Médiévales Loing et Orvanne

Moret-sur-Loing, a Royal City at the Gates of Burgundy

Moret-sur-Loing, a border town between the Kingdom of France and the Duchy of Burgundy, preserves a remarkable medieval heritage: two fortified gates (the Porte de Samois and the Porte de Bourgogne), a 12th-century keep, a medieval bridge spanning the Loing, the Notre-Dame church, and cobbled streets lined with old houses. It is in this exceptional historical setting that the Médiévales Loing et Orvanne, a participatory medieval festival born in 2024, unfolds.

A Festival Driven by the Entire Community

The Médiévales Loing et Orvanne are distinguished by their participatory dimension. More than twenty-five associations, schools, leisure centers, and volunteer groups from the commune of Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne mobilize to bring the festival to life: costume making, set preparation, show rehearsals, setting up the artisan village. Residents become extras, artisans, musicians, storytellers, or medieval cooks for a weekend.

Artisan Village and Medieval Know-How

At the heart of the festival, the artisan village recreates medieval trades. Blacksmiths working iron at the forge, weavers working with linen, tanners preparing leather, goldsmiths crafting jewelry, and medieval cooks preparing period recipes create a living and immersive tableau. Guided demonstrations allow visitors to understand the gestures and techniques of the past.

Nautical Jousting, Equestrian Shows, and Royal Procession

The nautical jousting on the Loing is one of the festival's highlights: inter-communal teams compete on the river in spectacular tournaments. The equestrian shows recreate the art of chivalry with acrobatics, weapon handling, and parades in armor. The royal procession winds through the city streets, accompanied by musicians, banner bearers, and medieval dancers, before gathering in the square for the grand banquet featuring historical recipes.

Tales, Ancient Music, and Mystery

The cultural program of the Médiévales features ancient music, theater, and the art of storytelling. Troubadours, minstrels, and medieval music ensembles take over the squares and courtyards for open-air concerts. Tales and fabliaux are recited in courtyards and gardens. A giant medieval Cluedo draws participants into an investigation across the city, blending games, history, and heritage discovery.