For a weekend, Crouy-sur-Ourcq rewinds the clock by more than six centuries. On 19 and 20 September 2026, this village of around 1,800 residents in northern Seine-et-Marne (77), in the Ourcq valley, will host the fourth edition of the Médiévales du Houssoy. A free medieval festival organized around its donjon du Houssoy, right during the Journées du Patrimoine 2026.
The commune is aiming higher this year. Between 2,500 and 3,000 visitors are expected, compared with 1,500 to 2,000 last year. That’s more people than there are residents on the streets of Crouy.
Behind the costumes lies a village affair more than anything. Yannick Callebaut, the first deputy mayor and one of the organizers, sums it up neatly: “It’s a teamwork project; everything is done collectively,” relays Actu.fr. The library runs a stand for the two days, the commune’s artisanal workshop crafted the costumes and part of the scenery, and several clubs and shops set up near the station for the weekend.
First novelty, and not the least for immersion: the festival is split in two. The pasture surrounding the keep hosts everything related to the Middle Ages, while the more contemporary offerings settle in the train station car park. We move from one era to the other in just a few steps, as if an invisible boundary separates the two worlds.
On the medieval encampments front, more troops have pitched their tents in the village. They offer archery, weaving, demonstrations of forge work and coin minting, and even a workshop to craft your own candle. Plenty to keep the kids entertained—and, let’s be honest, the adults too.
The standout feature of this edition is a simple QR code. For the first time, a balade sonore invites you to wander the streets of the town. The starting point is the Saint-Cyr-Sainte-Julitte church: you scan the code, an audio guide launches on your phone and narrates the story of the streets as you stroll.
The idea responds to a regret shared by Didier Manson: over the weekend, everything centers on the keep, risking that the church, which is still listed, gets overlooked. In the same spirit, a horn concert is staged in the church on Friday evening to open the program.
Performances remain a festival highlight, with a major turn. The equestrian show from previous editions gives way to two fire performances, one of them in the evening, offering flames dancing before the stones dating from the late 14th century. Here is the announced program:
The heart of the celebration remains this imposing square keep, planted opposite the station like a sentinel who forgot to retire. Built around 1390, in the midst of the Hundred Years’ War, on an old fief of the Counts of Valois, it is the last vestige of the fortress of Houssoy. The only keep in the north of Seine-et-Marne is listed as a historic monument since 1962.
Inside, seven levels stack on top of each other, including a terrace closed to the public for safety reasons. The neighboring dwelling burned down in 1652 during the Fronde, but its monumental chimneys remained clinging to the facade, hanging in midair for more than three centuries. At the foot of the tower, a small medieval garden of aromatic and medicinal plants completes the visit.
These old stones still need help. Faced with the site's critical condition, the Foundation for Heritage has launched a fundraising drive to save the keep. Volunteer projects with REMPART are also underway to restore the gate with the drawbridge. It resonates with one of the two themes of the European Heritage Days 2026, dedicated to endangered heritage.
Such an undertaking requires time and hands on deck. For Yannick Callebaut, the shortage of volunteers remains the main hurdle to growing the event. Last year, the dungeon even had to shut between noon and 2 p.m. for lack of staff to oversee the tours, and the goal this year is to keep it open to visitors all day.
The municipality is therefore seeking volunteers to guide visitors through the keep, set up the equipment, or help with the organization. To offer your assistance, the simplest route is to contact the town hall of Crouy-sur-Ourcq or write via the Facebook page of Médiévales du Houssoy.
The Houssoy Medieval Festival has the charm of a village-wide celebration. There’s no theme-park décor here, just homemade costumes, passionate troupes, and a monument you don’t see every day. It’s worth a detour, especially since everything is free.
This outing is geared toward families, heritage enthusiasts, and reenactment fans, who can pair a visit to the keep with hands-on workshops and a fire show all in one day. Those who enjoy taking a stroll will appreciate the audio walk, a calmer alternative to the bustle of the pasture.
A few tips before you head out. The dungeon stairs feature uneven and sometimes damaged steps: wear sturdy shoes and watch the little ones. With crowds anticipated, it’s best to arrive early to tour the tower at a relaxed pace, and keep children well back during the fire performances.
The entrance is free and open all weekend. To reach it without a car, the Transilien Line P runs from Paris Gare de l’Est to Crouy-sur-Ourcq station, directly opposite the fortress keep. On site, take the opportunity to visit the Elm of Crouy-sur-Ourcq, crowned the prettiest tree in Île-de-France in 2024, or extend your outing with the Meaux Marne Ourcq tourism office. And if the donjon has you dreaming of a return, it also opens for exceptional guided tours for the rest of the year.
To kick off the weekend, the Longjumeau Medieval Fair will take over the Bois des Templiers on Sunday, September 13, 2026, offering falconry, jousting, and equestrian shows in Essonne. The same weekend, Monthléry welcomes a charming program, centered around its tower.
And to keep the journey through time going, our pick of the 2026 medieval festivals and medieval castles in Île-de-France brings together more venues and fortresses to explore. To round out the weekend, also check out our gems from the 2026 Heritage Days that are within reach with a Navigo pass.
Medieval festivals in 2026 and Middle Ages castles in Île-de-France: A journey through time
Embark on a journey as knights and princesses at medieval festivals in 2026, or stroll through centuries-old fortifications across the region. In Île-de-France, numerous towns and castles—with roots dating back to the Middle Ages—offer a glimpse into history and heritage preserved through the ages. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Donjon du Houssoy
donjon du houssoy
77840 Crouy sur Ourcq
Route planner
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.facebook.com
Medieval festivals in 2026 and Middle Ages castles in Île-de-France: A journey through time
