Medieval Festival of Clermont-Ferrand
Large free medieval festival in the historic Montferrand district of Clermont-Ferrand: 31st edition on May 23 and 24, 2026.
About Medieval Montferrand
The Médiévales de Montferrand: thirty years of time travel
Every first weekend of June, the historic district of Montferrand, in Clermont-Ferrand, goes back in time to the Middle Ages. The Médiévales de Montferrand, organized by the eponymous association founded in 1996, transform this remarkably preserved district into a living medieval city, populated by knights, nobles, burghers, jesters, and beggars.
An exceptional medieval district
Montferrand is a unique district in France: a former fortified city founded in the 13th century, it retains exceptional medieval architectural heritage with its half-timbered houses, its Renaissance private mansions, its ramparts, and its historic squares. Place de la Rodade, Rue de la Rodade, and Place Poly form the heart of the festival, offering an unparalleled authentic setting.
A rich program of entertainment
The Médiévales de Montferrand offer a dense program over two days:
- Costumed parades: knights in armor, nobles in finery, troubadours, and jesters parade through the historic streets
- Historical reenactments: reenactment groups present civilian and military life of the 13th century with camps, weapon demonstrations, and combat
- Medieval craft market: costumed artisans showcase medieval trades: blacksmith, tanner, potter, illuminator, calligrapher
- Street performances: musicians, troubadours, storytellers, jugglers, and fire-eaters liven up the streets and squares
- Medieval ball: opening of the festivities with traditional medieval dances
- Children's entertainment: medieval games, juggling, pony rides, mini-farm
- Banquets: medieval meals served in the festive atmosphere of the city
Costume rental
For total immersion, the association offers medieval costume rentals for five euros per half-day. Young and old can thus step into the shoes of a medieval character and fully participate in the festival.
A free and family-friendly event
The Médiévales de Montferrand is a free and open-to-all event, from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. This accessibility, combined with the quality of the entertainment and the beauty of the setting, makes it one of the most popular heritage events in Clermont-Ferrand and the Auvergne region.
Medieval Montferrand — edition 2026
The 31st edition of the Montferrand Medieval Festival takes place on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 10 AM to 6 PM, in the historic Montferrand district of Clermont-Ferrand. Free admission for this great family medieval event that brings the streets, squares, and ramparts of the medieval town to life with an artisan market, re-enactment troupes, street performers, and children's entertainment.
31st Edition — May 23 and 24, 2026
The Montferrand Medieval Festival returns for its 31st edition on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 10 AM to 6 PM on both days, in the historic Montferrand district of Clermont-Ferrand. The event, free and open to all, transforms the medieval town into a living city of the Middle Ages for a weekend.
A Medieval District Transformed for Two Days
The ramparts, squares, and historic streets of Montferrand welcome valiant knights, nobles, burghers, street performers, and artisans. Beneath the ramparts, on Place Poly and Rue de la Rodade, a large medieval market brings together demonstrating artisans who showcase their ancient crafts and medieval art objects.
Street Entertainment and Historical Re-enactment
Throughout the weekend, historical re-enactment troupes set up their military camps and introduce visitors to the life of knights, nobles, and common folk. Street performers, jugglers, rope dancers, and bear trainers wander through the streets to the sound of traditional music, while troubadours, storytellers, and musicians entertain in the squares.
A Family Festival
For children, a mini-farm, medieval games (juggling, pony rides), and introductory activities to ancient crafts make the event particularly accessible to families. Medieval costume rental is available on-site for €5 for half a day for those who wish to fully immerse themselves.
A Thirty-Year Tradition
Created in 1996 by the Médiévales Montferrand association, these medieval festivals have become one of the highlights of Clermont-Ferrand's associative and cultural life. The 31st edition continues this tradition with a program focused on historical authenticity, family conviviality, and the enhancement of Montferrand's exceptional medieval heritage.
Programme Medieval Montferrand 2026
Saturday, May 23, 2026 — 10 AM to 6 PM
- Medieval Market beneath the ramparts, Place Poly and Rue de la Rodade — demonstrating artisans (ancient crafts, medieval art objects)
- Historical Re-enactment Troupes' Camps — daily life of knights, nobles, and common folk
- Wandering Street Entertainment — street performers, jugglers, rope dancers, bear trainers, traditional music
- Troubadours, Storytellers, and Musicians in the district's squares
- Children's Activities — mini-farm, medieval games, juggling, pony rides
- Artisan Demonstrations — blacksmithing, basketry, weaving, calligraphy depending on the troupes present
Sunday, May 24, 2026 — 10 AM to 6 PM
- All Saturday's entertainment resumes in the Montferrand district
- Medieval market, camps, troupes, children's entertainment, and wandering performances
The detailed hour-by-hour program of troupes and shows will be communicated by the Médiévales Montferrand association on the official website medievalesmontferrand.fr and lesmedievalesmontferrand.fr closer to the event.
Highlights Medieval Montferrand 2026
- 31st edition — a benchmark event for medieval festivals in Auvergne
- Completely free admission, full weekend of entertainment
- Medieval market with demonstrating artisans beneath the ramparts
- Historical re-enactment troupes in camps
- Street performers, jugglers, bear trainers, traditional music
- Children's activities: mini-farm, medieval games, ponies
- Historic Montferrand district, one of Auvergne's most beautiful medieval towns
- Medieval costume rental on-site (€5 for half a day)
Prices Medieval Montferrand 2026
Practical information — Medieval Montferrand
Practical Information
Access and transport
By tram: « Montferrand La Fontaine » stop (line A of the T2C tramway), 12 minutes from Place de Jaude.
By car: Gravière parking lot, near the historic district. The center of Montferrand is pedestrianized during the festival.
Location
Historic district of Montferrand, 24 Place de la Rodade, 63100 Clermont-Ferrand. Entertainment takes place in the streets and squares of the medieval district.
Opening hours
Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Prices
Free admission. Medieval costume rental: €5 per half-day.
Contact
Association Médiévales Montferrand. Phone: 04 73 23 19 29. Email: [email protected]. Website: medievalesmontferrand.fr
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Where does it take place — Medieval Montferrand
Quartier historique de Montferrand
24 Place de la Rodade, 63100 Clermont-Ferrand