Medieval Festival of Saint-Omer

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.