Middle ages

The Sainte-Chapelle and its 1113 stained-glass windows, a true Gothic jewel in Paris

The Sainte-Chapelle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris, with its 1113 colorful stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. This 800-year-old Gothic gem becomes a magical place under the sun.

Near Notre-Dame, this astonishing medieval-looking house is actually a 1950s-era creation.

On Île de la Cité, just a stone’s throw from Notre-Dame, a residence regularly catches the eye of passersby, especially when seen from the Seine on a cruise. With its turret, mullioned windows and medieval vibe, it seems to have traversed the centuries. Yet this house on Rue des Ursins is the work of architect Fernand Pouillon, completed in the late 1950s.

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.

A charming medieval festival awaits in Seine-et-Marne, featuring tournaments and a handcrafted market.

Moussy-le-Neuf in Seine-et-Marne gears up for its 13th Medieval Festival on May 23 and 24, 2026. The event promises a stunning historical camp, a chivalry tournament, craft market stalls, and lively entertainment—perfect for families eager to step back into the Middle Ages.

The Last Duel, a historical drama by Ridley Scott starring Matt Damon and Adam Driver, airs on M6.

Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel, starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Jodie Comer, airs on M6 on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 9:10 PM. A gripping courtroom drama set in 1386.

Le Banquet des Troubadours: gourmet medieval dinner and show in Provins (77)

In the medieval town of Provins, the Banquet des Troubadours revives the art of medieval feasting every weekend. Dive into the festive atmosphere of the Middle Ages with family and friends in a vaulted hall!

The medieval houses of rue François-Miron, vestiges of an old Paris in the Marais district

At 11 and 13 rue François-Miron, in the Marais district of Paris, two half-timbered houses still stand, reminiscent of medieval Paris. Restored and remodeled, they retain traces of a Parisian past often romanticized, between gables, corbels and old signs.

Foire Saint-Matthieu 2025: fireworks, funfair and Brazilian village in Houdan (78)

For centuries, the town of Houdan in the Yvelines region of France has organized a lively fair to mark Saint-Matthieu's Day. For the 955th edition, from September 26 to 28, visitors can enjoy a funfair, fireworks and a village of craftsmen.

Archéo'Fab: craft workshops and archaeological discoveries in Saint-Denis (93)

Archéo'Fab is a free archaeological event combining crafts and heritage from June 13 to 15, 2025. With workshops, concerts, screenings and meetings, local heritage can be discovered in a festive and participatory way!

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.

Browse Notre-Dame, the cathedral's medieval manuscript exhibition at the Musée de Cluny

To coincide with the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Musée de Cluny is presenting two exhibitions, including one on masterpieces from its medieval library, organized in conjunction with BnF, from November 19, 2024 to March 16, 2025.

Making stones speak, the exhibition on Notre-Dame's medieval sculptures at the Musée de Cluny

To mark the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Musée du Moyen-Âge is presenting an exhibition based on its sculpted decor and the stones recovered, providing an opportunity to imagine the monument in medieval times, from November 19, 2024 to March 16, 2025.

Figures du fou at the Musée du Louvre: a zany exhibition to discover - our photos

Are you crazy? Yes, we are! Everyone's crazy in the Louvre Museum's new exhibition, Figures du Fou: du Moyen-Âge aux Romantiques, on view from October 16, 2024 to February 3, 2025. A plunge into the history of the madman and his representation through the ages.

La Médiévale de Luzarches: knights' tournament and medieval market at Château de la Motte (95)

Ready to step back into the Middle Ages for a weekend? Head for Luzarches, in the Val-d'Oise, on October 12 and 13, 2024, to attend a chivalry tournament, Viking battles, falconry shows, a medieval market and a whole host of other events!

Gustave Moreau: the Middle Ages rediscovered, the exhibition on the painter's medieval inspirations

Gustave Moreau drew much of his inspiration for his work from the medieval period. During this exhibition, from November 15, 2023 to February 12, 2024, discover the painter's sources in his house-museum!

Samois-sur-Seine, the charming Village de Caractère on the banks of the Seine and its heritage

Explore Samois-sur-Seine, one of the most beautiful villages in Seine-et-Marne, nestled in the heart of the Fontainebleau forest. Discover its heritage and cultural treasures, just an hour from Paris, on the banks of the Seine.

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.

Regards sur la vie quotidienne, the exhibition at the Musée de Cluny: our photos

The Musée de Cluny - musée national du Moyen-Âge invites history lovers to discover its latest exhibition, entitled Regards sur la vie quotidienne, from July 1 to September 27, 2020. The event comes just before the museum closes for renovation.