In Andilly, when the trees of the Grand Parc tremble, it’s not just the wind: it’s an entire Middle Ages awakening. For a few days, one suddenly moves from modern life to the cries of heralds, the muffled clash of boots on the paths, and the scent of mead that seems to have snuck everywhere. The 2026 edition of the Grandes Médiévales d’Andilly promises again this rare blend: a great popular festival and an immersive reenactment where you can, in the same hour, watch a jousting tournament, talk to a craftsman, then learn to write your name with a quill.
In 2026, meet at the Grand Parc d’Andilly over two weekends (around Ascension and Pentecost): May 23, 24, 25 then May 30 and 31, 2026. The site opens its doors from 9 a.m., and the day has this unfortunate tendency to fly by at the speed of a destrier. So, better come with a clear plan… and a keen curiosity.
Grandes médiévales d’Andilly: a giant historical immersion at the Grand Parc
The Grandes Médiévales d’Andilly don’t just “do medieval” with two banners and three costumes. Here, the ambition is total: the park becomes a period village, alive, noisy, indulgent, sometimes solemn, often funny. You meet knights in armor who are not here to pose, but to show, explain, play, fight. You follow musicians roaming as if their tour had started 700 years ago. And above all, you find yourself in the middle of a crowd that participates as much as it watches.
The strength of the event lies in its scale. We’re talking about more than 500 artists and nearly a thousand extras who bring depth to every corner: camps, stalls, taverns, shady spots favorable to storytelling, play areas for children. The public does not just attend a single show; they go through a succession of scenes, as if walking inside a film in which they also play a part, even just by stopping to watch a blacksmith hammering his glowing piece.
To make the experience more concrete, imagine Éloi, a visitor who comes “just to see”. At 9:30 a.m., he enters and thinks he’ll take a quick tour of the market. At 10:15, he is already caught up by a demonstration of making chainmail armor. At 11, he finds himself watching a polearms rehearsal, then at noon he eats “just a little something,” which turns into an impromptu feast because the smell of grilled food is quite persuasive. At 2 p.m., he realizes he hasn’t seen half the park. That’s Andilly: a day that fills itself.
The atmosphere remains family-friendly and very accessible. You can come in costume, or not at all: no one judges, everyone plays. Children find continuous activities, and adults rediscover the simple pleasure of watching manual skills. Underlying it all, the festival also recalls the spirit of the great medieval fairs: trade, music, acrobatics, laughter, and a hint of mystery around every corner.
If you like to extend the getaway, the event fits perfectly into a broader discovery of the region: ideas for villages, panoramas and stops full of character can be found for example via the most beautiful villages of Haute-Savoie. Once you’ve tasted time travel, you often want to continue the walk elsewhere.
And what makes the festival even more delightful is that it doesn’t bet on a single “big moment”: it multiplies the encounters and the sparks, like a real-size treasure hunt.
Grandes médiévales d’Andilly program: highlights and must-see activities
The full program, in its minute-by-minute detail, is traditionally revealed just before opening (usually 15 days before). However, the structure of the days and the major categories of activities are well identified: camps, artisan market, continuous activities, shows and evening events. And for this edition, a particular atmosphere floats in the air: the festival celebrates its 30th anniversary, which promises winks, surprises, and an “anniversary edition” energy.
The camps: understanding military life without boredom (promise)
The camps set up in the Forest of Mills are a magnet. You don’t just see weapons there; you discover gestures: how you equip yourself, how you train, how you move. Demonstrations of war engines, explanations about formations (with those famous defensive “turtles”) make strategies understandable even for someone who still confuses a hauberk with chainmail.
Concrete example: an instructor shows how an armor piece distributes the impact. The public touches, observes, questions. And suddenly, the Middle Ages is no longer a school chapter: it’s a living, logical, fascinating mechanism.
The medieval market: when craftsmanship becomes a show
In the aisles, artisans don’t just sell objects: they tell the story of the material. Blacksmiths, stone cutters, glassblowers, woodcarvers, saddlers… each attracts a small crowd. You can watch for a long time because the eye naturally follows the gesture. And you often leave with a story to tell, even if you only bought “a little souvenir.”
Continuous activities: the magic of small surprises
Between two big shows, the event functions like a town in celebration: something is always happening. You come across old games, a calligraphy workshop, a cooking demonstration, a musical duo improvising at a turn in the path. The trick is not to want to control everything: let yourself be distracted.
To help you find your way, here’s a list of activities to focus on if you come with family or group, so everyone finds their place:
- Calligraphy workshop: leave with your name “medieval style”, and a real souvenir.
- Old games: perfect to get children moving between shows.
