On Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Château d’Avully in Brenthonne travels back in time for its Medieval Festival. Encampments, battles, shows and craftspeople take over the keep and moat of this fortified manor house in Chablais, listed as a Historic Monument.
Avully’s Medieval Festival has become a well-established autumn event for families in Chablais. Following its 9th edition, held in early October 2025, it returns this weekend for its 10th edition.
The idea remains the same: to bring the Middle Ages to life on a grand scale in a real castle, with historical reenactment groups and craftspeople at work. The castle is in the Lake Geneva region, not far from Thonon-les-Bains and Geneva.
What’s on: encampments, battles and craftspeople
For two days, the estate is transformed into a medieval village. The organizers have announced five main areas of activities:
- Medieval encampments: reenactment groups set up their tents and introduce visitors to everyday life in the period.
- Combat and demonstrations: participating groups bring the art of medieval warfare to life.
- Activities and shows: performances take place throughout both days, in the spirit of the troubadours and traveling entertainers of previous editions.
- Hands-on activities and crafts: craftspeople work in front of the public and offer introductory workshops.
- Refreshments and food: food and drinks are available on site, so you won’t have to leave the castle.
The detailed schedule and site map are shown below:
Previous editions give an idea of the scale of the festival. In 2024, the Medieval Festival brought together 15 reenactment groups and 18 craftspeople, with more than 150 participants, along with cannon fire and demonstrations of a medieval siege engine.
Prices and practical information
Admission is €16 for adults, and a €40 family pass is available for two adults and two children.
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Children up to age 5 | Free |
| Children aged 6 to 14 | €6 |
| Ages 15 and up, including adults | €16 |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | €40 |
- Dates: Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days
- Address: Château d’Avully, 465 route d’Avully, 74890 Brenthonne
- Contact: 04 50 36 11 59 or info@chateau-avully.com
- More information: official website
Château d’Avully, a period setting
The Medieval Festival takes place in a genuine medieval castle. This fortified manor house was probably built in the 12th century on the remains of a Gallo-Roman villa, at the foot of the Voirons mountains.
The Avully family is mentioned as early as 1172. The castle then passed to the Saint-Michel family in 1499, who gave it its definitive appearance. In the 18th century, it belonged to the de Sales family. Damaged during the French Revolution and then abandoned, it fell into ruin.
Yvonne and Jean Guyon bought it in 1970 and began more than forty years of restoration, which their children continue today. Listed as a Historic Monument, the castle has regained its keep, water-filled moat, drawbridge and wall paintings.
FAQ
When is the Medieval Festival at Château d’Avully in 2026? Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where is Château d’Avully? At 465 route d’Avully, in Brenthonne (74890), in the Chablais region of Haute-Savoie.
How much does admission cost? €16 for ages 15 and up, €6 for ages 6 to 14, and free for children up to age 5. The family pass (2 adults and 2 children) costs €40.
Can you eat on site? Yes, refreshments and a food area will be available on both days.
Is the event suitable for children? Yes. Encampments, battles, shows and hands-on activities are suitable for the whole family, and admission is free for children under 6.
