Grand Medieval Festival to mark the 900th anniversary of Maizières Abbey

To mark the 900th anniversary of Maizières Abbey, a major medieval festival will be held on 5 and 6 July 2025 in the abbey grounds. This major event aims to bring together 5,000 visitors to relive the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, in tribute to the abbey's Cistercian heritage.

This popular festival, open to all, will offer a total immersion in the past thanks to the presence of 30 craftsmen and art exhibitors presenting ancestral trades and know-how. Visitors will be able to discover 6 medieval encampments recreating daily life at the time, with demonstrations of tournaments, jousting and knightly combat, as well as blacksmith activities, a medieval kitchen and farm.

10 prestigious troupes of dancers, musicians, storytellers, jugglers and comedians will be putting on captivating shows over the two days. Exclusive guided tours will be organised to discover the abbey's emblematic sites, including the mill, the Garden of Eden, the winery - where you can taste the estate's wines - and the remains of the abbey church.

To share medieval knowledge, there will be 6 lecture-workshops with demonstrations on the history of Maizières Abbey, cathedral building, wool weaving, ceramics, stained glass and coinage.

Two children's areas will give youngsters the chance to discover medieval life in a playful way, while food and refreshment stands will be offering period dishes for all.

On 5 July at 6.30pm, the festivities will conclude with a procession and mass attended by the Bishop of Autun, reinforcing the abbey's historical and spiritual links with the region.

This event will be a real opportunity to revive the rich past of Maizières Abbey and to celebrate the values of sharing, history and tradition that are associated with it.

Show less