This medieval festival has been taking place in the city of Provins, which Unesco has put on its World Heritage List. This great medieval festival is one of the largest festivals in Europe and invites you to an unforgettable journey back to the Middle Ages: historical replicas in real size from the time of the county of Champagne, tented villages, craftsmen, builders, dancers and jugglers. The Medieval Festival in Provinsattracts musicians, jugglers, stilt walkers and entertainers from all over Europe.
At the front of the city wall, the tent cities allow visitors to immerse themselves in daily life from back then. Numerous craftsmen exhibit their products as they were offered in the Middle Ages: objects of art, fabrics, spices, jewelry, costumes and musical instruments. For the children there are medieval games with playing stones, skittles and wooden swords on the program.
Provins is a commune in the Seine-et-Marne department in the Île-de-France region in north-central France.
Provins was at the crossroads of two major regional corridors in Roman Gaul: one from Soissons to Troyes and one towards Sens in the south.
As proof of its growing importance, by the 9th century, Provins was minting its own coin, the “denier provinois,” and Charlemagne had sent his missi dominici to the town. Under the protection of the Counts of Champagne, it hosted one of the largest Champagne fairs, an agricultural and trade fair crucial to the medieval economy. King Philip IV visited Provins several times in the late 13th century, devastating the town with harsh taxes that ended its period of prosperity and caused residents to flee. The town was besieged numerous times and changed hands frequently in the 14th through 16th centuries.
In one of the most famous events in Provins’ history, the recently crowned King Charles VII attended mass at the Collégiale Saint-Quiriace church, along with his royal court and saint Joan of Arc on August 3, 1429.
Historical monuments, lively performances and shows, museums like no other. gardens and nature, many activities for kids and family… you will surely find your happiness by staying in the region of Provins!
Learn more about the Provins Medieval Festival
Also, check our list of the best hotels in Provins and book your stay during the event.