This weekend, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June 2025, the town of Provins (Seine-et-Marne) hosted the 40th edition of its famous medieval festivals, created in their current form in 1984.
Unique surprises, shows, groups, artisans, merchants, everything to make the most of this anniversary edition.
The medieval town of Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, celebrates its 24th anniversary today and this weekend once again becomes the setting for one of Europe’s largest medieval festivals, dating back to the 13th century.
The 40th edition of the Provins Medieval Festival brought out all its reserves and returned to relive the Middle Ages in a grandiose edition. On June 14 and 15, 2025, young and old alike were able to witness a true historical reenactment of the famous Champagne Fairs that made the city famous in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Dive into the heart of medieval folklore thanks to the 4 universes of this medieval festival! Whether it’s participating in games and battles related to the « Arts of War », dancing to the sound of medieval music during the « Feast Days », discovering the trades of yesteryear in the « Daily Life » section or exploring the fantastical world of « Fears and Beliefs », every visitor will find something to delight them, transporting them to the Middle Ages and making them relive the lives of their ancestors.
Île-de-France is full of old castles and towns with a medieval atmosphere, which have preserved their ancient monuments and offer a timeless atmosphere. While the Medieval Festival of Provins is the best-known of the medieval-themed festivals, numerous events are offered throughout the year by the towns, allowing you to enjoy banquets, dances, and workshops to practice the skills of yesteryear.
The streets of Provins hosted a multitude of activities: craft workshops, medieval creations, an educational farm, and fun games for young and old. Participants in the interactive workshops and fans of the shows experienced a grand touring adventure for a unique experience.
Many artisans demonstrated their skills in pottery, woodturning, and blacksmithing. Families enjoyed captivating performances and fun activities throughout the town, all in a medieval style.
Visitors enjoyed the great classics of the Medieval Festival: the traditional medieval ball on the Place du Châtel, the medieval concert on Saturday evening, as well as the spectacular parade on Sunday with characters dressed in 12th and 13th century costumes.
As you wander the streets, you’ll encounter troubadours, merchants, and musicians, all passionate about the medieval era and ready to provide you with a timeless experience. You and your family can try out many medieval games, such as quoits, skittles, or even wield a wooden sword. Discover leatherwork, precious fabrics, medieval armor, and musical instruments; you’ll certainly be tempted to buy these wonderful handcrafted items as souvenirs.
As you climb towards Châtel, don’t miss the imposing Collegiate Church of Saint-Quiriace, a vast church built in the second half of the 12th century but never completed, whose dome and superb nave are worth admiring. Next, head to Caesar’s Tower, the city’s main monument, which served as a prison, a refuge, or even a watchtower, depending on the era. Climb to the top of the keep for a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings, and don’t hesitate to climb to the bells, although the stairs are rather steep.
Before enjoying the Provins shows, « The Legend of the Knights » or « The Eagles of the Ramparts, » a short stroll along the ramparts is a must. Built to protect men and wealth, but also to demonstrate the power of the Counts of Champagne, this fortified enclosure, one of the largest in France, offers a breathtaking panorama. Historical representations are held there throughout the tourist season, immersing us in the Middle Ages through incredible adventures, perfect for the whole family.
To stimulate your imagination, storytellers will evoke the beliefs and superstitions of the Middle Ages, including dragons, elves and other chimeras.
The Eagles of the Ramparts, a unique equestrian falconry show in Europe. This grand fresco on the art of falconry on horseback can be discovered in the Provins Ramparts Theater, which invites you to dive into the heart of the Middle Ages, a time when falconry was a true art of living.
For 45 minutes, successive scenes transport you to the world of falconry, from the steppes of Central Asia through the Middle East to the feudal lords. You’ll discover the fascinating flying abilities of birds of prey. Marvel at the majesty of eagles, the agility of buzzards and kites, the speed of falcons, the elegance of serpent eagles, the feathery flight of owls, and the soaring flight of vultures.
This incredible aerial ballet of free-flying birds of prey, in harmony with horses and donkeys, will leave unforgettable memories for young and old alike. After the show, visit one of the most beautiful aviaries in France, home to some 80 birds of 20 different species. For 4,000 years, falconry, an ancestral hunting method, has been practiced throughout the world. This art of hunting by flight reached its peak in the Middle Ages and was passed down from generation to generation.
A magical show where princesses, knights, and the forces of evil collide before your eyes.
There’s no shortage of activities in the beautiful medieval city of Provins to amaze young and old alike, centered around the themes of knights and the Middle Ages, at the Porte Saint-Jean, on the ramparts of the upper town.
The legend of Thibaud IV, Count of Champagne and King of Navarre. When he returned from the Crusades, great celebrations were held in his honor, and equestrian feats, cavalcades, vaulting, dressage, and juggling invite you to join the festivities and participate in the show, cheering on the Lord of Provins. At the foot of a majestic tower, the show is colorful and rich in emotion, perfect for entertaining and dazzling children.
Between jousting and galloping combat, the actors perform a series of impressive stunts on the backs of magnificent Iberian horses. You’ll encounter geese, donkeys, small pigs, and more.
You will also learn where the Provins rose comes from and discover a whole host of anecdotes about the medieval city, which holds many secrets, a major city during the Middle Ages.
A fireworks display was held for the 30th edition of the Provins Medieval Festival. This year, for the 40th edition, the big new feature was a large-scale drone show that lit up the sky over the upper town on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
This weekend, we fully enjoyed the seasonal atmosphere. We were able to enjoy dances, tournaments, and street performances, and attend the festival’s classics:
The traditional medieval ball on the Place du Châtel;
A grand medieval concert;
The unmissable Sunday parade, with 700 to 1,000 people in medieval costumes;
Introduction to painting: The Great Painters;
A gastronomic village with workshops, demonstrations, and discoveries;
Street walks;
A giant games camp for fun;
For this edition, an exceptional drone show takes over the skies with two sessions on the evening of June 14th, the first at 10:30 p.m. and the second at 11:30 p.m.
See you in Provins in June 2026 to celebrate the 41st Medieval Festival.
©2025 – IMPACT EUROPEAN
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