Medieval Festival of the Commanderie d'Avalleur
Medieval and Templar Festival at the Commanderie d'Avalleur in Bar-sur-Seine
About Medieval d'Avalleur
The Commanderie d'Avalleur, an Exceptional Historical Setting
The Commanderie d'Avalleur, a listed Historic Monument, is one of the best-preserved Templar sites in France. Founded in the 12th century by the Knights Templar, this commandery located a few kilometers from Bar-sur-Seine features a remarkable Romanesque chapel adorned with frescoes, a monumental dovecote, and agricultural buildings testifying to the power of the Order of the Temple in the region. It is in this exceptional setting, steeped in eight centuries of history, that the Medieval Festival takes place every September, transforming the site into a vibrant medieval village.
Historical Reenactments and Templar Camp
The heart of the festival lies in the life-size historical reenactments. The troupe Blancs Manteaux, renowned specialists of the Templar period, sets up a vast living camp with tents, marquees, workshops, and demonstrations. Visitors can witness faithfully recreated knight combats, learn about the Order of the Templars through educational presentations, and participate in interactive workshops: archery, medieval surgery, wood carving, fire-starting techniques. The 2025 edition, focused on the theme of medieval warfare and medicine, explored these two complementary facets of life in the Middle Ages.
Torchlight Procession and Night Shows
One of the festival's most memorable moments is the Saturday evening torchlight procession. As night falls, an illuminated procession winds through the streets of Bar-sur-Seine, creating a magical and timeless atmosphere. The procession culminates in a fire show and fireworks that illuminate the ancient walls of the commandery. These evening performances are a highlight of the event, immersing spectators in a striking medieval ambiance.
A Free, Family-Friendly Event in the Heart of Templar Heritage
The Medieval Festival of the Commanderie d'Avalleur is completely free, in line with the desire to make Templar heritage accessible to all. The event spans two days, from 10 am to 6 pm or 7 pm, with medieval catering on site. Families are particularly welcome, with interactive workshops allowing children to try their hand at medieval activities. The festival is supported by the Département de l'Aube, the owner of the commandery, and is part of the European Templar Heritage Route, an international network of sites related to Templar history of which the Commanderie d'Avalleur is a founding member.
Medieval d'Avalleur — edition 2026
The 8th edition of the Medieval Festival of the Commanderie d'Avalleur takes place on Saturday, September 5th and Sunday, September 6th, 2026, within the exceptional setting of the Templar commandery of Avalleur, in Bar-sur-Seine (Aube). This edition honors war and medicine in the Middle Ages, through Templar encampments, craft demonstrations, combats, ancient music, and entertainment for all audiences. Free entry. On Saturday evening, a torchlight procession and a fire show animate the historic center of Bar-sur-Seine.
8th Medieval Festival of Avalleur (2026)
On Saturday, September 5th and Sunday, September 6th, 2026, the Templar commandery of Avalleur, in Bar-sur-Seine, hosts the 8th edition of its grand medieval festival. For two days, the Templar site transforms into a vast historical gathering where re-enactment troops, artisans, and musicians bring the Middle Ages to life. The 2026 theme highlights medieval warfare and medicine, with military demonstrations and the knowledge of healers from yesteryear.
On the program
Templar encampments from all over Europe present the daily life and combat training of knights. The public can discover craft demonstrations (gold panning, tile making, stained glass, ancient trades), music from the 13th to 15th centuries, and historical tales. A medieval tavern offers roasted meats, crepes, and period dishes, and a costumed market completes the immersion.
Torchlight procession in Bar-sur-Seine
On Saturday, September 5th from 9 PM, a torchlight procession animates the streets of the historic center of Bar-sur-Seine, followed by a fire show and fireworks on Place du Marché.
Practical information
Open on Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM and on Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Free entry. Food and refreshments available on site.
Programme Medieval d'Avalleur 2026
Saturday, September 5th, 2026 (10 AM - 7 PM)
- Opening of Templar encampments from all over Europe: daily life and combat training
- Demonstrations of medieval crafts: gold panning, tile making, stained glass, ancient trades
- Music from the 13th to 15th centuries and historical tales
- Medieval tavern (roasted meats, crepes, period dishes) and costumed market
- 9 PM — Torchlight procession in the historic center of Bar-sur-Seine, followed by a fire show and fireworks on Place du Marché
Sunday, September 6th, 2026 (10 AM - 6 PM)
- Encampments, combat and craft demonstrations
- Medieval music, entertainment, and tavern
Highlights Medieval d'Avalleur 2026
- 8th edition on September 5th and 6th, 2026 at the Templar commandery of Avalleur (Bar-sur-Seine)
- 2026 Theme: War and Medicine in the Middle Ages
- European Templar encampments, crafts, ancient music, and combats
- Torchlight procession, fire show, and fireworks on Saturday evening in Bar-sur-Seine
- Free entry, food available on site
Prices Medieval d'Avalleur 2026
Practical information — Medieval d'Avalleur
Access
- Location: Commanderie d'Avalleur, Rue de la Commanderie, Hameau d'Avalleur, 10110 Bar-sur-Seine, and the park of the Château de Val-Seine
- By car: From Troyes (33 km), take the D443 towards Bar-sur-Seine. The commandery is signposted from the town center, about 2 km to the south.
- Parking: Free parking near the commandery.
Opening Hours
- Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm, torchlight procession at 9 pm, fire show and fireworks
- Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm
Prices
- Free admission
- Medieval catering on site (paid)
Contact
- Phone: 06 47 66 11 23
- Email: [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Medieval d'Avalleur
Commanderie templière d'Avalleur
Rue de la Commanderie, Hameau d'Avalleur, 10110 Bar-sur-Seine