Historical reenactments in France
Every historical reenactment (or re-enactment) event in France listed on The Muster, from living-history weekends to full-scale battles.
23 events listed, covering ancient, Viking, medieval, early modern, Napoleonic, 19th-century, First World War and Second World War history.
April 2027
Orléans Joan of Arc Festival (598th)
Medieval
May 2027
Reims Joan of Arc Festival
≈2,000 costumed · Medieval
Provins Medieval Festival (42nd)
≈1,000 in parade · Medieval
D-Day Reenactment Camps — Cotentin
Second World War
June 2027
Carentan Liberty March / Four Days in June
≈250 reenactors, 12+ countries · Second World War
D-Day Reenactment Camps — Calvados
Second World War
D-Day Anniversary Week
Second World War
Vichy Celebrates Napoleon III
An annual Second Empire festival in Vichy, the spa town whose development Napoleon III personally championed. Known locally as Vichy fête Napoléon III.
Fréjus Imperial by Augustus
New annual Roman-heritage festival created by the Fréjus tourist office, in which around fifty reenactors set up a Roman military camp and parade in full costume and equipment through the streets of the old town, celebrating the city's origin as the… Known locally as Fréjus l'Impériale by Auguste.
July 2027
Vannes Historical Festival
Each July, Vannes' walled old town in Brittany becomes a medieval stage for two days: a costumed village of period trades (blacksmiths, coin-minters) fills the Jardin des Remparts, jousting and puppet shows run through the afternoon, costumed processi… Known locally as Fêtes Historiques de Vannes.
Dinan Ramparts Festival
Medieval
August 2027
Autun Roman Days
Free open-air festival in the old Roman city of Augustodunum, organised by the Centre d'Histoire Vivante d'Autun with reinforcement from reenactment group LEG VIII, recreating first-century imperial Roman army life through military camps, artillery demo… Known locally as Journées Romaines d'Autun.
Festival Arelate — Roman Days of Arles
Arles spends six days as Arelate, the 'little Rome of the Gauls'. Known locally as Festival Arelate — Journées romaines d'Arles.
Monflanquin Medieval Festival (34th)
Each August, the 13th-century bastide town of Monflanquin in Lot-et-Garonne turns its streets and squares over to some 116 performers from 14 companies for a day of mounted knight tournaments, staged combat, troubadours, fire-breathers and jugglers. Known locally as Fêtes Médiévales de Monflanquin.
September 2027
WW1 Reenactment Weekend, Meaux
Each September the Musée de la Grande Guerre, just outside Meaux, hosts a two-day living-history weekend with around 300 reenactors from 28 associations portraying French, German and Italian troops of the First World War. Known locally as Weekend de reconstitution 14-18.
Empire Ball at Château de Maisons
A Sunday-afternoon Empire ball held in the grande salle de bal of the chateau de Maisons, the Francois Mansart masterpiece at Maisons-Laffitte, twenty minutes north-west of Paris. Known locally as Bal Empire au château de Maisons.
The Diversions of Malle
A one-day historical elegance event at the Château de Malle in the Sauternes wine region celebrating the 17th and 18th centuries, with period calligraphy demonstrations, Molière theatre performances, music by Lully, costumed reenactors playing mercha… Known locally as Les Divertissements de Malle.
October 2027
Nice Imperial Days
An annual celebration of Nice's Napoleonic-era heritage held at the Villa Masséna and other historic sites in the city, organized by the City of Nice together with local historical associations including the Souvenir Napoléonien Alpes-Maritimes. Known locally as Journées impériales de Nice.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Viking Festival
The 7th edition of a substantial Viking festival in Parc Gautier, Provence, organised by Mad Girl Events with the town's tourism office. Known locally as Fête Viking de L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
Dates to be announced
These events are known to recur, but there is nothing yet to place them in the year — no announced dates, and no previous edition on record to expect the next one from. They are listed here so they are not lost.
Ajaccio Napoleonic Days
Napoleonic
Napoleon at Golfe-Juan
≈350 reenactors · Napoleonic
Neuf-Brisach Napoleonic Bivouac
≈200 reenactors · Napoleonic
Sedan Medieval Festival
Medieval