Nîmes Romaine / Arènes - Maison Carrée - Tour Magne
from 2010-09-24 to the 2010-09-26
Assault on the Château
On Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th September 2010, 1000 actors including 500 combatants will take part in the Assault on the Château organised by the Château and the village of Les Baux de Provence. The climax of this 4th annual event will be a performance never before seen in France: The Assault on the Fortress.
This year’s event will be bigger than ever, driven by the passion of medieval enthusiasts and the general public, and inspired by the outstanding natural backdrop at the Château des Baux. At the first event in 2007, 200 actors and 3000 visitors took part in the Medieval Festival. In 2008, 400 actors shared their passion for medieval history with over 7000 visitors. In 2009, 700 actors faced each other on the rocky outcrop and entertained the 18,000 visitors who had come to watch the event!
This year, no fewer than 1000 actors from all over Europe will be present at the Château des Baux, thereby creating the largest medieval re-enactment ever! Once again they will re-enact the siege of the Citadel of Les Baux in 1355 and perform on the medieval encampment.
This year’s Assault includes many new features:
1. Seating from which to watch the performances in total comfort. With seats and a better view, everything is provided to make this an unforgettable experience. But be warned, places are limited. So hurry up and book now on our website or on the Fnac website.
2. A performance of 1 hour 30 minutes twice a day. At 11 am and 4 pm, discover the art of falconry on horseback and then be thrilled by the grand Assault on the Château, a unique event in Europe.
3. A new scene in a new setting. New technical effects promise a gripping performance.
4. A huge event over three days instead of just two days in 2009.
The Assault on the Château performance
To start with, the exhibition of falconry on horseback...
At 11 am and 4 pm, share a moment of gracefulness and emotion!
This show with commentary is presented by the Hippogriffe Company. It is both entertaining and educational and depicts Friesian horses in the wild with birds of prey. Discover the trust that exists between the trainers and these wild creatures. After a presentation of the different birds of prey (buzzards, falcons, a Grand Duke owl, a bald eagle - famous for being the emblem of the United States of America), the trainer will present the horses, which are pure black Friesians. The horses perform dressage figures in total harmony with their riders. Finally, in the last part of the show, you will be amazed by the extraordinary trust that exists between the trainers and the animals: the Friesian works in perfect symbiosis with the birds of prey, allowing them to land on it, under the protective eye of the trainer.
… followed by the Assault on the Château
At 11.30 am and 4.30 pm you can witness the Assault on the Château des Baux, during which the troops of Raymond des Baux confront those of Robert de Duras.
It is 1355. Queen Jeanne is on the throne and Lord Raymond des Baux is her vassal. Robert de Duras, an enemy of Queen Jeanne, decides to launch a surprise attack on the Château des Baux, a strategic location in the heart of Provence. While the master of the house, Raymond des Baux, is away, he seizes the opportunity to take over the fortress.
After the failure of negotiators led by the Pope at Avignon, Raymond des Baux has no choice but to lay siege to his own castle. He sets off with his troops to regain his property and his honour. Attack!
The medieval camp and entertainment at the Château
For three days, the Château and the village will resound with sounds of medieval entertainments and battles. Knights and beggars will pitch their tents on the Château esplanade. Visitors will be able to wander through their camps and watch scenes from everyday medieval life. Craftspeople will let you into their secrets and show off their skills at shops and stalls (pharmacopoeia, calligraphy, herbalists, archery etc.).
Weapon-wielding soldiers will dazzle you with their swordsmanship and may even invite the sturdiest visitors to join in the practice combats. You may also get to try out the catapult. Sixteen metres tall, the trebuchet will require support from several intrepid visitors.
Children will enjoy the workshops for budding young knights (swordsmanship, crossbows, bow and arrows, pony-riding and games) over the three days of the festival.
In the village, enjoy the atmosphere as stilt-walkers, entertainers, musicians, jugglers and acrobats bring the streets to life with entertainments in the squares and estaminet bars.