- Musical wanderings: they create the atmosphere, even when you’re not looking for anything.
- Camps and demonstrations: the ideal place to ask questions and learn without realizing it.
- Taverns and gourmet stops: a strategic moment to recharge without losing track of the day.
Shows: flair, thrills, and sometimes stars
The promise is generous: nearly 20 hours of shows per day, with a variety that avoids monotony. Expect to see aerial acts, tightrope walking, concerts, theater, juggling, archery demonstrations, equestrian scenes, and even more “spectacular” moments thanks to pyrotechnics. The presence of the Aigles du Léman adds an impressive dimension: the flight of birds of prey, seen up close, instantly puts the audience back in a state of wonderment like children.
And when night falls, the park changes its skin. The evening shows and torch-lit trails give this rare feeling of participating in a giant vigil, with the sky as a ceiling.
To feel the vibe before coming, you can also start a video search and get in the mood:
At this stage, a question naturally arises: how to organize your days so as not to run around like a page who’s late? Let’s move on to the day-by-day breakdown.
Day-by-day program: dates, times, and key moments of the Grandes médiévales d’Andilly
The festival runs over five days spread over two weekends: Saturday 23, Sunday 24, Monday 25, then Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May. Access is announced from 9 a.m., which changes everything: arriving early allows you to enjoy the most sought-after areas, talk with artisans before the crowd, and enjoy a first show without elbowing your way through.
Saturday, May 23: grand opening and clever scouting
The first day is ideal to “get a feel” for the site. Many visitors choose to start at the market, then move on to the camps. This is a winning strategy: you soak it in, find your bearings, mentally note spots to revisit later. For shows, bet on a big stage around midday, then save some time for wanderings: they give the impression the park is talking to you.
Éloi’s tip (learned the hard way): pick a fixed meeting point with your group. In Andilly, it’s easy… but warmly easy… to get “lost.”
Sunday, May 24: family day, workshops and big shows
Sunday often attracts families. It’s the perfect day to chain participatory workshops and shows. In the morning, when energy is at its peak, it’s time for hands-on activities: calligraphy, games, culinary discoveries. In the afternoon, you can aim for an equestrian show and a combat demonstration. In between, a tavern break is a must, if only to compare opinions: “the best” is often the one you taste at the right moment.
Monday, May 25: a good day to breathe and deepen
This day generally offers a feeling of space. You take more time to chat with exhibitors, attend a full explanation about a siege engine, or watch a rehearsal. If you like understanding “how it’s made,” it’s a golden day. It’s also a good moment to make a full loop of the site, without skipping quieter zones like storytelling corners.
Saturday, May 30: ramping up and anniversary spirit
On the second weekend, the atmosphere is often electric: visitors return, regulars compare, and the 30th anniversary spirit floats like a banner. It’s the ideal day to target the “big format” shows and keep an eye on on-site announcements: some special edition surprises are better savored when you’re not in a rush.
Sunday, May 31: last bursts of brilliance and beautiful farewells
Last day, therefore last chance. It’s often the moment to do what you deferred: visit a craftsman again, buy the souvenir you “reasonably” refused the day before, or see a show again because you want to experience it differently. If there’s an evening show that day, it has a special taste: that of endings that make you want to come back.
To complete your weekend in the area, it may be useful to pick ideas for activities synchronized with these dates, like those suggested here: what to do in Haute-Savoie the weekend of May 31 and June 1. One can easily combine Andilly and a panoramic getaway the next day, to gently come down… or prolong the magic.
Once the dates are set, the challenge is to manage logistics: tickets, shuttles, parking, and two or three tips to avoid “little dramas” (like running out of change at the worst moment).
Practical information: tickets, access, shuttles, parking, and rules to know
A medieval festival is easier when the logistics are well set. On-site, everything is planned to accommodate crowds, but some choices beforehand change the day: booking certain services, anticipating payment methods, and knowing key times.
Ticketing and schedules: leaving early saves time
Tickets are announced available online and also purchasable on-site. Prices vary by day, with a clear benchmark: starting from €30 for an adult and €23 for a child. Entry is allowed from 9 a.m., a detail that is not trivial. Arriving at opening allows you to enter the park like into a novel: the crowd has not yet “thickened” the air, and encounters are easier.
Access: free shuttles and park-and-ride lots
Good news to avoid traffic jams and tension behind the wheel: free shuttles are provided from 8:30 a.m. to midnight. They serve park-and-ride lots such as Copponex, Mont Sion, and Cruseilles. The principle is simple: you leave your car, get on, and arrive at the site without having to negotiate a spot last minute.
