About Medieval Festival of Saint-Omer

The Medieval Festival of Saint-Omer is a festival of medieval and fantasy entertainment organized every year in July by the Vilmer association, in partnership with the City of Saint-Omer and the Pays d'art et d'histoire. For a whole weekend, the historic city center of Saint-Omer transforms into a medieval village with a medieval camp, an artisan market, knight fights, street shows, role-playing games, a costume contest, and activities for children. Entry is free for all events.

Saint-Omer, medieval city

Saint-Omer, a city of art and history in the Pas-de-Calais, boasts a rich medieval heritage: its 13th-century Notre-Dame Cathedral, the ruins of the Saint-Bertin Abbey, its ramparts, and its historic center bear witness to a glorious medieval past. It is in this authentic setting that the Vilmer association has been organizing the Medieval and Fantasy Festival of Saint-Omer for over a decade.

A weekend of medieval immersion

Every first weekend of July, the city center of Saint-Omer is transformed. The historic squares and streets host a medieval camp with period tents, a medieval artisan market offering leather goods, jewelry, pottery, and decorative weapons, and numerous activities that immerse visitors in the heart of the Middle Ages.

Shows and activities

The program of the Medieval Festival is rich and varied:

Knight Fights: medieval fencing demonstrations and jousting

Fire Shows: fire-eaters and fiery jugglers in the evening

Viking Raids: reenactments of battles and the daily life of Nordic warriors

Musicians and Troubadours: live medieval music throughout the weekend

Caricaturists and street artists

Role-playing games: introductions to medieval and live-action role-playing games

Costume Contest: visitors are invited to come in costume

Children's Games: calligraphy workshops, archery, old-fashioned games

A fantastic dimension

The originality of the Medieval Festival of Saint-Omer lies in its fantastic dimension. Each edition incorporates a magical theme — elves, orcs, pirates, legendary creatures — which enriches the medieval universe and creates a fairy-tale atmosphere particularly appreciated by families and fantasy enthusiasts.

A free and popular event

All activities of the Medieval Festival are free. On Saturday, the festivities continue into the evening with a night show combining horses, fights, and fire. The Vilmer association, specializing in organizing festive events, mobilizes numerous volunteers and reenactment groups each year to offer an unforgettable weekend to the residents of Saint-Omer and visitors.

Practical information — Medieval Festival of Saint-Omer

Location

The Medieval and Fantasy Festival takes place in the historic city center of Saint-Omer (62500), mainly on the parvis of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the city squares, and in the pedestrian streets. The medieval camps, artisan market, and performance stages occupy several locations in the historic heart of the city of Saint-Omer.

Access

By car: From Calais (30 min), A26 exit 3 then follow signs for Saint-Omer center. From Lille (1h), A26 exit 3. From Boulogne-sur-Mer (40 min), A26 or N42 towards Saint-Omer. From Dunkirk (40 min), A26 exit 2. Free parking in the city center: train station parking, esplanade parking, Haut-Pont parking.
By train: Saint-Omer station, served by TER Hauts-de-France lines (Lille-Calais, Hazebrouck-Saint-Omer). From the station, a 10-minute walk to the historic center and the cathedral parvis.
By bus: Arc-en-Ciel network, several lines serve the center of Saint-Omer.

Hours

Saturday: from 11 am to 10:30 pm. The medieval market and camps open at 11 am. Shows follow one another throughout the day. The night show, the highlight of the festival, begins around 9:30 pm with knight fights, horses, and fire-eaters.

Sunday: from 10 am to 6 pm. Resumption of activities, market, and shows. Costume contest in the afternoon.

Prices

All activities, shows, and the market are completely free. Visitors are encouraged to come dressed as medieval or fantasy characters to participate in the costume contest.

Food and Drink

Medieval and classic food stalls are present on site: grills, mead, craft beer, crepes, and regional specialties. Medieval taverns offer an authentic culinary experience.

Practical Tips

Costumed visitors receive benefits and can participate in the costume contest
Specific activities are planned for children: calligraphy workshops, archery, old-fashioned games
In case of high heat, bring water and sun protection
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash

Contact

Vilmer Association — assovilmer.com — Facebook: Association Vilmer

City of Saint-Omer — ville-saint-omer.fr

Saint-Omer Tourist Office — tourisme-saintomer.com