A free medieval festival at Guernes in the Yvelines this weekend

Do you like medieval festivals? In Ile-de-France, we're lucky enough to have several in addition to the well-known Provins festival. This weekend, June 15 and 16, 2024, you'll have to go to Guernes in the 78 region to discover one. And the good news is that Guernes Médiéval is open to the public. It's an opportunity to enjoy a feast of medieval entertainment without emptying your wallet.

Guernes is a village on the banks of the Seine, between Mantes-la-Jolie and Vetheuil (near Rosny sur Seine and Rolleboise) and not far from the troglodyte castle of La Roche Guyon.

Guernes Médiéval 2024 program:

• 11h00: Opening to the public followed by jousting
• 11:30am: Knightly combat and knighting
• 12h00: Flaming juggling
• 12:45pm: Knightly combat
• 1:20 pm: Falconry
• 2:20 pm: Equestrian games
• 3:00 pm: Inaugural speech (20 minutes) on Saturday only
• 3:20pm: Knightly combat and knighting
• 3:40pm: Fire juggling
• 4:15pm: Falconry
• 5:00 pm: Jousting
• 6:00 pm: Closing to the public

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Throughout the weekend, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., there will also be face painting, pony rides, games, coin minting and blacksmithing, as well as a craft market. There will be plenty of food and drink on site to enjoy the entertainment. A tented camp will give you a glimpse of medieval life.

In short, if you want to plunge back into the Middle Ages for a weekend of costumes, shows and demonstrations, this is the place to be. Enjoy knights' tournaments, jugglers and troubadours, all in the lively atmosphere of the fairs of yesteryear. Especially since admission is free. What's more, the market promises to introduce us to some great traditional products and handicrafts. In any case, it's an opportunity to travel back in time and experience a lively day.