Medieval Festival of Dourdan
The first weekend of June, the Dourdan fortress travels back to the Middle Ages
About Medieval Festival of Dourdan
The Medieval Festival of Dourdan: immersion in the Middle Ages in the heart of Essonne
Every first weekend of June, the town of Dourdan transforms into a living medieval city. The Medieval Festival of Dourdan is one of the most popular historical reenactments in Île-de-France, attracting over 20,000 visitors each year who come to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Entirely free, it takes place in the heart of the historic center, around the fortress built in the late 13th century under Philip Augustus and Saint Louis.
A Fortress as a Setting
The Dourdan fortress is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Île-de-France. Built between 1220 and 1222, it includes a circular keep, a large tower, corner towers, and a moat that is still partially filled with water. This listed historic monument provides an authentic and spectacular backdrop for medieval reenactments, offering visitors a journey into history just 35 kilometers from Paris.
A Rich and Varied Program
The Medieval Festival of Dourdan offers two full days of entertainment:
Tournaments and Chivalry
The knight tournaments are the highlight of the show. Knights in authentic armor compete in equestrian jousts and foot combat, faithfully recreating historical reenactments. These jousts, regulated according to medieval codes, are accompanied by educational commentary allowing the public to understand the rules and stakes of these ritualized confrontations.
Falconry and Birds of Prey
The falconry shows are one of the festival's highlights. Professional falconers present eagles, falcons, hawks, and other birds of prey in striking free-flight demonstrations. This ancient art, practiced since antiquity and codified in the Middle Ages, has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list since 2010.
Medieval Market
Over 70 medieval artisans and merchants set up in the streets of the town center for a market with the flavors of a bygone era. Potters, glassblowers, illuminators, bookbinders, modelers, and candle and leather goods makers offer their creations in period stalls. Visitors can watch the artisans at work and acquire authentic handcrafted pieces.
Shows and Entertainment
Troupes of actors, troubadours, jugglers, and musicians roam the town, animating the medieval streets with their performances. Evening fire shows, medieval dances, balls, and traditional music complete a festive and immersive program. Medieval meals in the market hall allow visitors to dine in the spirit of the era.
Children's Activities
The Medieval Festival is a family event par excellence. Specific workshops for children (archery initiation, medieval face painting, clay craft making) allow them to actively participate in the historical reenactment.
An Event That Grows Every Year
The Medieval Festival of Dourdan is organized by passionate local associations who dedicate a significant part of the year to preparing this event. The 28th edition in 2025 confirmed the growing appeal of this event, which each year brings together more participants in period costumes and visitors from all over Île-de-France and beyond.
Participants in medieval costume are particularly welcome: knightly outfits, ladies' dresses, peasant or merchant attire enrich the historical reenactment atmosphere and contribute to the collective experience.
Medieval Festival of Dourdan — edition 2026
For its 30th anniversary, the Dourdan Medieval Journey returns on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2026 around the medieval fortified castle. This anniversary edition honors Morocco as a guest country, with a Moroccan village set up in the heart of the reenactments. Equestrian tournaments, knight fights, falconry shows, a medieval market, and music and dance troupes will animate the two days, open to all and entirely free.
30th Edition of the Dourdan Medieval Journey — June 6 and 7, 2026
For its 30th anniversary, the Dourdan Medieval Journey once again takes over the streets of the historic center and the surroundings of the fortified castle on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2026. Two days of immersion in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, entirely free and accessible to all, awaited by more than 20,000 visitors each year.
Morocco, Guest of Honor for the 30th Edition
For this anniversary edition, the organization has chosen to honor Morocco, creating a meeting between two rich and fascinating medieval cultures. A Moroccan village is set up to present the country's craftsmanship, history, traditions, and heritage, alongside European medieval reenactments. Moroccan folk troupes will complete the musical and dance program.
Program
- Equestrian tournaments and knight fights at the foot of the fortified castle, with jousts and armored confrontations
- Falconry shows and birds of prey (eagles, falcons, buzzards) in free flight
- Medieval market with about sixty artisans (potters, glassblowers, illuminators, modelers, candle makers, and leather object manufacturers)
- Medieval and folk music and dance troupes (Moroccan and European) wandering through the town
- Medieval encampments recreated in the castle courtyard
- Activities and workshops for children and families (archery, face painting, crafts)
- Medieval meals served in the market hall, food trucks, and on-site catering
Schedule
- Saturday, June 6, 2026: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday, June 7, 2026: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The detailed day-by-day program and the complete list of invited troupes will be refined on the official website of the Ville de Dourdan and that of the Communauté de Communes du Dourdannais en Hurepoix (CCDH) closer to the event.
Programme Medieval Festival of Dourdan 2026
Official program for the 30th edition of the Dourdan Medieval Journey, with Morocco as the guest of honor. Opening hours: Saturday, June 6, from 11 AM to 10 PM and Sunday, June 7, from 10 AM to 6 PM. Free entry (except for the large game area Compagnie Festijeux: 4 € entry).
