Medieval Festival of Ervy-le-Châtel

A fortified town in the heart of Pays d'Othe transformed into a medieval village

Every first weekend of August, the fortified town of Ervy-le-Châtel, remarkable for its medieval architectural heritage nestled in the Pays d'Othe region of Aube, transforms into a living stage dedicated to the Middle Ages. The Medieval Festival of Ervy-le-Châtel, organized by the association Les Médiévales d'Ervy and La Sauvegarde du Patrimoine, invites visitors and enthusiasts to step back in time for a weekend of festivities. The cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and ramparts of this charming small town provide an authentic and striking setting for this immersion into the medieval world.

Alchemical circus, fire shows, and free-flight birds of prey

The highlight of each edition is the alchemical circus show, where alchemists attempt to recreate the world with their alembics, playing with the elements—fire, water, smoke, and bubbles—in a performance blending acrobatics, juggling, and visual poetry. As night falls, fire shows and fire-breathers illuminate the town's ramparts. On Sunday, a free-flight bird of prey demonstration—featuring eagles, falcons, and other birds of prey—offers an educational and majestic spectacle within the unique setting of the fortress. The drumming of the Coupeurs de Bourse echoes through the streets while acrobats and jugglers from invited companies mingle with visitors.

Three encampments and a medieval market in the town's streets

At the heart of the festival, three medieval encampments faithfully recreate daily life in the Middle Ages, with demonstrations of artisanal skills, combat techniques, spinning, weaving, and period cooking. The medieval market, set up in the town's streets, brings together artisans and merchants offering leather goods, decorative weapons, medieval-inspired jewelry, and local produce. Taverns and stalls serve crêpes, mead, and other traditional fare to extend the immersion into the festive atmosphere.

A children's area and activities for the whole family

A dedicated children's area offers old-fashioned games, calligraphy workshops, heraldic face painting, and medieval storytelling sessions. Younger visitors can be introduced to medieval crafts under the guidance of costumed animators. On Saturday evening, the grand medieval feast brings together guests and festival-goers for a shared meal in the purest tradition, followed by a fireworks display to beautifully conclude the evening. Admission is free, with some activities operating on a voluntary contribution basis, making this festival an accessible event for everyone.