The Medieval Festival in Dombes
An immersive medieval festival in the historic town of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne in Dombes
About Medieval Festival in Dombes
The Médiévales en Dombes transform the cultural centre and old quarter of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne into a feudal citadel for a weekend in September. Organised by the municipal museum, this festival features knight combats, an artisan medieval market, troubadour concerts, feudal tales, archery, coin minting, pony rides and a grand fire show. Young and old are invited to unleash the hero within through the many activities and historical re-enactments in this medieval town of character.
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A journey to the heart of the Middle Ages in Dombes
Every September, the medieval town of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne travels back in time to its feudal past for the Médiévales en Dombes. Organised by the municipal museum, this festival transforms the cultural centre of the Dombes and the old quarter into an authentic medieval village where knights, troubadours, artisans and storytellers mingle.
Entertainment for the whole family
The Médiévales en Dombes programme offers an immersive and participatory experience. Visitors watch epic combats and demonstrations of bravery featuring armoured knights. A medieval market brings together artisans offering period treasures: jewellery, leatherwork, pottery, decorative weapons and traditional culinary specialities. Concerts and musical performances fill the narrow streets, while feudal tales and readings transport young and old into the world of medieval legends.
Hands-on and fun activities
The Médiévales en Dombes stand out for their many hands-on activities accessible to all ages. Children and adults can try their hand at archery, discover the art of coin minting or enjoy pony rides. Costumed parades and processions enliven the streets of the town throughout the weekend, creating a festive and immersive atmosphere.
The grand fire show
An unmissable highlight of the festival, the Saturday evening grand fire show offers a magical and spectacular moment. Pyrotechnic artists light up the Dombes night with mesmerising performances combining fire juggling, fire breathing and luminous choreography, for a grandiose finale that leaves a lasting impression on every spectator.
A medieval town of character
Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, with its medieval market hall, half-timbered houses, fortified gates and former castle, provides an ideal natural setting for this festival. The town, designated a cité de caractère (town of character), preserves a remarkable architectural heritage that reinforces the event's authenticity and immerses visitors in a truly medieval atmosphere.
Medieval Festival in Dombes — edition 2026
The 3rd edition of the Médiévales en Dombes will take place on 5 and 6 September 2026 at the Centre Culturel de la Dombes and in the old quarter of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne. Following the success of the first two editions, the medieval festival returns with its knight combats, medieval market, fire shows, hands-on activities and costumed parades through the historic town.
3rd edition of the Médiévales en Dombes - September 2026
The Médiévales en Dombes return for a 3rd edition on 5 and 6 September 2026 at Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne. Following the success of the first two editions, the medieval festival promises another immersive plunge into the feudal world in the heart of this Dombes town of character.
The Centre Culturel de la Dombes and the old quarter will once again welcome knights, artisans, troubadours and storytellers for a weekend of entertainment, combats, music and medieval festivities. Visitors will find the medieval market, hands-on workshops for archery and coin minting, pony rides and the eagerly awaited Saturday evening grand fire show.
The detailed programme and theme for this 3rd edition will be announced during summer 2026 on the official town website and social media.
Programme Medieval Festival in Dombes 2026
Provisional programme 2026
- Knight combats: demonstrations and epic jousts
- Medieval market: artisans and period treasures
- Fire show: grand pyrotechnic performance on Saturday evening
- Hands-on activities: archery, coin minting, pony rides
- Concerts and medieval music: troubadours and musicians
- Feudal tales and readings: stories and legends
- Costumed parades and processions: through the old quarter
Detailed programme to be confirmed in summer 2026.
Highlights Medieval Festival in Dombes 2026
Key facts for the 2026 edition
- Dates: 5 and 6 September 2026
- 3rd edition of the medieval festival at Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne
- Grand fire show on Saturday evening
- Medieval market and period crafts
- Knight combats and hands-on activities
- Affordable admission: prices to be confirmed
Prices Medieval Festival in Dombes 2026
Practical information — Medieval Festival in Dombes
Practical information
Getting there
By car: Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne is located 30 km north of Lyon via the A46 then the D936. Follow signs for the town centre and the event. Free parking near the historic centre.
By train: Villars-les-Dombes station (15 km) or Lyon Part-Dieu (50 km), then connecting bus or taxi.
Opening hours
Saturday: 10am to 7pm (fire show in the evening).
Sunday: 10am to 6pm.
Prices
- General admission: 2 euros per person
- Free for children under 12
- Fire show: 1 euro per person
Food & drink
Medieval food stalls and pop-up taverns serve period culinary specialities on the festival site.
Contact
Musée municipal de Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne
Phone: 04 74 55 33 46
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.chatillon-sur-chalaronne.fr/medievales-en-dombes/
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Medieval Festival in Dombes
Centre Culturel de la Dombes
52 Place Saint-Vincent de Paul, 01400 Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne