Oyez, oyez! Looking to step back in time for a day in the heart of the Ile-de-France region? Good news for lovers of the Middle Ages: the Ile-de-France region abounds in old castles and towns with a medieval atmosphere, which have preserved their old monuments and offer a timeless ambience. While the Médiévales de Provins is the best-known festival on this theme, many other events are held throughout the year, offering banquets, dances and workshops in the skills of yesteryear.
And throughout the rest of the year, you can visit superb fortified villages, which have preserved numerous vestiges of the era, more or less in good condition, but always fascinating to discover for their history. From grand family mansions to ancient royal residences, explore centuries-old secrets and medieval architecture on historic walks through the region.
Cernunnos Pagan Fest 2026: Free Medieval Festival in Seine-et-Marne
The Cernunnos Pagan Fest is making its way back to La Ferme du Buisson in Noisiel, Seine-et-Marne, for a one-of-a-kind celebration blending pagan metal concerts with a free medieval fair complete with artisan stalls and historical activities, taking place on February 21 and 22, 2026. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
A costumed ball blending medieval ambiance with Marie Antoinette chic at this château in Seine-et-Marne.
On March 21, 2026, Arribas Castle turns into a time machine, blending the buzz of a tavern with the opulence of Marie-Antoinette’s salons. Expect dancing, swordplay, and medieval banquets at this immersive, costume-filled ball. [Read more]
Courson Monteloup Medieval Festival 2026: Medieval Market, Knights, and Fireworks in Essonne
On March 28 and 29, 2026, Courson-Monteloup Castle Park will transport visitors back in time for a grand, free medieval festival. This family-friendly event promises knightly shows, a craft market, and live demonstrations of traditional trades! [Read more]
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. [Read more]
Saint-Maur Medieval 2026: a free festival this weekend in Val-de-Marne
Saint-Maur Médiéval returns to Parc de l’Abbaye in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés for a weekend of free shows, workshops and activities on May 30 and 31, 2026. Want to travel back in time? A host of demonstrations, hands-on workshops and a craft market promise plenty of discoveries. [Read more]
The Seigneurial Festival, a grand medieval celebration, makes a triumphant return to Blandy-les-Tours Castle (77)
On the weekend of May 30th and 31st, 2026, Blandy-les-Tours Castle in Seine-et-Marne will host the latest edition of its Seigneuriales—a spectacular medieval festival and one-of-a-kind event in Île-de-France! [Read more]
The Stalls Tour: medieval tastings and gourmet workshops at the Conciergerie
On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the Conciergerie revives the culinary splendor of the 14th century with an immersive discovery tour through the heart of Île de la Cité. From theatrical workshops and spice secrets to tastings of recipes inspired by the famed chef Taillevent, this quirky rendezvous playfully reshapes our preconceptions about medieval dining. [Read more]
The Villarceaux Castle Historiques 2026: a free, medieval and costumed celebration captured in photos
The Château de Villarceaux, in the Val-d’Oise department, invites us to step back into the Middle Ages and the Second Empire this weekend, Saturday June 6 and Sunday June 7, 2026. Ready to travel through time? A parade, a picnic, reenactments, performances and an artisans’ market are on the program. And it’s free to access, so why not take advantage? We went to discover it and we’ll tell you everything. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
Saint John's Day Festival 2026: fireworks display and torchlit vigil in Neuilly-sur-Marne — CANCELLED
On Saturday, June 27, 2026, join us in Neuilly-sur-Marne for the new edition of the Saint-Jean Festival, headlined by a spectacular fireworks display. However, a prefectural decree has canceled the Saint-Jean Festival for June 27, 2026. [Read more]
A sweeping, immersive historical reenactment through the centuries, free to attend, in Essonne
Dive into France’s past and its history on a free day, as the shores of a lake in Essonne transform into a sprawling camp where Roman legionaries, medieval knights, and Napoleonic soldiers rub shoulders. [Read more]
The Lights of Time 2026: Provins illuminated by candlelight for two evenings
The Lueurs du Temps lights up the medieval town of Provins (Seine-et-Marne) with thousands of candles, for two free evenings on July 4 and August 1, 2026, featuring fire performances and torch-lit strolls. [Read more]
Compans' free Medieval Festival 2026, featuring a market, performances and a fireworks display on the program.
The Compans Medieval Festival is back on July 11–12, 2026, in the Biberonne valley in Seine-et-Marne (77), for a free, immersive weekend at the heart of the Middle Ages, featuring performances, a market and activities for all. [Read more]
Harvest Festival 2026 in Provins: parade of floats, dances and traditional activities for the whole family.
