Heritage Days 2026: a Medieval Weekend at Blandy-les-Tours Castle (77)

The Blandy-les-Tours Castle Comes Alive for Heritage Days! On September 19 and 20, 2026, discover this fortress in Seine-et-Marne and gear up for an engaging lineup centered on crafts.

Are you familiar with the Blandy Castle? This medieval monument, which has withstood the test of time and enjoyed a rich history, graces the village of Blandy-les-Tours, in Seine-et-Marne. This fortress has played a pivotal role in French history and culture: uncover all its secrets on September 19 and 20, 2026, during the new edition of the Heritage Days.

The historic monument opens its doors to the general public free of charge over the weekend, and offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages. It's the perfect time to learn more about this vestige of Ile-de-France heritage, while enjoying a lovely stroll through the ru d'Ancœur valley.

A fortified manor house, then a fortified castle worthy of the name, Château de Blandy served as a place of defense and residence for the noble families of France during the Hundred Years' War. It passed in turn into the hands of the Tancarville, Orléans-Longueville, Bourbon-Soissons, Savoie and Nemours families. In the 18th century, the monument became too expensive to maintain, and was gradually abandoned. In the 1980s, when the château was in a state of complete ruin, the Seine-et-Marne departmental council decided to buy it, renovate it and open it to visitors.

To discover all the details of this rich history, Château de Blandy is encouraging visitors to come along during the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days). This annual event aims to raise awareness of the riches that surround us, by offering the general public the opportunity to visit historic sites free of charge over the course of a weekend.

Churches, museums, châteaux, places of power, department stores, gardens, sports halls, cemeteries, railway stations... Heritage takes many forms, and the country's history is hidden in every nook and cranny of Paris and theÎle-de-France region! But before you visit all these places, why not drop in at Château de Blandy.

The 2026 Heritage Days program at Blandy Castle:

Heritage Days 2026
Hours: 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM, continuous
Free admission with no booking required, except for the all-ages illumination workshop

For this 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days, Blandy Castle invites you to step into the heart of the Middle Ages. Over one weekend, discover the techniques and crafts that helped shape the era’s greatest medieval monuments. Recreated construction machines, demonstrations of ancient know-how, creative workshops, and unexpected encounters will punctuate your visit.
Along the winding paths, colorful characters will humorously share anecdotes, beliefs, and little secrets of life in days past, offering an experience that is as enriching as it is entertaining. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious, come share a warm moment in an exceptional setting and rediscover heritage through the people who bring it back to life.
"Bertille and Garance" by Les Colporteurs de Couleurs
Bertille and Garance are professional gossip-mongers. These dye-housewomen take you on a lively, colorful stroll, revealing the secrets and gossip of everyday medieval life. Inspired by the famous "Évangiles des Quenouilles," our gossip-mongers will show you:
- The mysteries of woolworking
- The juicy gossip of the artisans’ quarter
- The traditions and female superstitions of the era

Roaming performance
Schedule: 1:45 PM, 3:45 PM and 5:45 PM on both days
Duration: 30 minutes
For ages 3 and up

Medieval Builders
“Medieval Builders” is a troupe born from the association “From the Middle Ages to Our Days.” They are skilled craftsmen who have gained a very particular kind of expertise. They have recreated medieval construction machines such as drum winches (or “squirrel cage” hoists), ratchet wheels, baskets, a column-lifting device, a stone-thrower, a small crane, and more.
For this edition, the association will offer a wood-turning workshop and an explanation of the master builder trade in the Middle Ages.

Ongoing programming
Hours: 1:00 PM to 6:15 PM
All ages

The Manor of Stories
Workshop - Intro to Illuminated Manuscripts
The Manor of Stories highlights tales, legends and narratives through artistic projects, performances and hands-on workshops that spark creativity and share cultural heritage. In this session, participants craft a personalized medieval parchment featuring calligraphed text, illuminated initials and decorative motifs. Through drawing, painting and calligraphy, they explore layout and ornamentation techniques inspired by the Middle Ages.

Free
1:15 PM, 2:15 PM, 3:15 PM, 4:15 PM and 5:15 PM
Workshop by reservation (available from August 19)

The Builders of the Middle Ages
The "Medieval Builders" are a troupe born of the association "From the Middle Ages to the Present Day."

They are skilled craftsmen who have acquired a very particular expertise. They have rebuilt authentic medieval construction gear, including a drum winch (often called a squirrel cage), ratchet wheels, hoisting cradles, a column lifter, a stone-thrower, a variety of small devices, and more.

For this edition, the association will run a wood-turning workshop and share an insight into the craft of the master builder in the Middle Ages.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 1:00 PM to 6:15 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 1:00 PM to 6:15 PM
Introduction to illuminated manuscripts with Le Manoir aux Histoires
The Manor of Stories spotlights tales, legends, and narratives through artistic projects, performances, and workshops that nurture creativity and the transfer of knowledge.

In this workshop, participants create a personalized medieval parchment featuring calligraphed text, illuminated initials, and decorative illuminations. Through drawing, painting, and calligraphy, they explore layout and ornamentation techniques inspired by the Middle Ages.

Suitable for ages 8 and up.
Participation requirements: Limited to 20 participants - reservation required | Free - https://billetterie.chateau-blandy.fr/fr-FR/accueil
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 1:15 PM to 2:15 PM, 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM, 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM, 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM, 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 1:15 PM to 2:15 PM, 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM, 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM, 4:15 PM to 5:15 PM, 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM
Bertille and Garance by The Color Peddlers
Bertille and Garance are professional purveyors of gossip. These dyehouse women lead you on a lively, colorful promenade, revealing the secrets and chatter of everyday medieval life.

Inspired by the famous "Gospels of the Quenouilles," our gossips will take you on a tour of:

- The mysteries of wool-working

- The sizzling gossip from the artisans' quarter

- The feminine traditions and superstitions of the era
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 1:45 PM–2:15 PM, 3:45 PM–4:15 PM, 5:45 PM–6:15 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 1:45 PM–2:15 PM, 3:45 PM–4:15 PM, 5:45 PM–6:15 PM

Do you love castles? Discover the other historic sites taking part in this national event.

Heritage Days 2026: Discovering the finest castles in Paris and the Île-de-France region
During Heritage Days 2026, you won’t miss a thing! It’s a prime chance to tour the castles of Île-de-France, often free of charge. Kings and queens, princes, emperors, nobles of every kind… Follow in the footsteps of these great figures in French history and discover their grand residences, on September 19 and 20, 2026. [Read more]