Les Médiévales de Tonnerre

Les Médiévales de Tonnerre: The Burgundian Town Rediscovers its Middle Ages

Every two years, in September, the town of Tonnerre (Yonne) transforms into a true medieval city for an exceptional weekend. The Médiévales de Tonnerre is the unmissable event for history and historical reenactment enthusiasts in Burgundy, bringing together several thousand visitors in a remarkable heritage setting.

An Authentic Medieval Setting

The setting of Tonnerre lends itself naturally to this evocation of the past. The Hôtel-Dieu, built in the 13th century by Marguerite de Bourgogne, serves as the exceptional backdrop for the event. Its Gothic halls host a gastronomic medieval banquet, while its surroundings are adorned with banners, flags, and period armor. The main streets of the town, the Place Marguerite-de-Bourgogne, and the Pâtis are populated by characters in period costume: knights, soldiers, peasants, monks, musicians, washerwomen, and merchants.

Animations and Shows Throughout the Weekend

The program of the Médiévales offers a complete immersion into medieval life:

• Medieval Market with craftspeople, potters, blacksmiths, illuminators, and curiosity merchants
• Equestrian Shows and Jousting in the main square
• Musical Entertainment by troupes of troubadours, minstrels, and jugglers in the town streets
• Jugglers and Fire Eaters animating intersections and squares
• Old Games for children and families
• Craft Demonstrations: stonemason, glassblower, weaver
• Grand Medieval Banquet in the Hôtel-Dieu hall (reservations required)

A Reference Biennial Event in the Yonne

Organized by the association Les Médiévales de Tonnerre, these days benefit from the support of the town and the community of communes Le Tonnerrois en Bourgogne. The event mobilizes hundreds of volunteers and welcomes troupes from all over France and sometimes Europe. Its biennial nature gives it an exceptional character that builds a loyal audience, often exceeding 10,000 visitors over the weekend.

Tonnerre, a Town of History and Heritage

The town of Tonnerre itself is a remarkable heritage site. Its Hôtel-Dieu, classified as a Historic Monument, is one of the finest examples of medieval hospital architecture in France. The town is also known for its vineyard (AOC Épineuil), its Fosse Dionne, a Vauclusian spring with deep blue waters, and its rich historical past linked to the Dukes of Burgundy.