On Monday evening, the festival concludes spectacularly with a breathtaking fire show, offering a grand finale to these two days of festivities.

A Medieval Market and Flavors of Yesteryear

The merchant quarter offers medieval-inspired products, artisanal creations, and characteristic food. Stalls sell mead, beer, and dishes cooked according to ancient recipes, while artisan-creators display jewelry, leather goods, pottery, and handcrafted metalwork. The MJC of Gourdon also coordinates workshops for younger visitors: heraldry, giant board games, wooden games, and storytelling.

An Event Rooted in the Quercy Bouriane Territory

Organized since 1996, Les Médiévales de Gourdon have become a major summer event in the Lot department. Initially supported by the Gourdon Region Tourist Office, they are now organized by the association Anim' et Vous en Quercy Bouriane, created in 2022 to take over and develop this unifying event. The festival attracts thousands of visitors, families, and history enthusiasts each year, contributing to the cultural and tourist influence of this beautiful Quercy town.