Les rendez-vous de la Madeleine 2025, free medieval events at Château de la Madeleine

Perched high above Chevreuse, the Château de la Madeleine dominates the Yvette valley and is transformed each year into a living stage of the past with Les rendez-vous de la Madeleine. For this third edition, the Département des Yvelines is offering a series offree events, including open-air theater performances, demonstrations of medieval skills and convivial family moments. The event is aimed at young and old alike, whether you're a curious walker or a history buff. The setting, with its moats, battlements and breathtaking views, is already an invitation to escape.

This initiative, supported by the Département des Yvelines, plunges us back in time to the fascinating world of medieval life over several lively weekends, from May to September 2025. A real leap back in time to relive the splendors of a bygone era, while showcasing this heritage gem.

A new feature of the 2025 season is the Yvelines Théâtre festival. Two free performances are offered in Chevreuse, accessible to all audiences. This festival completes an already dense program, featuring passionate re-enactors, craftsmen, artists, musicians and medievalists.

On the program:

• Thursday June 19 - 7:30pm: La Balade à Béla
  Participatory concert at the château with the Béla string quartet and students from Chevreuse
  In partnership with the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines theater.
  
  
• Friday June 20 - 7:30pm and 9pm: Le Temps des Humains - Compagnie Pixom
  Immersive, participatory show on ecological issues and inclusion.
  Médiathèque Jean Racine - Free with reservation: 01 30 52 28 64
  
  
• Saturday June 21 and Sunday June 22: Life in the Middle Ages
  Medieval reconstructions and workshops with the association Les Regrattiers d'Histoire.
  
  
• Saturday June 28 and Sunday June 29: Arts and crafts
  Demonstrations of weaving, blacksmithing and stone carving with Les Ateliers de la Cour Verte and la Forge de l'Osencame.
  
  
• Saturday, September 20 - 4pm: Concert by Courseval
  Modern covers with a medieval twist (Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga...).
  Activities with Les Griffons du Nord at the château on the occasion of Heritage Days.
  
  
• Sunday, September 21: Guided tours of the château and medieval camp
  With Seine et Yvelines Archéologie and the association Les Griffons du Nord on the occasion of the Journées du Patrimoine.
  
  
• Sunday September 28: Virades de l'Espoir
  Day of solidarity with events to support the fight against cystic fibrosis.

Château de la Madeleine, which has watched over the seigneury of Chevreuse for almost a thousand years, offers an exceptional panorama of the region. With its keep, guard tower, moats, battlements and machicolations, it is an impressive testimony to medieval military architecture, its defensive elements having been erected between the 12th and 17th centuries. The Rendez-vous de la Madeleine celebrates this rich history with weekend events.

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Why discover Les Rendez-vous de la Madeleine?

For many reasons, of course. Firstly, it offers a unique opportunity to discover medieval history and culture in a lively and interactive way. Far from being mere spectators, young and old alike are invited to take an active part, whether through introductory workshops or meetings with passionate professionals. Secondly, the setting of Château de la Madeleine itself offers a wonderful experience. Overlooking the valley, the fortress is a place steeped in history that is sure to win you over.

And it's free! So, as you can see, we won't be missing out on any of these cultural discoveries for the whole family.