Les Médiévales de Loches
The royal city of Loches travels back in time with three days of immersive medieval entertainment
About Médiévales de Loches
Les Médiévales de Loches: A Journey to the Heart of the Middle Ages
Every year around August 15th, the Royal City of Loches transforms into a formidable medieval reenactment site. For three days, the 11th-century keep—one of the best-preserved in Europe—and the Royal Lodge host a dense program of activities that bring medieval daily life, combat, and arts back to life. The event is organized by the Department of Indre-et-Loire as part of the valorization of this exceptional historical monument.
Encampments and Combat Demonstrations
At the foot of the keep, historical reenactment groups set up their encampments and present the equipment of knights, armored combat techniques, and weapons of the medieval era. Visitors can witness demonstrations of sword fighting, medieval fencing, archery, and crossbow shooting. Introductory sessions are offered for both children and adults, allowing them to try their hand at wielding medieval weapons under the guidance of specialists.
A Medieval Craft Market
On the Donjon esplanade, about fifteen exhibitors liven up a medieval craft market offering sweet and savory specialties, medieval drinks (mead, hypocras, cervoise), artisanal objects, and period souvenirs. Blacksmiths, potters, tanners, and weavers showcase their skills in a festive and authentic atmosphere. Visitors can taste dishes inspired by medieval recipes while enjoying continuous shows and entertainment.
Troubadours, Jugglers, and Live Performances
Traveling troubadours, jugglers, fire-eaters, and storytellers entertain the site throughout the day. Live performances are presented in the park of the Royal Lodge and on the keep's lawn, offering constant entertainment to visitors. The program also includes workshops for children: shield making, medieval calligraphy, strategy games, and an educational mini-farm.
The Royal City: An Exceptional Heritage Setting
Classified as a Historical Monument, the Royal City of Loches offers a unique setting for these festivities. The keep of Foulques Nerra (11th century), the Royal Lodge where Agnès Sorel—favorite of Charles VII—lived, and the collegiate church of Saint-Ours form a remarkable architectural ensemble. Les Médiévales allow visitors to discover this heritage from a lively and festive perspective, complementing the cultural visit with a sensory and immersive experience that appeals to both history enthusiasts and families.
Médiévales de Loches — edition 2026
The Medieval Festival of Loches returns on August 15, 16, and 17, 2026, to the Royal City. For three days, the 11th-century keep and the Royal Lodge park will host re-enactment camps, combat demonstrations, falconry, medieval music and dances, as well as a large artisan market, all within an exceptional heritage setting.
The Medieval Festival of Loches 2026
From Saturday, August 15 to Monday, August 17, 2026, the Royal City of Loches plunges visitors into the heart of the Middle Ages. At the foot of the thousand-year-old keep, in the Royal Lodge park and on Bachet park, visitors will find re-enactment camps, costumed strolls, workshops, and games for the whole family.
The keep's promenade hosts an artisan market every day where one can wander among the stalls, taste medieval-inspired cuisine, and observe traditional crafts (goldsmithing, illumination, etc.). Demonstrations of chivalrous combat, handling of weapons and siege engines, archery, falconry, minstrel music, period dances, juggling, and shows punctuate the weekend.
Event organized by the Royal City of Loches (Département d'Indre-et-Loire) in partnership with the City of Loches.
Programme Médiévales de Loches 2026
The three days (Saturday, August 15, Sunday, August 16, and Monday, August 17, 2026) follow a continuous program from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Medieval Market — artisan market on the keep's promenade, open daily (stalls, traditional crafts, medieval cuisine).
- Re-enactment Camps — daily life in the Middle Ages, demonstrations and workshops.
- Combat and Weapons — demonstrations of chivalrous combat, handling of weapons, siege engines, archery.
- Falconry — demonstrations of raptor flights.
- Music and Dances — minstrels, medieval music, period dances, ball.
- Family Entertainment — juggling, shows, games, and riddles in the Royal Lodge park and at the keep.
Detailed program published on the official website of the Royal City of Loches.
Highlights Médiévales de Loches 2026
- Three days of medieval entertainment at the foot of the 11th-century keep
- Large artisan market and traditional crafts
- Combat demonstrations, siege engines, and falconry
- Music, dances, and shows in a classified heritage setting
Prices Médiévales de Loches 2026
Practical information — Médiévales de Loches
Practical Information
Access
By car: Loches is located 42 km southeast of Tours via the D943. Free parking below the Royal City (Mail parking, Porte Royale parking).
By train: Loches SNCF station, a 15-minute walk from the Royal City.
Opening Hours
Site open from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Continuous entertainment on site.
Prices
- Full price: €15
- Reduced price: €13
- 3-day Privilege Pass: €25
- Free for children under 7
Contact
Cité royale de Loches
Phone: 02 47 59 01 32
Website: citeroyaleloches.fr
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Where does it take place — Médiévales de Loches
Cité royale de Loches
5 place Charles VII, 37600 Loches, 37600 Loches