Medieval Festival of Briançon
Go back in time in the Vauban citadel of Briançon
About Medieval Briançon
The Vauban citadel of Briançon dates back to the Middle Ages
Since 2005, the Medieval Festival of Briançon has been reviving the Middle Ages in the fortified city of Vauban, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Organized by the association Le Cœur de Vauban, this popular and free festival transforms the old town of Briançon, the highest town in France (1,326 m), into a lively medieval city for three days each year.
A rich and varied program
The Medieval Festival program is organized around several highlights. A medieval market is set up on Place Vauban and in the alleys of the old town, offering arts and crafts, local products, and period items. Knight tournaments feature spectacular fights in armor. Medieval encampments allow visitors to discover daily life in the Middle Ages. Artist troupes from France and Italy offer parades, juggling shows, ancient music, and fire performances.
Highlights and entertainment
The inauguration takes place on Saturday morning with a parade through the city streets. The lowering of the portcullis, an emblematic moment of the festival, occurs several times during the weekend at the gates of the fortified city. A medieval tavern offers medieval-inspired food and drinks. Old games (archery, wooden games, axe throwing) are accessible to everyone, young and old. Workshops on calligraphy, blacksmithing, and illumination complete the entertainment.
An exceptional heritage setting
The festival draws its strength from the unique heritage setting of the Vauban citadel of Briançon. The ramparts, fortified gates, cobbled streets, and the Collégiale Notre-Dame Church form an ideal natural backdrop for this dive into the past. The city of Briançon, fortified by Vauban in the 17th century, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, giving the medieval festival additional prestige.
21 editions of popular celebration
Since its creation in 2005, the Fête Médiévale de Briançon has continued to grow. The 21st edition (2025) took place from June 27 to 29, confirming the success of this festive and family-friendly event that brings together thousands of visitors. The festival has successfully retained a family audience and history enthusiasts, while renewing its artistic program each year with troupes and artists from all over Europe.
Medieval Briançon — edition 2026
The 22nd edition of the Briançon Medieval Festival will be held from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 9h to 21h, in the Vauban city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Organized by the association Le Cœur de Vauban, this popular and free festival offers a medieval market, chivalry tournaments, street shows, encampments, troupes of artists from France and Italy, and entertainment for the whole family in France's highest fortified city.
22nd Edition in the Vauban City
For its 22nd edition, the Briançon Medieval Festival once again takes over the fortified enclosure of the Vauban city from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 9h to 21h. More than 16 troupes and companies from France and Italy will animate the alleys, squares, and gardens of the old upper town.
Confirmed Troupes and Companies
- KAV'ALP — Equestrian shows: jousting, vaulting, and dressage (Jardin Chanoine Motte)
- The Italian Flag Throwers of Alba — Ancient art of flag handling, over 20 bearers in procession
- Arthus Spectacle — Comic show « Le Tinel du Surgien » on medieval surgery (Place Général Blanchard)
- Maître Chicotin – Confrérie des Veilleurs du Temps — Tooth puller and barber's stall, comic show
- Maître Renart — Storyteller: festive wandering tales and medieval stories
- Les Gueux du Dauphin — Costumed characters interacting with the public through songs and entertainment
- Entre 2 Airs — Medieval music group: bagpipes, lute, and percussion
- Lancia di San Michele — Italian medieval camp: archery, combat, cooking, music, and medicine (Fossés Porte Pignerol)
- Le Chant de l'Épée — 13th-century specialized association: combat, calligraphy, herbalism, leatherwork, and medieval games
- Lothringen Landsknecht — Hunting camp inspired by Gaston Phébus's Livre de Chasse, 14th century (Porte d'Embrun)
- Les Mestel — Specialists in medieval games, fun activities for all
- La Chevauchée des Lices — Wooden horse race for children
- Château Carton Flowear — Workshop for building a recycled cardboard castle for children (Place d'Armes)
- La Petite Ferme des Regains — Educational farm with ancient breeds of animals and Alpine traditions
- Minimusicarrousel — Small pedal-powered musical carousel and musical entertainment for children
- Medieval Coin Striking Workshop « Frappe Ton Denier ! » — Participatory coin striking workshop (3 €)
Medieval Market and Tavern
An artisanal medieval market — announced as the highest in Europe — sets up in the alleys of the Vauban city with craftspeople and period stalls. A medieval tavern offers medieval-inspired dishes and beverages throughout the weekend.
Highlights Medieval Briançon 2026
- 22nd edition in the UNESCO-listed Vauban city, France's highest fortified city
- Over 16 troupes and companies from France and Italy
- KAV'ALP equestrian shows: jousting, vaulting, and dressage
- Italian flag throwers from Alba
- Artisanal medieval market, the highest in Europe
- Completely free festival, 3 days from 9h to 21h
Prices Medieval Briançon 2026
Practical information — Medieval Briançon
Access
The festival takes place in the Vauban citadel (upper old town) of Briançon (05100).
- By car: Briançon is accessible via the N91 from Grenoble (2h) or the N94 from Gap (1h30). Parking in the lower town then walk up to the Vauban citadel.
- By train: Briançon SNCF station. The Vauban citadel is a 10-minute walk from the station.
Prices
Completely free festival. Free access to all entertainment, shows, and the medieval market. Paid food and drinks at the medieval tavern.
Contact
- Website: www.medievale-briancon.fr
- Email: [email protected]
- Association: Le Cœur de Vauban
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Where does it take place — Medieval Briançon
Cité Vauban de Briançon
Cité Vauban, Ville haute, 05100 Briançon