Medieval Festival of Péronne

Péronne Goes Back in Time

In July 2025, the City of Péronne launched its first Medieval Festival, an ambitious event that transformed the heart of the fortified city into a true medieval village. Péronne, whose history is intimately linked to its medieval castle—a 13th-century fortress that today houses the renowned Historial de la Grande Guerre—offers an ideal heritage setting for this dive into the past.

The Porte de Bretagne: A Natural Setting for the Middle Ages

The festival unfolds around the Porte de Bretagne, one of the vestiges of the city's ancient fortifications, in a natural space in the heart of Péronne. On this green land surrounded by ramparts and moats, a vast medieval camp is set up with tents, banners, forges, and artisan stalls. The immersion is complete: upon entering, visitors are plunged into an atmosphere of another time, amidst the smoke of the forge, the sounds of the lute, and the clinking of armor.

Leading Reenactment Groups

The Medieval Festival hosts several historical reenactment companies. Tempus Medielys sets up a complete camp with knights, a blacksmith, a storyteller, artillerymen, an armorer, an enchanter, a spectacle maker, troubadours, and board game players, offering a living panorama of daily life in the Middle Ages. The Chevaliers du Fénix present spectacular medieval jousts and costumed parades that delight young and old alike. A Viking evocation camp complements the scene with Nordic forge and cutlery demonstrations.

Activities for the Whole Family

The program is full of participatory activities: illumination lessons, glassmaking workshops, medieval magic shows, presentations of surgical instruments and period curiosities, introductions to archery and weapons handling. An artisan market offers medieval-inspired products—leather goods, jewelry, pottery, herbs, and spices. Medieval music concerts and troubadour shows punctuate the two days of festivities.

A Free Event in the Heart of Picardy's Heritage

True to the City of Péronne's commitment to offering accessible events for everyone, the Medieval Festival is completely free. It is part of an ambitious summer calendar that also includes the Castle Festival (electronic music) and various cultural events, making Péronne a prime destination in Haute Somme during the summer.