Medieval Festival of the Château de la Chèze
Dive into medieval history at the Château de la Chèze
About Medieval of La Chèze
A Journey Through Time at the Château de la Chèze
Every summer, the Château de la Chèze, a 13th-century fortress overlooking Le Cheylard in Ardèche, opens its doors to a spectacular medieval festival. This event transports visitors on a historical epic from the 12th century to the Renaissance, blending reenactments, live shows, and participatory activities in an exceptional heritage setting.
Historical Encampments and Educational Workshops
Visitors can explore faithfully recreated 15th-century encampments and discover daily medieval life through various educational workshops: medieval cooking, costume history, shield and clay flute making. Recreations of historical games allow young and old to try their hand at period entertainment.
Combats, Fencing, and Archery
The heart of the festival beats to the rhythm of choreographed combats that animate the castle courtyards. Knight armor speed contests test participants' skills. Introductions to medieval fencing and archery are offered throughout the day, while medieval music groups and period dances ensure a festive and immersive atmosphere.
Castle Banquet and Pyrotechnic Show
On Saturday evening, a castle banquet invites guests to a period meal in the sumptuous setting of the fortress (reservations required, doors open at 7:30 PM). The evening concludes with a dazzling pyrotechnic show titled 'The Legend of Tubalcaïn', illuminating the castle's ancient walls in a grand finale.
Medieval of La Chèze — edition 2026
The Medieval Festival of Château de la Chèze returns on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, 2026, in Le Cheylard, in the heights of Ardèche. The 2026 edition's theme is the crafts and artisanal work of the late Middle Ages. Reconstructed encampments, educational workshops, artillery demonstrations, choreographed fights, and a medieval banquet animate these two days within the setting of the 13th-century castle.
Medieval Festival 2026 — Crafts and artisanal work of the late Middle Ages
On July 18 and 19, 2026, Château de la Chèze, perched above Le Cheylard, travels back in time and invites the public to experience a medieval weekend. This edition's theme highlights the crafts and artisanal work of the late Middle Ages.
Upon entering the castle grounds, visitors will discover medieval stalls, soldier tents, live workshops, wooden games, and continuous entertainment in a 13th-century atmosphere. Stroll among the encampments, observe demonstrations of ancient crafts, and chat with costumed enthusiasts.
On the program: educational and participatory workshops (manufacture and use of cannons and gunpowder in the 15th century, coin minting and exchange), artillery firing demonstrations, a pyrotechnic show, knight fights and equipment presentations, as well as period music groups. On Saturday evening, a medieval banquet is offered at the castle by reservation.
A family event designed for all ages. Fast food and meals available on site.
Programme Medieval of La Chèze 2026
Saturday, July 18, 2026
- Opening of medieval encampments and stalls
- Educational and participatory workshops: manufacture and use of cannons and gunpowder (15th century), coin minting and exchange
- Artillery firing demonstrations, knight fights and equipment presentations
- Medieval music groups and continuous entertainment
- In the evening: pyrotechnic show, followed by a medieval banquet at the castle by reservation
Sunday, July 19, 2026
- Encampments, craft workshops and demonstrations of ancient trades
- Choreographed fights and family entertainment (wooden games, children's workshops)
- Visit of the castle and its rooms
Detailed program and precise timings to be confirmed with the organizer.
Highlights Medieval of La Chèze 2026
- Recreated historical encampments
- Educational workshops, combats, and medieval fencing
- Archery, period dances, and music
- Castle banquet and pyrotechnic show
- Free for children under 10
Prices Medieval of La Chèze 2026
Practical information — Medieval of La Chèze
Access
The Medieval Festival takes place at the Château de la Chèze, 160 La Chèze, 07160 Le Cheylard.
- By car: From Privas (40 km), take the D2 towards Le Cheylard. From Valence (55 km), take the D533 towards Lamastre then Le Cheylard.
- Parking: Parking available near the castle.
Opening Hours
- Saturday: 2 PM to 7 PM (banquet at 7:30 PM, pyrotechnic show in the evening)
- Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM
Prices
Admission: €5 full price. Free for children under 10. Banquet by reservation (price on request).
Contact
- Phone: 04 75 29 07 10
- Website: Ardèche Hautes Vallées
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Where does it take place — Medieval of La Chèze
Château de la Chèze
160 La Chèze, 07160 Le Cheylard