Every 2 years At the end of September, Senlis' cultural associations ". The Figures of History "and City of Yesteryear "in partnership with the town of Senlis and the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire in Ermenonville create a medieval event!
the park of the Royal Castle of Senlison Jardin du Roythe square in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Place Saint-Frambourg come alive as we step back in time to the 13th century, to At the time of Chancellor Guérin.
To mark the occasion, part of the city centre is being returned to its original state. pedestrian !
The encampments on display in the grounds of the Château Royal are based on meticulous reconstructions carried out by troops carefully selected by the associations. Every detail is based on detailed research, combining archival studies and experimental archaeology. There's no room here for knights in trainers and princesses in triskel bracelets, and some participants even go so far as to dye their own clothes, using medieval recipes. This is what sets the Senlis fair apart from a simple festival dedicated to the Middle Ages.
For the duration of a weekend, entering the castle is like immersing yourself in the 13th century.e century. Watch, try, experiment and dream your way out of preconceived ideas about a fascinating period!
Since 2011, the fair has offered visitors the chance to discover life at the time through a wide range of events:
- The workshops are designed to enable visitors to observe and interact with craftsmen at work, perpetuating the techniques of many of the trades of yesteryear. Special introductory workshops are reserved for children.
- Tournament re-enactments with armoured combat and melees (two opposing sides facing off)
- discover civilian and military life and campsites
- parade of troops in traditional costumes
- various shows (falconry, puppets, etc.)
- typical period games
- various activities for children (animals, merry-go-rounds, etc.)
- on-site catering and usually a banquet on Saturday evening
- gastronomic and old-fashioned markets
- medieval musical atmosphere
Saturday 27 September from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 28 September from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
IN THE GROUNDS OF THE CHÂTEAU
- Artisans and demonstrations of traditional crafts:
Blacksmith's workshop, stained-glass window making, demonstrations of weapons of war, potters, writers, travelling storytellers, calligraphers, woollen work, historic glassware, knives, stones, jewellery, soap-making, children's articles.
- Gastronomic and old-fashioned market :
Medieval dishes, pastries and beverages, sweets and nougats, fruit jellies, jams, honey and herbal teas, cheeses, charcuterie, olives, spices, hyprocras...
- On-site catering at lunchtime and on Saturday evening
- Medieval music and dance
- Continuous workshops for children
- Demonstrations of war machines: Trébuchet, catapult and bombard
- Saturdays at 11am, 2pm, 4pm & 6pm
- Sundays at 10.30am, 2pm, 4pm & 6pm
- Re-enactment of armoured battles
- Saturdays at 2.45pm & 4.45pm
- Sundays at 2.45pm & 4.45pm
IN THE KING'S GARDEN
- Goat school
- Educational farm
- Lapinodrum
IN THE CITY CENTRE
- Medieval parade leaving from the Parc du Château Royal on Saturday at 8.30 p.m.
Entrance to the 2 parks 3 for the day / €4 for the weekend / Free for children under 14.
