Medieval show: relive the Battle of Castillon!

Relive the Battle of Castillon by participating in a grandiose medieval show in the heart of South-West France.

At Wanderlix, we try to select new experiences to live in the most beautiful regions of France. The show « La Bataille de Castillon It's part of it! Much more than a reconstruction, he honours artists, artisans and local tourism actors. Visitors go there every year more and more in order to satisfy their historical curiosity, to participate in the many workshops offered... or simply to spend a good time with family or friends.

What if you discover this first-rate regional event in your turn by joining them in July 2022? Put your armor on, they tell you everything about the biggest show in New Aquitaine!

The Battle of Castillon: a historic event in France

It is 17 July 1453 that the Battle of Castillon takes place at the gates of the eponymous commune which welcomes the event today. It opposes the armies of Henri VI of England to those of Charles VII of France. The last one wins, marking the withdrawal of the English and the end of the Hundred Years’ War... which, for 116 years in reality, has opposed the two kingdoms.

Historically, this decisive victory made it possible to establish the authority of the King of France and to participate in the unification of the country.

The Battle of Castillon was the last great armed confrontation of the conflict and, historically, the first to combine the use of artillery with that of the cavalry. This major political event is now celebrated each year by the Association Castillon 1453 . Much more than the Battle, it aims to highlight 200 years of Guyenne’s life in the medieval era.

This association founded in October 2017 took over from the founding association created in 1977. “The Battle of Castillon” is more than forty years of festive animation in the heart of Aquitaine’s vineyards. She staged 400 volunteers supervised by a professional director. More than fifty destriers, forgiveness, horses, are even mobilized for the occasion!

The show occupies five hectares of land on the border of the Gironde and of Dordogne for six weeks between mid-July and late August. Festivities attract more than 30,000 spectators each summer. The audience attends 15 grand performances and can participate in many thematic workshops. What better to dive into a medieval world too often unknown?

« La Bataille de Castillon » : an exceptional sound and light show to live in Nouvelle Aquitaine

“La Bataille de Castillon” features an authentic medieval village, the village of Aliénor. Aliénor d’Aquitaine, queen of France... and then of England, will have left his name to this lively space throughout the summer. There are scenets, lectures, tastings, many craft stands and exciting thematic workshops. The curious are greeted in this friendly and family place by costume volunteers every evening from 6:30 p.m. and until 9:30 p.m.

On the stage of the fortin, the spectators attend scenettes, demonstrations of battles and traditional dances. It is possible and even recommended to participate! Medieval know-how is honoured by artisans who will discover their products, made in a traditional way: leather work, metallurgy, costumes...

On the show site, small and large children will be able to access the scenes by reservation. The enclosure of the farm’s animals is a stop appreciated by the youngest, who will also have the opportunity to take a pony ride. Wooden games made by volunteers will be offered to them. They will also be able to practice shooting at the crossbow and the cap stand. The adjacent stand offers the same thing to adults this time, with real crossbows!

Plays of roles like murder party are organized each evening before the show. Then, the biggest show New Aquitaine takes place between 10:30 and 00:10. A historical evocation, he staged volunteer figures and professional actors. More than 250 people share the scene of three hectares, during this masterly reconstruction.

How to get to the Castillon Battle show?

Good news: to live the Battle of Castillon, no need to prepare a coupling or to put your mount on. Your motorized cart or a two-wheeled destrier will be enough to get there. Available from 6:30 pm, it will only cost you 2 euros to enjoy it.

This fabulous medieval show is located precisely on the town of Belvès-de-Castillon, road to battle. For easy access, the A89 Lyon-Bordeaux is certainly the most recommended route. The toll of Libourne-Nord, at Exit N°10, is only about 30 minutes by car.

The road between Libourne and Bergerac which passes at the foot of Saint-Émilion is only a few kilometers away. The rocade Bordeaux It's only about forty kilometers away. Finally, the train station and the airport of the girondine metropolis are within an hour’s drive.

On the food side, prepare taste buds and pupils: you will find plenty of what to eat and treat yourself. You can enjoy an entry/plat/cheese/dessert formula at 17 €. A fast catering service (frite racks, snacks, various snacks...) is also put in place every day. The picnic space is freely accessible and it will also be possible for you to bring back your own vicars.

Of course, in this renowned winery, the presence of the recolants of the name « Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux » is set every year. Take advantage of it to bring back good bottles to your loved ones who have not had the chance to accompany you!

If you are looking for a shepherd, we recommend you to opt for one of the charming guest rooms scattered around. Moreover, many of the partners of the Battle of Castillon will be advised on the website of the show. Indispensable to be in shape the next day!

What if you take advantage of your visit to discover the region?

The attractiveness of the region of New Aquitaine, particularly in the hinge of Bordeaux and the Périgord, is no longer to be demonstrated. Its many assets make it a place of first choice resort. Close to the site of the medieval show of the Battle of Castillon, you will have the opportunity to explore the town of Castillon-la-Bataille . An exhibition on the Hundred Year War will be offered to you.

Office du Tourisme de Castillon-Pujols organizes instructive walks in the heart of the historic centre. Perfect to stay in the middle age theme! The delights of the Wine House are also found for gourmets. The animations that take place attract many amateurs or profanes. The tastings also, by the way, but with moderation, of course...

A few steps from the medieval show, the Château de Montaigne and its majestic park are a popular exit for heritage lovers. The illustrious humanist philosopher wrote his essays between 1571 and 1592. What is less known is that he was also mayor of Bordeaux twice... Our team also advises you a detour on the side Saint-Émilion . Renowned for his wines, his remains of the Romanesque era earned him an inscription to the UNESCO world heritage.

Further, it is the wonders of the city of Bordeaux that stretch the arms to visitors. The Musée d’Aquitaine, the Cité du Vin, the Place de la Bourse and its water mirror, the Saint-André Cathedral of Bordeaux... No doubt, we never get bored. Finally, finish with a refreshing walk on the shoreline of the basin Arcachon . Together, with family or friends, this wonderful natural site is a must in the South West.

Photo credit: Pierre Planchenault