Vikings set up camp just outside Paris at Château de la Madeleine

Did you know that the Chevreuse Valley once had to contend with Vikings? This weekend, they're back at the Château de la Madeleine for a historic re-enactment, with a Viking camp open to the whole family free of charge! In these last days of the Rendez-vous de la Madeleine, which has been running since April, discover the history of those who once settled on the islands of the Seine, during the Scandinavian attacks on the capital.

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In this true-to-life 9th-century Viking camp, take part in the shield wall, follow the clan leader's orders in Old Norse during battle, discover nålbindning, the ancestor of knitting, listen to tales of the Northmen or try your hand at hnefatafl, a strategy game that will have you racking your brains. Activities, workshops and demonstrations are on offer all weekend for all ages, under the protective eye of the Château de la Madeleine.

Majestically overlooking the Yvette valley, its formidable ramparts have guarded and protected the seigneury of Chevreuse for almost a thousand years. Take the opportunity to admire the well-preserved fortress, with its keep, guard tower and moat dating from the 12th to 17th centuries.

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]