Les Médiévales de Tiffauges

Les Médiévales de Tiffauges: Two Days in the Heart of Medieval Vendée

In the heart of the Vendée bocage, the Château de Tiffauges has stood with its ramparts since the 11th century on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Crûme river. This medieval fortress, intimately linked to the troubled figure of Gilles de Rais — the legendary "Bluebeard" — provides the ideal setting for the Médiévales de Tiffauges, a must-see historical reenactment festival in Vendée.

A Summit 9th Edition

On September 27th and 28th, 2025, the castle hosts the 9th edition of the festival, which year after year confirms its place among the major medieval events in Western France. Over 300 reenactors from reenactment groups across France will invade the courtyards and ramparts to bring the 15th century back to life: knights in armor, archers, crossbowmen, artisans, clerics, peasants, and traveling merchants will meticulously recreate daily life and warfare of the late Middle Ages.

Equestrian Shows and Medieval Jousts

One of the highlights of the Médiévales is the equestrian shows and jousting tournaments held in the castle's main courtyard. Knights in armor will compete in tournaments, meticulously recreated with remarkable historical accuracy, to the cheers of the crowd gathered on improvised stands. These demonstrations combine skill, presence, and medieval know-how in a visual and auditory spectacle that transports spectators centuries back in time.

Medieval Martial Arts and Foot Combat

Fans of European Historical Martial Arts (HEMA) will be delighted by the foot combat demonstrations: longsword, shield, war axe, dagger, and full-plate armor combat. Specialized groups will showcase techniques codified in medieval weapon treatises, offering a spectacle that is both educational and impressive. Introductions to weapon handling will be offered to adult visitors and teenagers under the supervision of master-at-arms.

Artisans and Medieval Crafts

Throughout the two days, a vast medieval artisan village will be set up in the castle courtyards. Blacksmiths, weavers, illuminators, potters, tanners, and herbalists will recreate their workshops and demonstrate their ancestral skills. Hands-on workshops will allow visitors to try their hand at calligraphy, coin striking, shoemaking, or wax seal making. Children will have a dedicated area to discover medieval games: croquet, stilts, introductory archery, and period board games.

Music and Live Performances

The cultural and artistic dimension of the Médiévales is brought to life by a high-quality musical and stage program. Medieval music groups will animate the alleys of the recreated village, while jugglers, fire-eaters, troubadours, and jesters will mingle with visitors. On Saturday evening, a torchlit night show will transform the castle into a fantastical backdrop, with light projections on the ramparts and a fire show that concludes the first day in an enchanting atmosphere.

The Château de Tiffauges: A Historic Monument Steeped in History

A designated Historic Monument, the Château de Tiffauges is one of the best-preserved medieval sites in the Vendée. Its keep, seigneurial residence, chapel, and ramparts date from the 11th to the 15th centuries. The site also houses a park of medieval siege engines — trebuchets, ballistae, catapults — recreated at full scale and regularly demonstrated in spectacular fashion. Visiting the castle perfectly complements the medieval immersion offered by the festival.