For those who want the most direct solution, there is a Privilege Parking right in front of the entrance, accessible by reservation at a rate of €22 per day. With limited spaces, anticipation is your best ally.
Catering: tasty, practical, and sometimes strategic
Between shows, the on-site offer is designed to last: crepes, Savoyard specialties, sandwiches, grilled food, mead, ice cream. The trap is underestimating the time a break takes when everyone is hungry at once. Tip: shift your lunch slightly (a little before or a little after noon) and you’ll gain comfort.
Picnics are allowed, with designated areas. It’s an excellent option if you come with family: controlled budget, happy children, and total freedom on schedule.
Payment methods: the trick that saves queuing
Crucial point: many taverns and stands accept cash only. Three ATMs are announced on site, with a 5% commission per withdrawal. Moral: plan ahead with cash, and keep a small “emergency” reserve (impulse buying a handful of medieval candies, for example, doesn’t wait).
Animals: simple rule, plan ahead
Animals are not allowed, even on a leash. If you come from far away, think about arranging care: it’s the kind of detail that can turn a festive day into a frustrating turnaround.
And now that access is guided, a pleasing question remains: where to stay (and what to do around) if you want to turn your visit into a mini-break?
Where to stay and what to do nearby: accommodations and getaway ideas in Haute-Savoie
Many visitors come for a day. Others, smarter (or hungrier), turn the event into a multi-day getaway. It makes sense: the region lends itself to the game, and the festival’s intensity makes you want to allow a quiet evening afterward, rather than hitting the road amidst jostling memories.
Nearby hotels: three solid options to recover like a lord
For a comfortable stay, several nearby addresses are regularly mentioned by visitors who want to combine rest and convenience.
Ibis Styles Saint-Julien-en-Genevois Vitam suits particularly those traveling with family. The interest is twofold: relative proximity to the event and integration into a large leisure complex. After a day of walking and marveling, ending with a relaxing moment (water park, gym, activities) is something delightfully contradictory… so perfect.
AC Hotel by Marriott, in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, plays the modern comfort card: spacious rooms, restaurant, bar, gym. It’s an excellent option if you like the idea of alternating “boots in the dust” by day and “pristine pillow” at night.
Savoie Hotel near Geneva is located in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, 15 minutes by car from Geneva. It offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Ideas for walks and extensions: change scenery without leaving the magic
If you stay a bit longer, several directions are easy to combine with Andilly. Some seek panoramas, others characterful villages, others a cultural detour. For a very accessible getaway, you can prepare a list of stops via visiting Haute-Savoie in 7 days and build your itinerary like a travel notebook.
Want a “wow” viewpoint to calm your mind after drums and fanfares? The shores and heights around Annecy offer superb spots, to be found for example with the most beautiful viewpoints over Lake Annecy. It’s the perfect counterpoint: after the crowd and shows, the horizon and water.
And for those who like to link experiences, a “castles” detour can extend the medieval theme effortlessly: Haute-Savoie is full of buildings, local histories, strategic viewpoints (and legends to tell upon return). The point is to stay in the story: after Andilly, you continue the journey through time, but at your own pace.
Deep down, the idea isn’t to do too much. It’s to choose: one festival day, then a walk. Or two festival days, then a quieter visit. The essential is to leave room for the unexpected… because it’s often the unexpected that makes the best memories.
What are the dates of the Grandes Médiévales d’Andilly?
The festivities take place at the Grand Parc d’Andilly over two weekends: May 23, 24, 25 then May 30 and 31. Access to the park is announced from 9 a.m., allowing full enjoyment of the activities from the morning.
What kinds of activities and shows can be seen on-site?
You will find camps (demonstrations, training, war engines), an artisan market (forge, stone, glass, wood, saddlery), workshops and games throughout the day, as well as a very varied program of shows: equestrian, juggling, music, theater, archery, pyrotechnics, and birds of prey flights with the Aigles du Léman, including torch-lit evening events.
How to access the site without stress for parking?
A free shuttle service is planned from 8:30 a.m. to midnight, serving park-and-ride lots (Copponex, Mont Sion, Cruseilles). There is also a Privilege Parking right at the entrance, available by reservation at 22 € per day, with limited spaces.
Can you pay by card at the festival?
Many stands and taverns primarily operate with cash. Three ATMs are announced on-site, with a 5% commission per withdrawal. It’s most comfortable to plan ahead with cash to avoid queues and fees.
Are animals allowed at the Grandes Médiévales d’Andilly?
No, animals are not allowed on site, even on a leash. Please arrange care if you come from afar.
Official site: https://www.grandparc-andilly.com/spectacles-grandes-medievales-andilly
