Les Médiévales de Villeneuve-sur-Yonne

A Medieval Town Reconnecting with Its History

Nestled in the northern Yonne region on the banks of the river that gives it its name, Villeneuve-sur-Yonne is one of Burgundy's most beautiful medieval fortified towns. Founded in 1163 by King Louis VII to assert royal presence at the borders of Champagne and Burgundy, the town preserves exceptional heritage: the Porte de Joigny and the Porte de Sens, two 15th-century fortified gates built on foundations ordered by Philip Augustus around 1200, the royal keep erected between 1205 and 1211, the Collégiale Notre-Dame de l'Assomption whose construction began around 1230 with its four 13th-century stained-glass windows, and the Saint-Nicolas bridge, attested as early as 1186. It is within this exceptional heritage setting that Les Médiévales de Villeneuve-sur-Yonne take on a particularly special resonance each year.

A Festive Tradition Decades in the Making

Originally organized by the local tourist office, the Médiévales are now led by the association Villeneuve Médiéval, founded in 2018 to perpetuate and develop this tradition. The event is held annually around August 15th, the Assumption public holiday, over two full days. In 2026, the festival will reach its 30th edition, marked by renewed ambition and an expanded three-day program. Free and open to all, the event attracts thousands of visitors from across the Yonne department and neighboring regions.

The Festival Program

The activities unfold in two complementary spaces in the heart of the historic town:

In the Town Hall Park

The municipal park transforms into a true medieval reenactment camp. History enthusiast groups set up their tents and showcase the practical aspects of medieval life: quill calligraphy, wool spinning, stone carving, rope making, and presentations of period weapons and armor. Armored combat is one of the most anticipated highlights, pitting knights in ceremonial attire against each other in carefully choreographed jousts. Falconry is also a recurring attraction, allowing the public to observe birds of prey and falconers up close in the grand tradition of noble hunting.

On Boulevard Marceau

The medieval market on Boulevard Marceau brings together about thirty merchants and artisans specializing in the medieval world: silver and bronze jewelry inspired by ancient illuminations, artisanal soap with medicinal plants, books and illuminations, minerals and semi-precious stones, Eastern spices, leather cuirasses, and medieval herbs and aperitifs. Themed food stalls offer roasted meats, medieval soups, and period drinks to complete the sensory immersion.

Performances and Street Entertainment

Traveling performance troupes liven up the streets and squares throughout the two days: troubadours and minstrels performing melodies from the 12th and 14th centuries, jugglers, fire-eaters, and court jesters, medieval dance companies in period costumes. The costumed parade is one of the most powerful moments of collective communion during the festival: residents, visitors, and reenactors walk together through the narrow streets of the fortified town to reach the park, in a grand procession mixing nobles, merchants, soldiers, monks, and peasants.

Fireworks on the Yonne River

Each year, the evening of August 14th concludes with a fireworks display launched from the banks of the Yonne River, around 10:30 PM. From the riverbanks or the Saint-Nicolas bridge—whose first arches date back to the 12th century—the pyrotechnic show illuminates the Sénonais sky and draws a considerable crowd to the quays. This festive moment reinforces the link between the festival and the town's natural and historical heritage.

Come in Costume!

While participation in medieval costume is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged by the organizers. Many visitors play along, coming dressed in damsel gowns, knightly tunics, or troubadour costumes, further enhancing the immersive atmosphere of the festival. Some artisans offer accessories and costume elements on-site for those who wish to join the parade. The event is entirely free and accessible to all audiences, from children to seniors, making the Médiévales de Villeneuve-sur-Yonne an unmissable summer event in Burgundy.

Medieval Heritage to Explore

The festival is also the perfect opportunity to (re)discover the town's rich heritage. The Portes de Joigny and de Sens, classified as Historical Monuments, are open to visitors and sometimes serve as backdrops for events or temporary exhibitions. The Collégiale Notre-Dame with its 13th-century stained-glass windows, Philip Augustus's royal keep, and the remains of the old ramparts form a discovery trail that the town hall's cultural department offers as guided tours during the Médiévales.