Event Details
The Festival Médiéval de Sedan – A Weekend in the Middle Ages
Every May, the Château fort de Sedan transforms into a living medieval world. Covering 35,000 m², it is the largest château fort in Europe and forms the extraordinary backdrop for one of France's most important medieval festivals. The 29th edition takes place on the weekend of 16 and 17 May 2026 under the theme "Chevaliers de Légende" (Knights of Legend). More than 40,000 visitors attend each year, with over 400 volunteers bringing the spectacle to life.
Highlights
- Knight tournaments and armoured combat demonstrations
- Falconry shows and medieval weapon displays
- Fire breathers, jugglers and street theatre throughout the castle grounds
- Medieval music performances and dance shows
- Medieval craft market with around 100 artisans and traders
- Historically reconstructed campsites featuring smithing, weaving and calligraphy
- Castle visit at a special festival price of €5 (under 6s free)
- Food and drink in medieval taverns on the festival grounds
Program
Saturday, 16 May: 10:00 AM to midnight
The first day offers the full program from morning to late night. Throughout the day, knight demonstrations, falconry, fire shows and craft displays fill the grounds around the Château fort. In the afternoon, a knight troupe presents a complete suit of armour with a live combat display and a procession across the grounds. As evening falls, the illuminated fortress creates a dramatic setting for the night's entertainment.
Sunday, 17 May: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM)
The second day brings the full program in a more compact format. All performance groups, the craft market and the taverns are open throughout the day. The castle visit is available at the special festival price all day long.
Tickets & Prices
- Advance tickets (adults): €9 per day or €12 for the full weekend
- On the day (adults): €11 per day or €16 for the full weekend
- Children (6–18 years): from €4.50 per day or €6.50 for the weekend (on the day: €6.50 / €9)
- Children under 6: free
- Castle visit: €5 per person (special festival price)
Getting There
- By car: Via the A34 motorway, then N43 from Charleville-Mézières (approx. 20 minutes). Free parking is available in Sedan town centre.
- By train: Sedan SNCF station is around 15 minutes on foot from the Château fort.
Visitor Tips
- Buy advance tickets as the festival sells out quickly each year.
- Medieval costumes are warmly welcomed and add to the authentic atmosphere.
- Wear sturdy footwear as the grounds include cobblestones and grass areas.
- The Hôtel Le Château Fort offers 52 rooms inside the fortress walls for a truly unique stay.
- Dogs on leads are permitted on the festival grounds.
- Local Ardennes specialities as well as waffles and artisan pastries are available at the stands.
