Festival Medieval de Sedan

Every May, the mighty Château Fort de Sedan—Europe’s largest fortress—transforms into a bustling medieval town for the Sedan Medieval Festival. Over two days, more than 20,000 visitors immerse themselves in a world of knights, minstrels, fire shows, and ancient crafts, with the scent of roasting meat and the clash of swords filling the air. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a family, or a traveler seeking something extraordinary, this is a weekend where everyone can truly step back in time.

The festival takes place in Sedan, in France’s Ardennes region near the Belgian border. The castle’s moat, courtyards, and ramparts become the stage for reenactments, artisan markets, and thrilling tournaments. People of all ages can experience what it’s like to walk through “living history.”

Medieval Camp and Living History

Knights’ Tournaments & Combat Shows

Fire Shows and Night Spectacle

Medieval Market and Food

Costumes and Decorations

The Sedan Medieval Festival began in 1976 to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Château Fort de Sedan’s construction. Built in 1424 by Evrard de La Marck, this fortress is one of Europe’s largest, strategically located along the Meuse River. For centuries, it served as a symbol of defense and independence for the region, and in the 16th century, it was known as a Protestant stronghold, playing a key role in major historical events.

In the late 20th century, as the community rediscovered the castle’s historical value, local authorities and cultural groups launched the festival to bring medieval life, crafts, combat, and arts back to the public eye. Now held every May, the event features armor, costumes, traditional food, music, and crafts, letting visitors experience the culture of the Middle Ages firsthand.

For the people of Sedan, this festival is not just a tourist event—it’s an important opportunity to reconnect with their history and identity, and to share local pride across generations. History lovers, reenactors, and families from across Europe gather to experience “living history,” making the festival a true treasure of the region.

The moment I passed through the castle gates, it felt like time travel. My kids tried archery, I watched knights dueling in the moat, and the roast pork was amazing. I found myself chatting with a blacksmith at the market, enjoying handwoven scarves and mead, and soaking in the music of minstrels. I’ve never been so immersed in a festival before. We left with wooden swords and memories for a lifetime.

• Château Fort de Sedan covers 35,000 square meters, with walls up to 7 meters thick, making it one of the largest fortresses in Europe.

The Sedan Medieval Festival is held every May at Château Fort de Sedan in the Ardennes region of France.