On September 6, 1574, young Henri de Valois arrived in Lyon. Just a few weeks after leaving the throne of Poland, which he had ascended to a year earlier, he joined his mother Catherine de Medici between the Rhône and Saône rivers to succeed his brother Charles IX on the throne of France. Under the name of Henri III, he would lead the kingdom for 25 years.
Exactly 450 years later, in memory of this moment in history, the Committee of the Festival of the City of Lyon is organizing the traditional Renaissance Festival on May 25 and 26, 2024.
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© Michel Godet
The Renaissance Festival brings together over 20,000 people each year, residents of Lyon and tourists, in the streets of Old Lyon. At the heart of this big popular celebration, the place Saint-Jean will once again host the core of the event. In front of the cathedral, around thirty artisans will showcase creations that evoke the skills of the 16th century.
The Old Lyon transformed into a medieval village
During two days of festivities, the Old Lyon will be transformed into a true medieval village with many artisans showcasing their crafts. On the agenda: parades, treasure hunts, troubadour performances, demonstrations of artisanal skills, Renaissance Ball, artisan market, as well as the traditional Grand Pennon Parade which will kick off the festivities on Saturday, May 13th at 11:30 am starting from Place Bellecour and ending at Place Saint-Jean at 12pm... Something to delight all generations.
© Michel Godet
From the squares to the cobblestone streets, the whole old town will go back in time for a total immersion in the Middle Ages that should delight both kids and adults. And no need to break the bank by bringing all your gold coins, the event is completely free. However, if you could still brush your teeth, that would be cool. It's the Middle Ages but we're still going to try to keep the best of the time...
Renaissance Festival 2024
May 25th and 26th, 2024 in Old Lyon
Starting at 11am
Free entry
