Medieval Festival of the Counts of Champagne
Chaumont in the time of the Counts of Champagne
About Medieval Festival of Chaumont
The Medieval Festival of the Counts of Champagne plunges Chaumont into the heart of the Middle Ages for a biennial weekend. Organized by the association Médiévalys at square Philippe Lebon, opposite the castle of the Counts of Champagne, this free festival brings together historical reenactment troupes, béhourd fights, medieval artisans, musicians, fire-eaters, and a period tavern. Created in 2013, the event alternates with the Grand Pardon and attracts several thousand visitors in an exceptional heritage setting in Haute-Marne.
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A Dive into the Heart of the Middle Ages in Chaumont
Since its creation in 2013, the Medieval Festival of the Counts of Champagne has established itself as an unmissable event for history enthusiasts and families in Haute-Marne. Organized every two years, alternating with the Grand Pardon de Chaumont, this event transforms the Philippe Lebon square and the surroundings of the Counts of Champagne castle into a true living medieval village. The streets of old Chaumont then resonate with the sound of troubadours, blacksmiths, and armored warriors.
Béhourd Fights and Historical Reenactment
Béhourd, full-armor medieval combat, is one of the festival's highlights. Several historical reenactment companies, including the local troupe Chaumont Béhourd Ordo Noctuarum, offer spectacular demonstrations of weapon handling, jousting, and team fights. Recreated camps allow visitors to discover daily life in the Middle Ages: blacksmithing, stone carving, chainmail making, wool carding, and cooking over a wood fire.
A Village of Artisans and Medieval Stalls
The grand medieval market brings together about forty stands and stalls where artisans and merchants offer their ancestral skills. Blacksmiths, potters, candlemakers, bell founders, basket weavers, weavers, stonemasons, and luthiers demonstrate their period crafts. Visitors can discover and purchase medieval jewelry, decorative weapons, leather goods, artisanal soaps, period clothing, and traditional sweets.
Street Shows and Entertainment
The program includes various street shows throughout the weekend: medieval music groups, period dances, acrobats, jugglers, stilt walkers, fire-eaters, and magicians animate the festival aisles. The fire show on Saturday evening is a highlight of each edition, illuminating the Philippe Lebon square in a magical atmosphere. Historical sketches and costumed parades also punctuate the two days.
A Family and Participatory Event
Numerous activities are specially designed for families and children: wooden game workshops, archery and crossbow initiation, calligraphy and illumination workshops, stained glass creation, flax spinning, and medieval readings for the younger ones. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume to fully experience the immersion in the Middle Ages.
Tavern and Medieval Gastronomy
A medieval tavern offers period food and drinks: hypocras, mead, wood-fired grilled meats, medieval pastries, and local specialties delight visitors' taste buds. On-site catering allows for an extended culinary experience in a friendly and festive atmosphere.
Medieval Festival of Chaumont — edition 2026
5th edition of the Medieval Festival of the Counts of Champagne at square Philippe Lebon. Reenactment troupes, béhourd fights, music groups, medieval dance, artisans demonstrating their craft, fire show, and tavern.
5th Edition: June 6 and 7, 2026
The 5th edition of the Medieval Festival of the Counts of Champagne will take place on June 6 and 7, 2026, at square Philippe Lebon, opposite the castle of the Counts of Champagne. The program includes historical reenactment troupes, béhourd fights, two medieval music groups, medieval dance, artisans demonstrating their craft, stalls, fire-eaters, stilt walkers, a fire show on Saturday evening, and a tavern for catering.
Entry remains free for this edition, on Saturdays from 11 am to 11 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 6:30 pm.
Programme Medieval Festival of Chaumont 2026
2026 Program
- Historical reenactment troupes
- Béhourd fights
- Two medieval music groups
- Medieval dance
- Artisans demonstrating their craft
- Medieval markets and stalls
- Fire-eaters and stilt walkers
- Fire show on Saturday evening
- Medieval tavern
Highlights Medieval Festival of Chaumont 2026
- 5th edition of the festival
- Free entry
- Béhourd fights
- Fire show on Saturday evening
- Saturday 11 am-11 pm, Sunday 11 am-6:30 pm
Prices Medieval Festival of Chaumont 2026
Practical information — Medieval Festival of Chaumont
Access
The square Philippe Lebon is located in the center of Chaumont (52000), Haute-Marne, opposite the castle of the Counts of Champagne and at the foot of the historic keep.
- By car: Chaumont is accessible via the A5 motorway (exit Chaumont Nord or Chaumont Sud) from Paris (approx. 2h30) or Troyes (approx. 1h15). From Langres, take the N19 (approx. 35 minutes). From Dijon, take the A31 then the N19 (approx. 1h45). Free parking near the historic center, including the train station parking and downtown parking lots.
- By train: Chaumont SNCF station, served by the TER Grand Est line (Paris-Est — Basel via Troyes). The station is about a 15-minute walk from the square Philippe Lebon. Taxis are available in front of the station.
Prices
Completely free entry for all activities, shows, demonstrations, and the medieval market. Food and drinks at the medieval tavern and purchases from artisan stalls are at the visitors' expense.
Hours
- Saturday: from 11 am to 11 pm (fire show in the evening)
- Sunday: from 11 am to 6:30 pm
Activities, shows, and demonstrations run continuously throughout both days. The fire show takes place on Saturday evening to close the first day.
Frequency
The Medieval Festival of the Counts of Champagne is a biennial event, held every two years, alternating with the Grand Pardon de Chaumont. The next edition will take place on June 6 and 7, 2026.
Practical Advice
- Come in costume to fully experience the medieval atmosphere and blend in
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the site all day
- The event takes place outdoors: bring clothing suitable for the weather (hat and sunscreen in case of sun, rain gear in case of showers)
- Medieval catering available on-site at the tavern: hypocras, mead, wood-fired grilled meats, and period pastries
- The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility
- Remember to bring water, especially for children
Contact
Association Médiévalys Chaumont
President: Alexis Renauld
Phone: 06 72 79 26 20
Facebook: Médiévalys Lafauche Chaumont - 52
Event Facebook: Fête médiévale Chaumont
Accommodation
To prepare for your stay, the tourist office La Haute-Marne Respire & Inspire provides information on available accommodation in Chaumont and its surroundings: hotels, B&Bs, gîtes, and campsites. Website: bienvenue-hautemarne.fr
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Where does it take place — Medieval Festival of Chaumont
Square Philippe Lebon
Square Philippe Lebon, 52000 Chaumont, 52000 Chaumont