Medieval Festival of Giat
Medieval festival on the Giat castle mound
About Medievales de Giat
The Giat Castle Mound, a Historic Site
The Giat castle mound is a fortified site from the 11th century located in the Combrailles region, northwest of Puy-de-Dôme. This artificial hill, a remnant of an old motte-and-bailey castle, offers an authentic and evocative setting for medieval festivals. Overlooking the village of Giat, it is an ideal location for recreating medieval life and battles.
A Weekend of Medieval Festivities
The Medieval Festival of Giat unfolds over a full weekend. On Saturday evening, festivities begin at 7 PM with an animated medieval banquet: appetizer platters, drinks, juggling shows, fire-eaters, medieval dances with the ARCADIA company (branles and dances), period music, and a grand fire show with flaming props, fire fans, and live music. Saturday evening is free entry.
Medieval Market and Sunday Shows
On Sunday, the site opens at 10 AM with a medieval market and a recreated encampment. The day is filled with equestrian tournaments, juggling and interactive theater performances, historical musical parades between shows, and permanent activities: medieval giant games, archery, and a tavern. Renowned companies provide the shows throughout the day.
The Soup of the Beggars
A popular tradition of the festival, the "soup of the beggars" is offered free to the public on Sunday evening, in a spirit of medieval sharing and conviviality. Fast food is also available throughout Sunday.
Medievales de Giat — edition 2026
The Giat Medieval Festival 2026 will take place on Saturday, July 11th and Sunday, July 12th on the motte-and-bailey castle, the largest in Auvergne. The program includes: a medieval encampment, an animated meal with a fire show, an artisan market, equestrian jousts, falconry, and numerous activities.
2026 Edition — July 11th and 12th
The ADATEC association is organizing the Giat Medieval Festival on Saturday, July 11th and Sunday, July 12th, 2026, on the motte-and-bailey castle (Puy-de-Dôme). Reenactments, shows, and activities immerse the public in life in the Middle Ages.
Saturday, July 11th — Opening at 7 PM: medieval encampment on the motte-and-bailey castle and an animated meal (juggling and fire-breathing, medieval songs, dances, and music). Free admission on Saturday evening.
Sunday, July 12th — Opening at 10 AM: medieval market and encampment around the motte all day, equestrian jousts, juggling, and interactive theater at fixed times. Permanent activities: giant games, archery, tavern, and ancient musical strolls between shows. Fast food available on site on Sunday.
Programme Medievales de Giat 2026
Saturday, July 11th
- 7 PM: opening, medieval encampment on the motte-and-bailey castle
- Animated meal: juggling and fire-breathing
- Medieval songs, dances, and music
- Free admission on Saturday evening
Sunday, July 12th
- 10 AM: opening of the market and medieval encampment
- Equestrian jousts (Vikinger troupe)
- Juggling and interactive theater at fixed times
- Falconry demonstrations (Les Aigles de Saint-Maurice de Lignon)
- Fire show and dances (Compagnie Arcadia)
- Permanent activities: giant games, archery, tavern
- Ancient musical strolls between shows
- Fast food on site
Highlights Medievales de Giat 2026
To remember for 2026
- Dates: July 11th and 12th, 2026
- Medieval banquet Saturday evening (free)
- Market, tournaments, and shows on Sunday
- "Soup of the beggars" offered
Prices Medievales de Giat 2026
Practical information — Medievales de Giat
Practical Information
Location
Motte castrale, 63620 Giat.
Access
- By car: Giat is located 60 km northwest of Clermont-Ferrand, accessible via the D941. Parking nearby.
Opening Hours
Saturday from 7 PM (free entry). Sunday from 10 AM until dusk.
Prices
- Saturday evening: free entry
- Sunday: €8 (full price), €5 (ages 10-15), free for under 10s
Contact
- Phone: 04 73 21 70 05
- Website: medievalesdegiat.sitew.com
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Where does it take place — Medievales de Giat
Motte castrale de Giat
Motte castrale, 63620 Giat