Free and family-friendly medieval festival in the Iroise region
There is no edition scheduled in 2026 for this event. This page remains accessible to archive the history of the manifestation and will be updated if a new edition is announced.
Every summer, the historic center of Saint-Renan, a charming town in northern Finistère, transforms into a genuine medieval village. Created in 2007, Les Médiévales de Saint-Renan has, in less than two decades, become one of the most renowned medieval festivals in Brittany and France, attracting tens of thousands of visitors over two entirely free days of festivities.
From its inception, access to the festival has been completely free and open to all. This strong choice, championed by the association Les Médiévales de Saint-Renan, reflects a commitment to a popular, family-friendly, and convivial celebration, open to everyone without financial barriers. In 2025, the festival received the prestigious 'Most Beautiful Festivals of France' label, recognizing the quality and authenticity of the event.
The program of Les Médiévales is abundant: recreated encampments with artisans, blacksmiths, weavers, and herbalists, armored combat demonstrations, theatrical sketches, jugglers, fire-eaters, medieval musicians, and equestrian shows. The highlight is the grand parade on Sunday, where nearly 1,000 participants march in medieval costumes through the town's streets, creating a striking visual spectacle. The medieval banquet on Saturday evening (paid, by reservation) completes this immersion into the world of the Middle Ages.
Each edition of Les Médiévales is organized around a specific theme that renews the experience and enriches visitors' knowledge. In 2025, the theme was 'Heirs of the Middle Ages', exploring medieval heritage in our daily lives. In 2026, the festival will focus on childhood in the Middle Ages, with fun activities, educational workshops, and immersive shows about the games, education, and daily life of medieval children.
The Saint-Renan Medieval Festival is a biennial medieval festival (every two years since 2011). No edition will take place in July 2026: the 19th edition was held on July 19 and 20, 2025, on the theme "Heirs of the Middle Ages", and the next, the 20th, is announced for July 17 and 18, 2027.
ℹ️ No edition in 2026 — biennial event. The Saint-Renan Medieval Festival takes place every two years (biennial rhythm since 2011). The 19th edition was held on July 19 and 20, 2025, on the theme "Heirs of the Middle Ages". Therefore, there is no edition in 2026: the next, the 20th, is announced by the organizers for July 17 and 18, 2027.
The largest medieval festival in Finistère, the event attracts approximately 30,000 visitors and has been recognized as one of the "most beautiful festivals in France". Access to the site and street entertainment remains entirely free (only banquets and feasts are paid). On the program: large costumed parades (up to nearly 1,000 costumes), encampments and men-at-arms, music, skits, a medieval market, and historical reenactments in the historic center of Saint-Renan.
The detailed program for the 20th edition will be communicated by the organizing association, according to the official website, in autumn 2026.
Historic center of Saint-Renan, 29290.
A weekend in July (Saturday and Sunday).
Free entry for all activities. Medieval banquet on Saturday evening is paid (by reservation).
Saint-Renan is located 12 km from Brest via the D5. Free parking is signposted.
Email: [email protected]
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Centre historique de Saint-Renan
Centre historique, 29290 Saint-Renan