Medieval Festival of Saint-Montan
Medieval festival in the restored castle village of Saint-Montan in Ardèche
About Medieval of Saint-Montan
A Castle Village Unique in France
Saint-Montan is home to one of the most beautiful medieval sites in Ardèche. The castle village, a fortified village built on a rocky spur around a 13th-century feudal castle, is a unique example in France of a medieval village entirely restored by volunteers since the 1970s and inhabited year-round. Over 2 hectares, the site includes the castle ruins, the San Samonta church (11th-12th century), the hermit's cave where Saint Montanus lived in the 5th century, the Saint-André de Mitroys chapel, and a regular fortified enclosure.
Medieval Animations at the Castle
The troupe « Au-Delà du Temps » regularly animates the castle of Saint-Montan with shows mixing humor, history, and public participation. Visitors are immersed in the daily life of the 13th century through educational sketches, combat demonstrations, crossbow shooting initiations, weapon handling exercises, and an end-of-day show. The troupe « Les Bâtisseurs » also offers animations around the restoration of the castle and medieval construction techniques.
The Medieval Festival: A Festive Weekend
The Medieval Festival of Saint-Montan is the highlight of the year. For a weekend, the castle village comes alive with a medieval craft market, historical encampments, knight fights, fire shows, medieval music concerts, storytellers, and craft workshops. The authentic atmosphere of the restored village, with its cobblestone streets, stone houses, and vaulted passages, creates a natural immersion into the Middle Ages.
A Site Steeped in History and Legends
The name Saint-Montan comes from Saint Montanus, a 5th-century hermit who is said to have lived in a cave for 30 years in prayer and solitude before leaving for Picardy. This founding legend imbues the site with a mystical atmosphere. Located 1 hour south of Valence and 20 minutes from Montélimar, the castle of Saint-Montan is accessible from the Place de la Lauze (visitor parking). The association 'Les Amis de Saint-Montan' (Friends of Saint-Montan) is dedicated to the preservation and animation of this exceptional heritage.
Medieval of Saint-Montan — edition 2026
The Saint-Montan Medieval Festival returns for the Pentecost weekend 2026, from Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25, in the restored castle village. For this edition, "The Ladies of Saint-Montan", the castle immerses visitors in the daily life of a co-seigniory in 1369, at the heart of the Hundred Years' War, centered around the chatelaines Catherine de Châteauneuf and Marguerite du Tournel. Historical reenactment, handling of period weapons, medieval music, and skits animate the site from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
2026 Edition: "The Ladies of Saint-Montan"
From Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25, 2026, the castle and the fortified village of Saint-Montan host their grand medieval Pentecost weekend. This year's theme, "The Ladies of Saint-Montan", features the chatelaines Catherine de Châteauneuf and Marguerite du Tournel and offers an immersion into the daily life of an Ardèche co-seigniory in 1369, during the Hundred Years' War.
On the program
Reenactment troops set up their camps within the fortified enclosure. Throughout the day, the public discovers demonstrations of period weapon handling, combat sessions, costumed strolls, medieval music, and skits depicting court life. Activities take place daily from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
The authentic setting of the restored castle village — cobbled streets, stone houses, and vaulted passages — enhances the immersion in the Middle Ages.
Good to know
The event is one of the highlights of the castle's medieval season, which also offers activities throughout the year (living history camps in spring, summer activities in July-August). For the Pentecost weekend, access to the site is via Place de la Lauze (visitor parking).
Programme Medieval of Saint-Montan 2026
Saturday, May 23, Sunday, May 24, and Monday, May 25, 2026
Continuous activities from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM:
- Historical reenactment "The Ladies of Saint-Montan" — immersion in the 1369 co-seigniory with chatelaines Catherine de Châteauneuf and Marguerite du Tournel
- Reenactment troop encampments within the fortified enclosure
- Demonstrations of period weapon handling and combat sessions
- Medieval music and costumed strolls
- Skits and scenes of daily life at the castle
Highlights Medieval of Saint-Montan 2026
- Medieval Pentecost weekend, May 23 to 25, 2026
- 2026 Theme: "The Ladies of Saint-Montan" (1369 co-seigniory, Hundred Years' War)
- Reenactment in the restored castle village of Saint-Montan, Ardèche
- Weapon handling, combat, medieval music, and skits
Prices Medieval of Saint-Montan 2026
Practical information — Medieval of Saint-Montan
Practical Information
Access
By car: Saint-Montan is located 20 km south of Montélimar and 10 km north of Bourg-Saint-Andéol. From Montélimar, cross the Rhône towards Le Teil then take the D262 towards Saint-Montan. Visitor parking at Place de la Lauze.
Summer Animation Schedule
Medieval animations at the castle take place in summer (July-August) from Monday to Friday, 2:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Prices
Prices vary depending on the events. Some animations are free, others are paid.
Contact
Château de Saint-Montan
Place de la Lauze, 07220 Saint-Montan
Email: [email protected]
Website: chateausaintmontan.com
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Where does it take place — Medieval of Saint-Montan
Château et bourg castral de Saint-Montan
Place de la Lauze, 07220 Saint-Montan