The Harvest Festival returns to Provins this Sunday, August 23, 2026. A one-of-a-kind event in France, it unfolds inside the old town walls and unveils a rural program of activities for both kids and adults. [Read more]
The Medieval Hop Festival 2026 in Seine-et-Marne (77)
Horse show, medieval camp, and artisan market: the Medieval Hop Festival returns to La Houblonnière in Villiers-sous-Grez, Seine-et-Marne, on Sunday, September 6, 2026. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic outdoor day you won’t want to miss! [Read more]
The Endesumar Medieval Festival 2026 in Yvelines promises a journey back in time
The Endesumar Medieval Festival is returning on September 12 and 13, 2026, at Château de Rangiport in Gargenville, Yvelines. This Viking and medieval celebration, organized by the Le Clan d'Ivar association, offers an immersive experience into the world of Scandinavian warriors from the 9th to the 11th centuries. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
This medieval town, designated a Village of Character in Île-de-France, hides a wealth of treasures.
We head to Seine-et-Marne (77), less than an hour from Paris, to discover Nemours, a medieval town awarded the Village of Character label, tucked into the meanders of the Loing and rich with a heritage to explore year-round. The castle, museums and a sublime church make up a remarkable ensemble to discover. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a Medieval Treasure in Ile-de-France
Available all year round, the Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a medieval jewel in the Ile-de-France region, invites you to immerse yourself in history. [Read more]
Château de Blandy-les-Tours, a medieval monument in a charming Seine-et-Marne village
The little-known Château de Blandy-les-Tours, located in the very center of a picturesque village in the Seine-et-Marne region, boasts a rich heritage that has spanned history, wars and centuries. A true medieval fortress that has been preserved to the present day, it is one of the most impressive castles in the Île-de-France region. We take you on a voyage of discovery. [Read more]
Provins, Île-de-France's largest medieval city, with many treasures to discover
In Seine-et-Marne, just a few kilometers from the capital, lies the medieval town of Provins, a testimony to its trading past and lively fairs. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town straight out of the Middle Ages is brimming with historical treasures, from the Tour César to its rose-based culinary specialties, not to mention its imposing ramparts! [Read more]
Montfort l'Amaury: discover the charming village, a medieval treasure of the Yvelines region
On the edge of the Rambouillet forest, Montfort l'Amaury reveals 1000 years of history. Discover this medieval village, its historic monuments and the charm of its cobbled streets. [Read more]
La Roche-Guyon, one of France's most beautiful medieval villages
Did you know that there's a town in the Paris region that's on the prestigious list of France's most beautiful villages? And the good news is that this year, it has retained this famous label. So which village is it and where exactly is it located? We've got the answers! [Read more]
Grez-sur-Loing: Discover this superb authentic medieval village in Seine-et-Marne along the river
Located in the Seine-et-Marne region of France, Grez-sur-Loing is an unmissable getaway to recharge your batteries and discover a pretty village frozen in time. This medieval village is brimming with charm and history. Stroll, hike or canoe along the water's edge, it's a place well worth the detour. [Read more]
Moret-sur-Loing : Medieval and Impressionist city among the most beautiful detours in France
Discover Moret-sur-Loing, this medieval and impressionist city among the Most Beautiful Detours of France, only one hour from Paris. Visit this charming town, famous for its Sucre d'Orge, its royal city and the landscapes of Alfred Sisley. [Read more]
Rochefort en Yvelines, the pretty medieval village and its treasures to discover in the Chevreuse Valley
Rochefort-en-Yvelines, a charming medieval village in the south of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park, invites you to explore its rich history. If you're a lover of heritage and discovery walks, we invite you to join us in strolling the cobbled streets and discovering its feudal past. [Read more]
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. [Read more]
11 medieval villages near Paris you simply must visit in Île-de-France
Discover the medieval villages of the Île-de-France region, real heritage gems less than 1h30 from Paris. From Provins to Moret-sur-Loing, these historic towns transport you back to the Middle Ages all year round. [Read more]
Fascinated by the Middle Ages? We'll take you on a journey through medieval Paris, discovering the city's historic monuments. From Notre-Dame to the Jean Sans Peur Tower and the Hôtel de Cluny, we'll be revealing just a few of the capital's medieval relics. [Read more]
Discovering Paris in the Middle Ages: monuments and relics from medieval times