PROGRAMME
WITHIN THE CHÂTEAU WALLS ON 24, 25 AND 26 SEPTEMBER
From 9 am to 6 pm: The medieval camp. Knights and villagers will pitch their tents on the Château esplanade. You will be able to wander through their camps and watch scenes from everyday medieval life. Craftspeople will let you into their secrets and show off their skills at shops and stalls (pharmacopoeia, calligraphy, herbalists, archery, etc.). From 9 am to 6 pm: Throughout the day, children between 5 and 15 can learn how to become real fighters of Les Baux at the Little Knights Workshop (10-11.30 am and 3-4.30 pm), not forgetting an introduction to archery and the crossbow.
9.30 am: Catapult shooting. Arm the largest trebuchet in France by yourself!
10 am: Musical performance – “Troubadours and their pranks”
10.30 am: Performance – “The Château geese”
11 am: Catapult shooting. Arm the largest trebuchet in France by yourself!
11.30 am: Theatrical performance – “Discovering the Middle Ages”
11 am: On the large stage opposite the Château, a performance of falconry on horseback by the Hippogriffe Company.
11.45 am: On the large stage opposite the Château, the Assault on the Château des Baux. Unique in Europe, more than 1000 actors will make you relive the assault on a medieval castle!
1 pm: Catapult shooting. Arm the largest trebuchet in France by yourself!
1.30: Performance – The bear leader
2 pm: Musical performance – “The troubadours tell stories and sing”
3 pm: Catapult shooting. Arm the largest trebuchet in France by yourself!
3 pm: Departure of the procession of fighters from the catapult esplanade.
3.30 pm: Performance – “The Château geese”
4 pm: Performance – The bear leader
4.30 pm: Musical performance – “Chien et Loup” (Dog and wolf)
4 pm: On the large stage opposite the Château, a performance of falconry on horseback by the Hippogriffe Company.
4.45 pm: On the large stage opposite the Château, the Assault on the Château des Baux. Unique in Europe, more than 1000 actors will make you relive the assault on a medieval castle!
5.30 pm: Performance – “The Château geese”
6 pm: Catapult shooting. Arm the largest trebuchet in France by yourself!
6 pm: Departure of the procession of fighters from the catapult esplanade.
6.30 pm: Theatrical performance – “Discovering the Middle Ages”
7.30 pm: Medieval evening with buffet and fire show (“Daruma”): the medieval extravaganza will continue on Friday and Saturday evening (22 € on reservation).
ENTERTAINMENT IN THE VILLAGE, 24, 25 AND 26 SEPTEMBER
From 9 am to 6 pm: Continuous entertainment: craftspeople, stalls, music, shows...
10.30 am: Performance of elfin and fairy creatures – “Les Tanarürcks”
11 am: Performance of juggling and storytelling – “The Ship of the Troubadours” in the church square
11.30 am: Performance of stilt-walkers – “Les Yonirêves”
12 noon: Performance of juggling and storytelling – “The Ship of the Troubadours” in the church square
1 pm: Comedy show, with music and singing – “A la Via” in the church square
2 pm: Performance of elfin and fairy creatures – “Les Tanarürcks”
2.30 pm: Comedy show, with music and singing – “A la Via” in the church square
3 pm: Procession of fighters departs from the Château
3 pm: Performance of juggling and storytelling – “The Ship of the Troubadours” in the church square
4 pm: Performance of stilt-walkers – “Les Yonirêves”
4.30 pm: Performance of juggling and storytelling – “The Ship of the Troubadours” in the church square
6 pm: Performance of elfin and fairy creatures – “Les Tanarürcks”
6 pm: Procession of fighters departs from the Château
6.30 pm: Comedy show, with music and singing – “A la Via” in the church square
8 pm: Strolling and magic in the village restaurants
9 pm: Fire show by Les Tanarürcks
RATES
Assault on the Château ticket (in the stands)
Provides admission to the falconry on horseback show + Assault on the Château + Medieval camp + Château Events. For the shows, choose between 2 performances: 11 am or 4 pm.
FULL PRICE : €30 / DISCOUNT PRICE : €25
Free for children under 4 (children under 4 must sit on their parents’ laps)
Ticket for medieval camp and shows
Provides admission to the Medieval camp + Château Entertainment (excludes the Assault and the performance of falconry on horseback).
FULL PRICE : €12 / DISCOUNT PRICE : €10
Free for children under 4