Medieval

St. Matthieu’s Day Festival 2026: fireworks, a funfair and a Brazilian village in Yvelines (78)

The Saint-Matthieu Fair in Houdan, in the Yvelines department, goes Mexican for its 956th edition: a funfair, fireworks, farm animals and a Mexican village will bring the medieval town to life from September 25 to 27, 2026.

Endesumar Medieval Festival 2026 in Yvelines, photos of the Viking encampment

The Endesumar Medieval Festival transforms the grounds of Château de Rangiport, in Gargenville (Yvelines), into a full-scale Viking encampment and continues its journey this Sunday, September 13, 2026. We stopped by on Saturday—here’s what to expect on site.

The medieval fortress of Beynes, the jewel of the Yvelines, has been linked to Diane de Poitiers.

A medieval fortress of the Yvelines, Beynes Castle hides a centuries‑old history and an unexpected link to Diane de Poitiers. Just 30 km from Paris, in the heart of this Yvelines town, its ruins—listed as a Historic Monument—are open to visits year‑round in Beynes. We set out to explore the site on a short break and now reveal a portion of its secrets.

Provins Medieval Fairs 2026, this weekend’s program

Provins' Medieval Festival makes its grand return in Seine-et-Marne on June 13–14, 2026 for its 41st edition, with a medieval ball, a concert, and a grand costumed parade through the UNESCO-listed town.

The first medieval marathon of Seine-et-Marne: course and date!

On Sunday, May 10, 2026, lace up for the brand-new Seine-et-Marne Medieval Marathon, running from Blandy-lès-Tours to Provins for nearly 42 extraordinary kilometers through villages that feel straight out of the Middle Ages!

This medieval tower, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Essonne, was once used to measure the speed of light.

Perched atop a 30-meter-high hill, the Montlhéry Tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Essonne and the Île-de-France region. This historic medieval relic, officially listed as a Monument Historique, once served as a laboratory for some of the greatest scientists of the 19th century. Whether you're interested in its history, planning a visit, or just taking a leisurely walk, here's everything you need to know.

Viking Festival and Medieval Market await you in Val d'Oise

The Val-d'Oise region will host a Viking festival on March 7 and 8, 2026, in Fosses. The event features a medieval market, a Viking combat tournament, and historic crafts at the Cathy Fleury gymnasium. Admission is free, inviting visitors to step back in time for a weekend of history and festivities.

This medieval festival and craft market in the Val d'Oise promises fire shows and free entertainment.

The VauréYule medieval festival returns to the Cour des Arts in Vauréal in the Val-d'Oise on December 6 and 7, 2025. On the program for this 7th edition: fire shows, combat, a 100% artisanal medieval market, and open workshops. How about stepping back in time?

Guided tours of the ruins of Saint-Maur Abbey (94)

In the town of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés lies a little gem, an ancient abbey founded in 639, of which only the ruins remain today, and which can be admired on guided tours organized by the Société d'histoire et d'archéologie de Saint-Maur.

The Medieval Festival of Nogent-sur-Marne: knight fights and falconry show

If you can't make it to Provins to attend the largest medieval festival in France, enjoy the one in Nogent-sur-Marne with knights' fights and a falconry show, on May 13 and 14, 2023!

Houdan, medieval town and historical walk in Yvelines

Just a Navigo ride away from Paris, in the Yvelines department, you'll discover the medieval town of Houdan, with its surprisingly well-preserved medieval remains, including a keep, ramparts and old inns.

Au Temps des Remparts show in Provins

The world of chivalry will hold no secrets for you thanks to the Au Temps des Remparts show, to be seen from April 15 to July 2, 2019 in Provins.