Les Médiévales de Tiffauges
Medieval reenactment at the Castle of Bluebeard, legendary fortress of the Vendée
About Médiévales de Tiffauges
Each autumn, the Château de Tiffauges — nicknamed Bluebeard's Castle in reference to Gilles de Rais — hosts the Tiffauges Medieval Festival, one of the largest historical reenactment gatherings in Western France. For two days, nearly 500 reenactors from all over Europe take over the ramparts, courtyards, and three hectares of the site to bring to life the daily, military, and artisanal life of the Middle Ages within the exceptional setting of this 11th-15th century fortress, classified as a Historic Monument.
Camps, costumed artisan stalls, full-scale battle and siege reenactments, war machines, troubadour shows, and period musicians: the festival, organized by the Département de la Vendée, immerses visitors in the atmosphere of the Vendée Middle Ages, on the lands of Gilles de Rais, companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc.
The Tiffauges Medieval Festival: two days in the heart of the Vendée Middle Ages
In the heart of the Vendée bocage, the Château de Tiffauges has stood its ramparts since the 11th century on a rocky spur 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 Tiffauges Medieval Festival, a historical reenactment event that has become, over the editions, one of the unmissable events in Western France.
Nearly 500 reenactors from all over Europe
Each edition brings together nearly 500 reenactors from all over Europe, who set up their camps, stalls, and historical reenactments across the three hectares of the site. Armored knights, archers, crossbowmen, artisans, clerics, peasants, and itinerant merchants bring the 14th and 15th centuries back to life, meticulously recreating the daily and warlike life of the late Middle Ages.
Battles, sieges, and war machines
The highlights of the Medieval Festival are the full-scale battle and siege reenactments. The castle houses one of the most important collections of medieval war machines in Europe — trebuchets, couillards, mangonels, ballistas — recreated to real scale and put into action during spectacular demonstrations illustrating the techniques of siege warfare.
Artisans and medieval crafts
Throughout the two days, a vast medieval artisan village sets up in the castle courtyards. Blacksmiths, weavers, illuminators, potters, tanners, and herbalists recreate their workshops and demonstrate their ancestral know-how. Introductions to medieval crafts are offered to visitors, both young and old.
Music and live performances
The cultural and artistic dimension of the Medieval Festival is carried by a musical and scenic program: troubadours, period musicians, jugglers, and jesters animate the alleys of the recreated camp and wander among visitors to the rhythm of parades and choreographed battles.
The Château de Tiffauges: a Historic Monument steeped in history
Classified as a Historic Monument and owned by the Département de la Vendée, the Château de Tiffauges is one of the best-preserved medieval sites in Vendée. Its keep, lord's dwelling, chapel, and ramparts date from the 11th to the 15th centuries. A visit to the castle and its war machine park perfectly complements the medieval immersion offered by the festival.
Médiévales de Tiffauges — edition 2026
The Tiffauges Medieval Festival will take place on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Château de Barbe Bleue, in Tiffauges (85130). Nearly 500 reenactors from all over Europe will take over the fortress with a new scenario dedicated to the art of siege: « Tiffauges, the Besieged Fortress — The Confrontation of the Constables ».
2026 Edition — Tiffauges, the Besieged Fortress
For 2026, the Tiffauges Medieval Festival offers an entirely new scenario: « Tiffauges, the Besieged Fortress — The Confrontation of the Constables ». Inspired by the Hundred Years' War, a period during which Tiffauges held a strategic position on the borders of Poitou, the scenario immerses the public in the atmosphere of a besieged stronghold in the Middle Ages.
For two days, nearly 500 reenactors from all over Europe will set up their military camp and stalls across the three hectares of the site. Siege techniques are illustrated by the construction and use of war machines — couillard, trebuchet, mangonel — during full-scale demonstrations. A medieval market, costumed artisans, period troubadours and musicians, parades, and choreographed battles complete the immersion.
Programme Médiévales de Tiffauges 2026
Saturday, September 26, 2026 — 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Opening of the military camp and medieval market (nearly 500 reenactors)
- Full-scale battle and siege reenactments
- Demonstrations of war machines (couillard, trebuchet, mangonel)
- Armed parades and choreographed fights
- Shows by troubadours and period musicians
- Stalls of costumed artisans and introductions to medieval crafts
Sunday, September 27, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Continuation of the scenario « Tiffauges, the Besieged Fortress — The Confrontation of the Constables »
- Battle and siege reenactments and demonstrations of war machines
- Medieval market, camp, and artisan activities
- Live shows, music, and wandering performances
Detailed hourly program published on the official website www.tiffauges.fr closer to the event.
Highlights Médiévales de Tiffauges 2026
- 2026 Scenario « Tiffauges, the Besieged Fortress — The Confrontation of the Constables » (Hundred Years' War)
- Nearly 500 reenactors from all over Europe
- Château de Barbe Bleue, classified Historic Monument (11th-15th centuries)
- Full-scale sieges and war machines (trebuchet, couillard, mangonel)
- Free for children under 12
Prices Médiévales de Tiffauges 2026
Practical information — Médiévales de Tiffauges
Practical Information
Access
Address: Château de Tiffauges, place du Château, 85130 Tiffauges.
By car: from Nantes (approx. 30 min) or from La Roche-sur-Yon (approx. 1 h). Parking near the castle.
By train: Montaigu-Vendée station (15 km), then taxi.
Prices
2-day pass: 10 € (full) / 6 € (reduced). 1-day pass: 7 € (full) / 5 € (reduced). Free for children under 12. Reduced rate for 12-25 year olds, job seekers, people with disabilities and their companions, groups of 20 people or more.
Contact and ticketing
Organizer: Département de la Vendée.
Website: www.tiffauges.fr
Bookings: 02 28 85 85 70 (ticketing also available on site on event days).
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Where does it take place — Médiévales de Tiffauges
Château de Tiffauges (Château de Barbe Bleue)
Place du Château, 85130 Tiffauges