Narthex Festival
Medieval-fantasy festival, music and LARP at Château de Linières in Ballée
2026
About Narthex Odyssey
Our team has not been able to confirm with an official source that this 2026 edition is taking place. The dates and program shown below may be outdated. We strongly recommend that you contact the organizer directly to verify before any travel or registration.
Narthex Odyssey — edition 2026
2026 Edition — Pending Confirmation
As Narthex Odyssey is a biennial festival, the next edition after 2025 could be held in 2027. However, the Narthex collective may organize one-off events in 2026. Information will be announced on the website narthex.earth.
Narthex Odyssey — 2027 edition
The 2026 edition was held on 1 July 2026. The dates for the 2027 edition have not been announced yet. This page will be updated as soon as the official programme is published.
Practical information — Narthex Odyssey
Practical Information
Location
The festival takes place at the Château de Linières, in Ballée (53340), commune of Val-du-Maine, in the Mayenne department. This historic castle offers an exceptional setting with its towers, moats, and wooded areas, ideal for the festival's fantasy and medieval universe.
Access
By car: Ballée is located about 40 km south of Laval, accessible via the D4. From Sablé-sur-Sarthe, it takes about 20 minutes. Free parking on the castle grounds with guidance from volunteers upon arrival.
By train: The nearest station is Sablé-sur-Sarthe, about 20 km away. From Paris-Montparnasse, TGV trains serve Sablé-sur-Sarthe via Le Mans. It is recommended to arrange carpooling from the station.
Duration
The festival runs for 3 full days: from Friday 3 PM to Monday 3 AM. The LARP (Live-Action Role-Playing) is played continuously throughout the festival.
Prices
Tickets available on the Shotgun platform. Prices vary depending on the editions and chosen options (festival only, festival + LARP). It is recommended to book in advance, as places are limited by the site's capacity.
Accommodation
Free camping on the castle grounds for the entire duration of the festival. Bring your own camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, mattress). Restrooms are available on site. Campfires are regulated by the organization.
Food and Drink
A refreshment stand and food stalls are present on site. The artisan market also offers products to taste. It is recommended to bring enough water.
Costumes and Atmosphere
Wearing medieval or fantasy costumes is highly encouraged but not mandatory. The festival is an inclusive and welcoming space where everyone is free to express their creativity.
Contact
Collectif Narthex
Email: [email protected]
Website: narthex.earth
SoundCloud: Narthex.Earth
Narthex Odyssey: A Festival Between Imaginary Worlds and Reality
The Narthex Odyssey Festival is a creation of the Narthex collective, a group of artists and enthusiasts who work at the crossroads of fantasy worlds. Located at the Château de Linières in Ballée, in southern Mayenne, this biennial festival offers a unique immersive experience, blending music, role-playing, and visual arts in a remarkable heritage setting.
Three Days of Immersion at Château de Linières
The festival unfolds over three days, from Friday afternoon to Monday morning, within the grounds and gardens of the Château de Linières. This historic castle, with its towers, moats, and wooded areas, provides an ideal natural backdrop for the festival's fantasy and medieval universe.
Live Music and Staging
The musical programming of Narthex Odyssey is distinguished by its staged concerts. The artists don't just play: they incorporate elements of scenery, costumes, and storytelling that transform each concert into a true stage performance. The musical genres explored range from medieval to dark folk, including electro and ambient.
Live-Action Role-Playing (LARP)
One of the festival's pillars is LARP (Live-Action Role-Playing), an immersive role-playing game that takes place over the three days in the castle's spaces. Accessible to all levels, from beginners to experienced role-players, this LARP plunges participants into an ever-evolving narrative universe, the Narthex Lore, collectively created by the community.
Artisan Market and Workshops
An artisan market offers creations related to the festival's universe:
- Incense, candles, and ritual objects
- Medieval and fantasy clothing and accessories
- Ceramics, jewelry, and decorative items
- Magazines, fanzines, and independent publications
Creative workshops allow festival-goers to discover various artisanal and artistic practices.
A Collective Rooted in Creative Margins
The Narthex collective claims an inclusive and queer approach, with a strong connection to xenogender visions. The festival is designed as a safe and welcoming space where everyone can freely express their creativity and identity. This political and community dimension distinguishes Narthex Odyssey from more traditional medieval festivals.
Where does it take place — Narthex Odyssey
Narthex Odyssey in brief
History of Narthex Odyssey
Edition 2025 Aug 2025Other festivals near Ballée
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