The VauréYule medieval festival returns to the Cour des Arts in Vauréal in the Val-d’Oise on December 6 and 7, 2025. On the program for this 7th edition: fire shows, combat, a 100% artisanal medieval market, and open workshops. How about stepping back in time?
If you’re looking for a great idea for an outing to celebrate the arrival of winter, head to Vauréalto discover the VauréYule medieval festival, which will be held at the Cour des Arts on December 6 and 7, 2025. This 7th edition marks the return of an event that has become unmissable in the Val-d’Oise(95), just 35 kilometers from Paris. After the success of Fantastorique last March, it’s now the turn of the winter version of this medieval and fantasy festival to immerse us in the atmosphere of the winter solstice.
La Cour des Arts is above all a unique place in the Île-de-France region. Located in the heart of the old village of Vauréal in a magnificent 2,500 m² farmhouse that has been completely renovated, this structure is home to around twentyprofessional artisans who work there all year round. Jewellers, ceramists, stained glass artists, cutlers, textile craftsmen and luthiers all practice their rare skills here. In fact, the town was awarded the “Ville & Métiers d’art” label in 2013, just five years after the site opened. What makes VauréYule particularly interesting is the opportunity to go behind the scenes of these crafts during the festival.
The medieval weekend program includes fire shows that promise to light up the December evenings. Demonstrations of medieval combat and displays of period weaponry transport us back several centuries. For the more daring, an axe-throwing workshop allows you to test your skills. Children are not left out, with a puppet-making workshop and fantastic face painting. A fortune teller wanders the aisles to predict your future, while fantastical creatures mingle with visitors.
The medieval market stands out for its 100% artisanal character. Unlike some markets where you find resale items, here everything is created by authentic artisans. You’ll discover unique pieces in leather, ceramics, wood, metal, and textiles, all made with passion and skill. It’s the perfect opportunity to find original Christmas gifts while supporting local craftsmanship. The artisans residing at the Cour des Arts also open their workshops to the public. Visitors can watch a cutler sharpening his blades, a stained glass artist assembling his pieces of colored glass, or a ceramist throwing his pottery. These encounters give meaning to our purchases and allow us to understand the time and expertise required for each creation.
The atmosphere is friendly and family-oriented. The on-site restaurant offers specialties that immerse visitors in the medieval atmosphere. The setting of the old village of Vauréal, with its authentic farmhouse, adds to the charm of the event. Visitors can stroll through the cobbled courtyard, push open the doors of the workshops, and chat with the artisans. This proximity to the creators makes the experience much richer than a simple visit to the market. For lovers of medieval events in Île-de-France, VauréYule is in line with other events such as the Médiévales de Provins, which enliven the region throughout the year.
What are the opening hours for VauréYule 2025?
The Vauréal medieval festival takes place on Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Admission is completely free, making it an accessible outing for the whole family. The Cour des Arts is located at 8 rue Nationale in Vauréal, easily accessible by car or public transportation from Paris or Cergy-Pontoise.
And if you want to extend your festive day, Vauréal is also organizing its traditional Christmas Marketon the same days, December 6 and 7, on the Place du Cœur Battant and at the Town Hall. With nearly 85 exhibitors offering gourmet products and handcrafted creations, an ice rink open from Friday evening, entertainment for children, and a visit from Santa Claus, you can easily combine both events during a pleasant stroll through the town. The two sites are only a few minutes’ walk apart, so you can go from the medieval world to the Christmas chalets in the blink of an eye.
In short, VauréYule is a wonderful opportunity to discover arts and crafts in a medieval and festive setting. People come for the shows and entertainment, but they often leave with much more: authentic encounters, unique creations, and memories that warm the first evenings of winter.
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