Percheval - Percheron Horse Festival

ℹ️ 2026 edition cancelled — event currently on hold. No edition of Percheval could be confirmed for 2026 by public sources (local press, Nogent-le-Rotrou tourist office, town hall, equestrian sites, Percheron horse federation). The official website percheval.fr is inaccessible and the last publicly documented editions date back to 2019 (eterritoire.fr), 2017 (16th edition, Conseil Équin Centre-Val de Loire) and 2015 (14th edition, Cheval Percheron France). This page is kept for documentary purposes — if a new edition were to be organized, it would be updated.

The Percheron Horse Honored at Château Saint-Jean

Percheval was a unique event that celebrated the Percheron horse, an emblematic draft horse breed born in the hills of Perche, within the magnificent setting of Château Saint-Jean in Nogent-le-Rotrou. Every Ascension weekend, this medieval fortress from the 11th century, whose rectangular keep, built in the 1040s, is one of the oldest of its kind still standing in France, hosted a family festival combining history, equestrian show, and medieval entertainment.

Spectacular Equestrian Demonstrations

At the heart of Percheval, the Percheron horse at work was showcased through impressive demonstrations: harnessing, logging, plowing, agricultural work of yesteryear, and dressage exercises. These presentations recalled the fundamental role this powerful and elegant breed played in the agricultural and military history of France. Experienced riders and handlers revived the centuries-old practices that made the Percheron famous worldwide.

An Immersive Journey into the Middle Ages

Percheval was not limited to equestrian shows: it was a true medieval festival that immersed visitors in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Historical encampments were set up within the castle grounds, with artisans, blacksmiths, weavers, and potters perpetuating ancestral know-how. Troubadours and minstrels enlivened the streets with medieval music, while knightly combats offered striking moments of spectacle. The highlight of the weekend was the medieval banquet on Saturday evening, organized under the Abbey of Saint-Denis.

A Family-Friendly and Participatory Festival

Designed for all audiences, Percheval offered numerous participatory workshops allowing children and adults to learn about medieval trades and games. Shield making, archery, calligraphy, introduction to handling weapons: each visitor became an actor in this timeless day. The event was supported by professional historical re-enactment troupes and by the community of Percheron breeders, proud to share their passion for this exceptional breed.

A Living Heritage in the Heart of Perche

By choosing Château Saint-Jean as its setting, Percheval combined architectural heritage and living heritage. The castle, which houses the Museum of the Counts of Perche, offered an authentic and majestic setting for this celebration. The event contributed to the influence of the Percheron territory and the promotion of a globally recognized horse breed.

Discover Nogent-le-Rotrou Today

While Percheval is not currently held, Château Saint-Jean remains freely visitable and houses the Museum of the Counts of Perche all year round. The town of Nogent-le-Rotrou, the historical capital of Perche, also offers a rich medieval heritage to discover. To plan a visit, contact the Nogent-le-Rotrou Tourist Office at 02 37 29 68 86.