Event Details
France's Greatest Medieval Festival in a UNESCO World Heritage City
Every June, the medieval city of Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transforms into a spectacular open-air stage. The Médiévales de Provins is the largest medieval festival in France, bringing the legendary Champagne Fairs of the 12th and 13th centuries back to life. The 42nd edition promises two days of knights, troubadours, artisan workshops, jugglers and immersive street performances. Located just one hour from Paris, Provins makes for an ideal day trip or weekend getaway.
Highlights
- 42nd edition of northern France's most celebrated medieval festival
- Historical reenactment of the legendary Champagne Fairs
- Knight tournaments, jousting and falconry displays along the city ramparts
- Traditional Bal médiéval (medieval ball) on Saturday evening at Place du Châtel
- Grand medieval concert on Saturday night
- Spectacular Sunday costume parade with around 700 participants in period dress
- Over 320 artisans and craftspeople: blacksmiths, potters, leatherworkers and more
- Family workshops, petting farm and interactive activities for all ages
- More than 120,000 visitors attended the 2025 edition
Program (based on 2026 edition; 2027 details to follow)
The festival opens at 09:00 AM on both days. On Saturday, the official opening ceremony takes place at 11:00 AM, followed by a full day of entertainment. In the evening, the Bal médiéval invites visitors to dance in period costume before the grand medieval concert closes the night around midnight. Sunday offers another full day of programming, culminating in the magnificent afternoon costume parade, when up to 700 costumed participants march through the lanes of the medieval upper town. The festival closes on Sunday evening.
In addition to the festival program, Provins' historic attractions remain open during the event: the equestrian show "La Légende des Chevaliers" and the falconry display "Les Aigles des Remparts" are available for an additional fee and are not included in the festival ticket.
Tickets & Prices
Advance tickets purchased online offer the best value. Reference prices from 2026 (2027 prices to be confirmed):
- Online advance: €12 (1 day) / €16 (2 days)
- On the day: €13 (1 day) / €18 (2 days)
- Reduced (medieval costume): €9 (1 day) / €12 (2 days) – on-site only
- Children under 12: free
- People with disabilities (+ 1 companion): free, on-site only
- Groups (20+ people): €11 per day; advance booking via Provins Tourisme required
Getting There
- By train from Paris: RER A to Chessy-Marne-la-Vallée, then Seine-et-Marne Express bus (line 7705). Alternatively, RER D to Melun, then bus (line 7704). Services run hourly in both directions.
- By car: Motorway A4 (exit 13, Serris-Provins) or A5 (exit 16). Free parking is available around Provins; free shuttle buses run every 20 minutes between parking areas and the festival site.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early: Provins is a small city but the festival draws enormous crowds. Parking and streets fill up quickly.
- Buy tickets online in advance to save money and avoid queuing at the gate.
- Wearing a medieval costume is highly encouraged and earns a discounted entry price.
- Book accommodation in Provins or the surrounding area well in advance; the festival weekend sells out quickly.
- The festival takes place throughout the entire upper town (Ville Haute). Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
- Equestrian shows and falconry displays must be booked and paid for separately; they are not included in the festival entrance ticket.
