FESTIVALS 2022 THE GUIDE


“DURING THE WARMER MONTHS, MOST TOWNS AND CITIES IN FRANCE WILL STAGE SOME FORM OF FESTIVAL”


Normandy beach resort of Merville-Franceville-Plage, bills itself at a “festival of fantasy”. Here, not only will you find cider and dragons, but you’ll also come across more than your fair share of knights, maidens, elves, goblins, fire dancers, hatchet throwers, damsels and plenty of characters who look like they’ve just stepped out of The Lord of The Rings. It’s a great


opportunity to indulge in a little escapism, whether you choose to attend in everyday threads or dressed to the nines in full- blown mythical garb. “Festival-goers will forever remember the sublime costumes, the music coursing through the streets, the smells tickling their taste buds, the troubadours, the minstrels and the street


vendors,” the organisers promise. “All this will transport you back to ancient times.” You can’t say you weren’t warned. www.cidreetdragon.eu


Les Médiévales de Provins June 25–26, 2022


“The biggest medieval festival in France,” is how the organisers describe it. That’s a bold claim, but when you see the knights, wenches, dancers, musicians, minstrels, acrobats, jousters, troubadours and fire-eaters, all of whom bring this joyous festival alive every summer, then perhaps it’s not an overstatement. The beautiful medieval town of Provins (a UNESCO World Heritage site to the southeast of Paris) is the backdrop to all these


celebrations, including a concert, a ball and a parade through the streets with 700 participants in medieval costume. provins-medieval.com


Sedan Medieval Festival Festival médiéval de Sedan May 14–15, 2022


Centred around the magnificent Château Fort de Sedan, this festival celebrates all things medieval from sword-fighting, banquets and fire-eating to wrestling, juggling and displays of chivalry. Visit the blacksmith’s forge, or learn how medieval clothes were made. There’s even a children’s party to amuse the little ones. Perfect for peasants, wenches and nobility alike. www.chateau-fort-sedan.fr/en/ medieval-festival ❯❯


Apr/May 2022 FRANCE TODAY ❘ 135


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14