Le Vaudreuil honors its 11th-century archers.

Medieval Weekend

The destiny of William the Conqueror has been closely linked to Vaudreuil, which highlights this history during a special weekend.

A true medieval village takes shape, blending re-enactments, demonstrations, music, and communal moments. The event creates a dialogue between history, martial practices, craftsmanship, and conviviality around the figure of the archer and Normandy during the time of William the Conqueror.

Medieval music accompanies the entire weekend with Saltabraz, a group specializing in the reproduction of period instruments based on archaeological research. Demonstrations, parades, and dances punctuate the event, culminating with the animated costume parade on Sunday noon.

Heritage is honored through the traveling exhibition of the archery museum of Crépy-en-Valois, dedicated to the history of archery through ancient pieces from various countries, and the presentation of works by L’Outil en main – Saint-Cyr du Vaudreuil, around the theme of the Millennium.

The Ran Normaund company recreates the daily life of an 11th-century Norman village: craftsmanship, customs, battles in chainmail, and medieval navigation with a reconstructed drakkar offering a mini descent of the Eure.

Archery is also in the spotlight with the company La Flèche au Vent d’Angy, which offers narrated demonstrations of medieval tournaments and introductions to traditional archery.

On Sunday, a Millennium Mass led by the choir of the Friends of Notre-Dame du Vaudreuil precedes a costumed parade featuring archers and men-at-arms.

The weekend is completed with a medieval-inspired tavern, a family treasure hunt, and a series of panels created by Seine-Eure, dedicated to William's companions during the conquest of England.