Fêtes médiévales de Semur-en-Auxois
A weekend of medieval fantasy, music and a banquet beneath the towers of Semur-en-Auxois.
- Tradition
- Semur-en-Auxois
- 1 h 06 from Beaune
€230one way from Beaune with a private driver
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At a glance
- Venue
- Semur-en-Auxois
- Organised by
- Ville de Semur-en-Auxois
- Official website
- ville-semur-en-auxois.fr
Getting there
Private driver from Beaune: 1 h 06 by road (84 km), €230 one way for the whole car.
Coming by train or plane? Transfers from stations and airports →
About the event
Each May the historic centre of Semur-en-Auxois returns to the Middle Ages for its Fêtes médiévales. More than fifty exhibitors from across France and Europe set up along the Promenade du Rempart, and troupes of musicians, players and fighters fill the streets. The town counts more than 30,000 visitors over the weekend.
What to expect
Expect old trades, combat demonstrations, taverns and shows, with costumed crowds moving between the towers of the old castle and the Promenade du Rempart, which overlooks the Armançon valley. The traditional medieval banquet, served on the Place Notre-Dame with entertainment, is a highlight of the weekend.
History
The first medieval fête was held in 2000 to showcase the town's medieval heritage. For years its themes drew on Semur's own history, with a programme spread across the whole month of May.
In recent years the emphasis has moved to medieval fantasy, with elves, fairies and beggars roaming the streets to the sound of flutes, drums and bagpipes. Troupes have come from Catalonia, Belgium and Brittany, and the singer Luc Arbogast drew large crowds in 2018.
Good to know
Tips for the day
Crowds are large, so arrive early and wear comfortable shoes for the cobbles. Check the town's website for the date and the programme. Semur is about an hour from Beaune, and a driver spares you the search for parking on the town's busiest spring weekend.
Around here
What to combine with Fêtes médiévales de Semur-en-Auxois on the same day, nearest first.
- Music
Festival Musique au Chambertin
Long held over five days in late August and early SeptemberGevrey-Chambertin - Culture
Mois des Climats
Each year over several weeks in late spring and early summer, usually ending in early JulyBeaune - Music
Festival De Bach à Bacchus
Usually the first half of July, with a prelude of concerts on weekends in MayMeursault - Wine festival
Chardonnay Day à Chardonnay
A Thursday in May, from late afternoon into the eveningChardonnay
- Tradition
Fête de la Bague
The race is run every 31 May, whatever the day of the week, amid about ten days of festivities in late May and early JuneSemur-en-Auxois
Questions
The 2027 dates of Fêtes médiévales de Semur-en-Auxois have not been announced yet. Usual timing: A weekend in May.. The organiser publishes them on ville-semur-en-auxois.fr.
Did you know? The Fêtes médiévales draw more than 30,000 people to Semur over a single weekend.
Sources
A private driver for the day
No parking to find, no one left as the designated driver: everyone enjoys a glass.