Lupiac Honors Its Musketeers at the d’Artagnan Festival – 17th Century Journey

This year, Lupiac celebrated its Musketeers with a rich program of events.

The D’Artagnan Festival immersed Lupiac in the atmosphere of the 17th century with shows, reenactments, and an unusual sedan chair championship.

This summer, the Gascon village of Lupiac, in the Gers region, transformed its setting by stepping back into the 17th century for the 13th edition of the D’Artagnan Festival. The festivities began Saturday at 8:30 a.m., in front of the statue of D’Artagnan, with the Duchess of Nemours hike. This first event was followed by a very unusual world championship that required strength and endurance from the participants.

Children’s activities were also offered. Continuing the musketeer theme, sword and staff lessons were offered by Thomas Samek.

For a more relaxing experience, every 45 minutes, visitors were treated to a ride in a ceremonial carriage. The festival offered numerous activities for children, including a puppet show, calligraphy, and bookbinding workshops.

For adults, and beyond, there were cannon and musket shooting demonstrations, as well as rapier duels organized by musketeer companies.

A fashion show in period costumes « à la déballage de carriage » was even organized. Visitors could admire the lace, ribbons, brocades, and leather boots of 17th-century costumes. And to conclude, a Gascon ball was held.

The History of the Musketeers

In 1622, Louis XIII, then at war with the Protestants, detached the fifty carabins of the Light Horse Company of his guard to form an independent unit. These soldiers were armed with muskets, which could only be used on foot, but remained cavalrymen who traveled on horseback.

Called the King’s Musketeers, they received the famous blue jacket adorned with fleur-de-lis crosses, a sign of their belonging to the sovereign’s household. They were entrusted with a wide variety of missions: escorting the royal procession, policing and maintaining order, but they were above all at the forefront of the royal troops when it came to capturing a besieged city.

In 1693, Louis XIV decided not to join the army, and the Musketeers were increasingly less involved, which spared this breeding ground for future officers of the royal army.

In the 18th century, their primary mission consisted of guard and prestige service to the sovereign. They saw action one last time during the War of the Austrian Succession.

In 1775, both companies were abolished for economic reasons. Briefly recreated during the Restoration, they finally disappeared in 1816.

From Monday, August 11 to Sunday, August 17, 2025, residents and visitors to the department will be able to enjoy a range of activities that showcase the region’s dynamism and cultural richness.

For those looking for a unique equestrian adventure, « A cheval chez d’Artagnan » awaits you in Lupiac. As part of the « Colos apprenantes » program, this event offers an immersion in the world of horse riding while discovering the beauty of the Gers landscapes. Get ready to saddle up and explore the historic trails that inspired the famous musketeer.

©2025 – IMPACT EUROPEAN

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