Medieval Festival of Désaignes
Medieval festival in a Village of Character in Ardèche
About Medieval of Désaignes
A Village of Character Plunged into the Middle Ages
Désaignes, labeled a Village of Character in Ardèche, is a fortified town whose ramparts, medieval gates, and narrow streets bear witness to a rich medieval past. Since 2007, the Medieval Festival of Désaignes has transformed this authentic setting into a true journey through time, transporting visitors a thousand years back for a weekend in August. The event, which has become a must-attend summer gathering in Ardèche, attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Fights, Historical Martial Arts, and Equestrian Shows
The heart of the festival lies in its recreations of medieval combat. Specialized troupes offer demonstrations of European Historical Martial Arts (EHMA), jousts, and armored clashes that immerse spectators in the heart of medieval chivalry. Equestrian shows feature riders and steeds in stunts and acrobatic exercises. Archery allows visitors to try their hand at this ancient discipline.
Craft Market, Tavern, and Roasted Pig
A medieval craft market brings together artisans perpetuating ancestral skills: blacksmithing, leatherworking, stone carving, pottery, illumination, and jewelry making. The medieval tavern offers period food and drinks, while the traditional roasted pig is a gourmet gathering point of the festival. Visitors are invited to come in period costumes for total immersion.
Fire Shows, Music, and Storytellers
Evenings are lit by spectacular fire shows, with fire-eaters and torch jugglers. Medieval music concerts punctuate the days, while storytellers and minstrels transport the audience into epic tales. Street theater with a historical and humorous focus animates the village streets, creating a festive and friendly atmosphere accessible to the whole family.
Medieval of Désaignes — edition 2026
18th Désaignes Medieval Festival: August 8 and 9, 2026
The Désaignes Medieval Festival returns on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026 for its 18th edition, under the theme of minstrels and troubadours. The castle and the cobbled streets of the fortified village transform for a weekend into a living theater of ancient crafts and medieval arts, accessible free of charge.
On the program: an artisan market and demonstrations of period crafts (wood, iron, glass, and wool work), historical encampments, parades of knights and warriors in the streets, street shows, entertainment and games for children, as well as medieval music. Several troupes are participating in the 2026 edition: the Clan de Blodörn (Viking-inspired encampment and combat, axe throwing initiation), the Frères de Lance (equestrian demonstrations and jousts), and the street troupe Ambraluna. The Compagnie Sonjévéyés provides the fire show on Saturday evening.
The medieval village also offers a tavern and the traditional grilled pig. Visitors are invited to come in period costumes for a total immersion. The 14th century can also be discovered through the Château-Musée de Désaignes, open during the festival.
Highlights Medieval of Désaignes 2026
- Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, 2026 in the fortified village of Désaignes
- 18th edition on the theme of minstrels and troubadours
- Free entry (voluntary contribution)
- Artisan market and demonstrations of period crafts
- Viking combat and encampment by Clan de Blodörn
- Equestrian demonstrations and jousts by Frères de Lance
- Fire show by Compagnie Sonjévéyés on Saturday evening
- Medieval tavern and grilled pig
Prices Medieval of Désaignes 2026
Practical information — Medieval of Désaignes
Practical Information
Access
By car: Désaignes is located 25 km northwest of Valence, on the D533. From Valence, take the D533 towards Lamastre then Désaignes. Free parking at the entrance of the village.
Hours
Saturday: 10 a.m. to midnight (fire shows in the evening)
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Prices
Admission to the medieval village at a modest price. Food available on site at the tavern and roasted pig stand.
Contact
Medieval Festival of Désaignes
Désaignes, 07570
Website: medievaledesaignes.jimdofree.com
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Where does it take place — Medieval of Désaignes
Village médiéval de Désaignes
Le Village, 07570 Désaignes