Oyez, oyez braves braves gens, damoiselles et damoiseaux! Every year, on the first weekend in June, Guérande is transformed into a veritable medieval setting. For two days, play knights and princesses at the medieval festivities and wander through the fortifications of the medieval town of Guérande. Almost 45,000 people are expected to attend. Ready to take your family back to the Middle Ages?
Medieval entertainment and shows for the whole family
The Fête médiévale de Guérande attracts history buffs and families looking for a change of scenery in the Loire-Atlantique region. The cobbled streets around the ramparts and inner city resound to the sound of troubadours and sword fights.
This year’s event takes place on June 7 and 8, 2025. Here are the highlights of this not-to-be-missed medieval festival.
Equestrian shows and knightly combat
In the Place Saint-Aubin, witness epic jousting and combat demonstrations featuring knights in armor. Stunts, sword assaults and warlike strategies will plunge you into the heart of medieval battles.
Guérande medieval market
Take a stroll through the artisans’ stalls, where you’ll find elaborate jewelry, refined fabrics and leather goods. The stalls are also brimming with dishes inspired by recipes of yesteryear, a sensory immersion in the heart of the Middle Ages.
Demonstrations of traditional crafts
Blacksmiths, stonemasons and illuminators reveal ancestral techniques. Discover the meticulous work of these enthusiasts, who perpetuate forgotten skills that bear witness to a precious craft heritage.
Fun workshops to discover the Middle Ages in a different way
Try your hand at calligraphy, woodwork, basketry and archery. A fun and instructive immersion that brings to life the gestures of craftsmen and archers of yesteryear.
Eating and feasting like kings
Savor forgotten dishes from the Middle Ages and treat yourself to a feast from another era. On the menu: gingerbread, hypocras and roasted meats. These dishes of yesteryear, with their powerful spices and aromas, transport gourmets to the lords’ table! Along the ramparts, taverns offer venison, poultry, grilled pork, herb omelettes…
DID YOU KNOW? You can rent medieval costumes to fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere (bourgeois, peasant, soldier, salt worker, washerwoman, cleric…). Information: 02 40 15 60 40.
Weekend camping in Guérande: get ready to set up camp!
Book your stay at our campsite near Guérande now. Camping Paradis Les Rochelets welcomes you! Enjoy a weekend of history (and nature) on the doorstep of the medieval town of Guérande!
Located only 30 minutes from Guérande, our 4-star campsite in Loire-Atlantique is the perfect destination for taking part in medieval festivals while enjoying a relaxing seaside setting. Choose from fully-equipped mobile homes or pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes. On-site: heated indoor swimming pool, playgrounds and kids’ club, sports activities and catering.
> Easy access to Guérande by car (less than 30 min) via the Route bleue – D213 – which links Guérande to Moutiers-en-Retz.
Things to see and do this weekend in Guérande
Beyond the festivities, Guérande is well worth a visit for its exceptional heritage. Nicknamed the “City of the Dukes of Brittany”, it overlooks the famous salt marshes and opens onto the landscapes of the Brière Regional Nature Park. Here are just a few of the places not to be missed:
- Guérande’s ramparts: these 14th-century fortifications surround the old town for more than 1,300 meters. Nearly a third of the ramparts can be visited from the Porte Saint-Michel.
- Porte Saint-Michel: this impressive main entrance to the city once served as a watchtower and the residence of the city’s captain.
- Timber-framed houses: their corbelled facades and sculpted dormers bear witness to Guérande’s rich merchant past.
- The collegiate church of Saint-Aubin: with its stained glass windows and Gothic architecture, it dominates the historic center.
- Notre-Dame-La-Blanche chapel: built in the 13th century, this is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Photo/pixabay