Saturday, June 6, 2026 (11 AM - 10 PM)
- 11 AM — Unique medieval parade by Dourdan schools through the city streets
- 11:30 AM — Facia Fusta (medieval music and dance) · AbdelKader Afrah & Dakka Marrakchia Prestige (Moroccan folk groups)
- 12 PM — Vol en scène (birds of prey show)
- 12:30 PM — L'Oisel (medieval music)
- 1 PM — AbdelKader Afrah & Dakka Marrakchia Prestige
- 2 PM — Archery demonstrations by the Archers du Hurepoix (castle moats) · Les Dryades (stilt walkers)
- 2:30 PM — Sembadelle and her militia · D'art de Lame (medieval theatre and fencing)
- 3 PM — Facia Fusta · Knights' tournament by the Unicorn Legends company (Tournament Area)
- 3:30 PM — L'Oisel · AbdelKader Afrah & Dakka Marrakchia Prestige · D'art de Lame (fencing initiation)
- 4 PM — Les Dryades · Vol en scène (birds of prey)
- 4:30 PM — Sembadelle and her militia
- 5 PM — Facia Fusta
- 5:30 PM — AbdelKader Afrah & Dakka Marrakchia Prestige
- 6 PM — L'Oisel
- 6:30 PM — Les Dryades · Vol en scène (birds of prey)
- 7 PM — Facia Fusta
- 7:30 PM — Sembadelle and her militia
- 8 PM — L'Oisel
- 8:30 PM — Facia Fusta · Les Dryades
- 9 PM — AbdelKader Afrah & Dakka Marrakchia Prestige
- 10 PM — Grand nocturnal equestrian tournament « The Battle of Worlds » by Unicorn Legends (Tournament Area)
Sunday, June 7, 2026 (10 AM - 6 PM)
- 10 AM — Archery demonstrations by the Archers du Hurepoix (castle moats)
- 10:30 AM — Les Dryades · L'Oisel · D'art de Lame (medieval fencing initiation)
- 11 AM — Facia Fusta · Vol en scène (birds of prey)
- 11:30 AM — AbdelKader Afrah & Dakka Marrakchia Prestige
- 12 PM — L'Oisel
- 12:30 PM — Sembadelle and her militia · Facia Fusta
- 1:30 PM — AbdelKader Afrah & Dakka Marrakchia Prestige
- 2 PM — Les Dryades · D'art de Lame (fencing initiation) · Carousels by Dourdan Équitation students (Tournament Area)
- 2:30 PM — L'Oisel · Vol en scène (birds of prey)
- 3 PM — Facia Fusta · Sembadelle and her militia · Knights' tournament Unicorn Legends (Tournament Area)
- 3:30 PM — L'Oisel
- 4 PM — Les Dryades · D'art de Lame (medieval fencing initiation)
- 4:30 PM — Facia Fusta · D'art de Lame (fencing initiation)
- 5 PM — L'Oisel · Sembadelle and her militia · Vol en scène (birds of prey)
- 5:30 PM — Facia Fusta
- 6 PM — Les Dryades · AbdelKader Afrah & Dakka Marrakchia Prestige
Continuous throughout the weekend
- Moroccan Village at the foot of the Town Hall: spice stalls, henna art, Moroccan calligraphy, leather and wood crafts, tea and specialty tasting, photo exhibition
- Medieval encampments of the Ghilde des Sangliers du Ferrain and the Compagnons Philippiens (weapon presentations, combat demonstrations, daily life scenes)
- Castle Museum with free visit and access to the keep
- Large game area Compagnie Festijeux (Château Poch, shield game, crossbows, stilts, riboulette…) — paid activity 4 € · Saturday from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM and from 3 PM to 7 PM, Sunday from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2 PM to 6 PM
- Municipal mini amusement park (inflatable structures for children) — Saturday and Sunday from 2 PM to 6 PM
- Food and drink: city restaurateurs and merchants, wood-fired crepes from Les Ripailleurs, Moroccan specialties in the Moroccan village, numerous food and drink stands
Highlights Medieval Festival of Dourdan 2026
- 30th anniversary edition of the Dourdan Medieval Journey
- Morocco as guest of honor with a dedicated village and Moroccan folk troupes
- Equestrian tournaments, falconry, medieval market, musical troupes
- Completely free entry — over 20,000 visitors expected
- At the foot of the 13th-century fortified castle, one of the best preserved in Île-de-France
Prices Medieval Festival of Dourdan 2026
Practical information — Medieval Festival of Dourdan
Practical Information
Dates
First weekend of June (Saturday and Sunday). 2026 Edition: June 6 and 7, 2026.
Location
Place du Général de Gaulle and historic center, 91410 Dourdan. Around and near the medieval castle.
Hours
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Fire shows in the evening on Saturday.
Access
By RER: RER C, Dourdan station (C5 line terminus). 10 min walk to the historic center.
By car: N20 towards Orléans, Dourdan exit. Free parking available.
Admission
Completely free — all shows and activities are free to access.
Contact
Dourdan Town Hall — dourdan.fr
Tourist Office — dourdan-tourisme.fr
Tel: 01 64 59 86 97
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Where does it take place — Medieval Festival of Dourdan
Château de Dourdan et centre historique
Place du Général de Gaulle, 91410 Dourdan