Médié-Nages
The medieval festival of the Laouzas lake, in the heart of the Monts de l'Espinouse
About Médié-Nages
Médié-Nages: The Middle Ages by the Laouzas Lake
Nestled in the Monts de l'Espinouse, at an altitude of over 800 meters, the village of Nages offers a striking setting each summer to bring the Middle Ages back to life. It is here that the association Nages à travers les âges created Médié-Nages, a completely free medieval festival that brings together knights, troubadours, artisans, and history enthusiasts for a weekend at the end of June.
A Festival Rooted in its Territory
The Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park, of which Nages is a part, is a land of vibrant traditions and preserved heritage. Médié-Nages is fully integrated into this local identity by highlighting the medieval history of Languedoc, its arts, its crafts, and its legends. The event is based on three founding values: the transmission of ancestral know-how, conviviality thanks to volunteer engagement, and authenticity in respect of the history of the village and its region.
Program and Activities
For two days, the alleys of Nages and the shores of the Laouzas lake are transformed into a vast medieval camp. Visitors can wander freely among:
- Historical Reenactment Encampments with demonstrations of daily life in the Middle Ages
- Knight Fights — equestrian tournaments and sword duels on the field
- Falconry Shows — bird of prey presentations and flight demonstrations
- Medieval Market — craftspeople (blacksmithing, pottery, illumination, medieval instrument making), local creators, and producers
- Troubadours and Medieval Music — concerts and musical parades throughout the day
- Participatory Workshops for children and adults: archery, calligraphy, costume making
- Medieval Catering — tavern offering medieval-inspired dishes and drinks
An Exceptional Natural Setting
The Laouzas lake, a vast 400-hectare body of water surrounded by pine and beech forests, gives the festival a unique atmosphere. The pure mountain air, the panoramas of the Monts de l'Espinouse, and the tranquility of the village of Nages create a total change of scenery, far from urban bustle. This exceptional natural setting is in itself an invitation to stroll and discover.
A Family Event Accessible to All
Médié-Nages is designed to welcome families, history buffs, and the curious from all walks of life. Admission is completely free, and the activities cover a wide range of ages, from the youngest to grandparents. The organizing association ensures a varied program, alternating major shows, interactive workshops, and moments of conviviality around the medieval table.
Médié-Nages — edition 2026
The 4th edition of Médié-Nages returns on June 27 and 28, 2026 to the village of Nages, on the shores of Lac du Laouzas. Organized by the association Nages à travers les âges, this entirely free medieval immersion brings together a re-enactment camp, equestrian fights and games, falconry, medieval dances, a large craft market, and a grand animated banquet. Two days of festivities in the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park.
Médié-Nages 2026 — June 27 and 28 in Nages
For its 4th edition, Médié-Nages takes over the village of Nages and the surroundings of Lac du Laouzas, in the Espinouse Mountains, on June 27 and 28, 2026. The association Nages à travers les âges offers two days of great medieval festivities, in the spirit of authenticity, transmission, and conviviality that makes the festival's reputation. Admission is entirely free (excluding the banquet).
Program for both days
Throughout the weekend, the public can enjoy refreshment stands, camp life, demonstrations of medieval know-how, farm animals, falconry, wooden games, musical strolls, a free visit of the castle, a visit to the brewery, and the medieval garden. A large craft market brings together creators and producers, from Avenue de la Mairie to the church. Several food points (plates of local products) are available at the market and refreshment stands.
The Grand Medieval Banquet
On Saturday evening, the Lord and his Lady welcome guests to their table, amidst the medieval companies. The banquet is animated by the musical troupe Turbamusica, and continues with a concert-show by Les Tanneurs de Drac, in the style of Occitan troubadours. The meal is by reservation (limited places), via the association's HelloAsso ticketing service or at the Brasserie du Castel in Nages.
Programme Médié-Nages 2026
Saturday, June 27, 2026 — opening at 10 am
Encampment
- 11 am — Equestrian fights and games
- 12 pm — Camp life
- 1 pm — Camp animation
- 1:30 pm — Falconry
- 2 pm — Archery demonstration
- 3:45 pm — Falconry
- 4:30 pm — Candy catapult · Parent/child foam sword fights
Village
- 2 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm — Introduction to medieval dances (castle courtyard, registration on site)
- 2:45 pm — Parade (departure from encampment)
- 3 pm — Skits on the church parvis (directed by Marie-Hélène Bourges)
- 5 pm — Guided tour of the castle
- 6 pm — Conference by Pèire Toulze: “Occitan family names of the region”
- 6:30 pm — Attack on the castle
- Castle courtyard: stone carver
8 pm — Grand Medieval Banquet (Salle du Landas): entertainment and surprises, Turbamusica troupe followed by a concert-show by Les Tanneurs de Drac. By reservation.
Throughout the day: large craft market.
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Encampment
- 11 am — Candy catapult · Parent/child foam sword fights
- 1:30 pm — Falconry
- 2:20 pm — Equestrian fights and games
- 3 pm — Archery demonstration
- 4 pm — Falconry
- 5 pm — Attack on the castle
- 6 pm — Camp closing
Hike — Departure 9 am (return around 3:30 pm): 15 km with 400 m positive elevation gain, accompanied by Los Passejaires and narrated by Martine “Between legend and history”. Packed lunch, eaten at Maison de Payrac (coffee and cakes offered). Minibus transport possible to narrated sites. Information: Marie-Christine 06 07 74 21 72.
Village
- 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm — Introduction to medieval dances (castle courtyard, registration on site)
- 10:30 am — Weaving workshop (in front of the castle) with Les Tirelaines: carding and spinning demonstrations, history and songs
- 11 am — Guided tour of the castle
- 2:30 pm — Felt workshop (in front of the castle) with Les Tirelaines
- 3 pm — Workshops for children in the medieval garden: herbarium of remedies and herbal teas, juggling and fables from the Middle Ages
- 5 pm — Attack on the castle
- 6 pm — Festival closing
Throughout the day: large craft market.
Highlights Médié-Nages 2026
- Entirely free medieval festival (excluding banquet), on June 27 and 28, 2026
- Equestrian fights and games, archery demonstrations, and attack on the castle
- Falconry: birds of prey and demonstrations several times a day
- Large craft market with creators and producers
- Grand animated medieval banquet (Turbamusica, Tanneurs de Drac) on Saturday evening, by reservation
- Narrated 15 km hike on Sunday with Los Passejaires
Prices Médié-Nages 2026
Practical information — Médié-Nages
Practical Information
Access
By car: Nages is located on the D162, about 45 km northeast of Castres and 30 km south of Saint-Affrique. Follow the signs for “Lac du Laouzas” from Lacaune or Brassac. Parking on-site or in the vicinity of the village.
On-site
Medieval tavern, catering, and refreshments available on site. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for navigating the terrain.
Accommodation
Camping and gîtes are available near the Laouzas lake. Advance booking is recommended during the summer season.
Contact
Association Nages à travers les âges — [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Médié-Nages
Village de Nages et lac du Laouzas