Montmédy Ramparts Festival
Multi-era historical re-enactment at the Montmédy citadel
About Ramparts Festival
The Montmédy Ramparts Through Time (formerly Fête des Remparts) is a major multi-era historical re-enactment organised in the moats and enclosure of the Montmédy citadel, in northern Meuse. The event brings together nearly 200 re-enactors, divided into about twenty groups, who bring two thousand years of history to life, from Gallo-Roman Antiquity to contemporary conflicts, within the exceptional setting of the fortress built under Charles V in 1545 and redesigned by Vauban.
The Citadel of Montmédy Through the Centuries
Each year, the event transforms the majestic Montmédy citadel into a living historical encampment. This family-friendly and festive event invites visitors to travel back in time and discover the civilisations, armies, and ways of life that have succeeded one another in Europe, within an exceptional architectural setting, in the heart of northern Meuse.
The Montmédy Citadel: a Fortified Jewel
The Montmédy citadel is one of the most impressive fortifications in northeastern France. Built in 1545 under the reign of Charles V, it was redesigned in the 17th century by Vauban, then in the 19th century by Séré de Rivières. Its massive ramparts, bastions, moats, and barracks offer a striking natural backdrop, overlooking the Chiers valley.
A Journey Through the Ages
The re-enactment covers a very wide spectrum of historical periods, presented by specialised troops:
- Antiquity: Gallo-Roman encampments, demonstrations of legionary combat.
- Middle Ages: armoured combat, tournaments, medieval artisan market, music and juggling.
- Renaissance and Modern Era: re-enactments focusing on Vauban and the wars of Louis XIV that marked the citadel.
- 19th - 20th Centuries: garrison encampments, military presentations up to the conflicts of the 20th century.
Visitors wander among the bivouacs, interact with costumed re-enactors, and attend demonstrations of period weapons, crafts, and daily life.
An Event Organised by the Town
The event is organised by the Town of Montmédy in partnership with local associations and historical re-enactment companies. It contributes to the tourist and heritage promotion of the citadel and northern Meuse.
Montmédy, Town of Art and History
Beyond the event, a visit to Montmédy allows you to discover remarkable heritage: the upper citadel with its museums (including the Fortification Museum and the Jules Bastien-Lepage Museum), the lower town with its old houses, and the nearby Avioth Basilica, a jewel of Gothic art.
Ramparts Festival — edition 2026
3rd edition of the Montmédy Ramparts Through Time on May 23 and 24, 2026, starting at 9 am. Nearly 200 re-enactors and 19 groups bring two thousand years of history — from Antiquity to the 20th century — back to life in the moats and enclosure of the Montmédy citadel.
2026 Edition — 3rd edition on May 23 and 24
For its third edition, the event Les Remparts de Montmédy au fil du temps takes over the citadel on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, 2026, starting at 9 am. Nearly 200 re-enactors divided into 19 groups set up their camps in the moats and enclosure of the fortress to bring two thousand years of European military and civil history back to life for a weekend.
An immersive journey through the ages
Visitors wander among successive bivouacs, organized by major historical periods: from Gallo-Roman Antiquity to the Middle Ages, from the Renaissance to the modern era marked by Vauban and Louis XIV, and then up to the conflicts of the 19th and 20th centuries. Each troupe presents costumes, weaponry, craftsmanship, and daily life of its era.
Activities and demonstrations
- Fights and weapon demonstrations in period costumes.
- Historical encampments accessible to the public, with direct interactions between re-enactors and visitors.
- Demonstrations of ancient crafts and know-how.
- Musical entertainment and strolls within the citadel.
Exceptional setting
The citadel of Montmédy, built in 1545 under Charles V and redesigned by Vauban in the 17th century, offers a unique setting for this re-enactment. Visitors can also enjoy the view of the Chiers valley and extend their visit to the museums of the upper citadel (Fortification Museum, Jules Bastien-Lepage Museum).
Highlights Ramparts Festival 2026
- 3rd edition of the renowned event Les Remparts de Montmédy au fil du temps.
- Nearly 200 re-enactors and 19 groups gathered in the citadel.
- 2,000 years of history covered, from Antiquity to the 20th century.
- Camps set up in the moats and ramparts of the Vauban fortress.
- Family event, open from 9 am on both days.
Practical information — Ramparts Festival
Location
Citadelle de Montmédy
Ville haute, 55600 Montmédy (Meuse)
Period
The event takes place on a spring weekend, generally in May. Consult the Montmédy town hall website for the exact dates of the upcoming edition.
Access
By car: Montmédy is located north of Meuse, approximately 60 km north of Verdun via the D964 then the D981. Parking available in the lower town, at the foot of the citadel, then a walk up to the upper town.
Contact
Montmédy Town Hall
1 Place Raymond Poincaré, 55600 Montmédy
Phone: 03 29 80 10 40
Email: [email protected]
Montmédy Tourist Office
Phone: 03 29 80 15 90
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Vous avez repéré une erreur ou une information manquante ?
Aidez-nous à garder cette fiche à jour. Toute proposition est relue par notre équipe avant publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Where does it take place — Ramparts Festival
Citadelle de Montmédy
1 Place Raymond Poincaré, 55600 Montmédy, 55600 Montmédy