At the turn of the Bordeaux and Perigord, every summer, a huge pageant offers to revive the War ended 100 years (which actually lasted 116 years). At nightfall, the site of the castle Castegens, in Belvès de Castillon (33), a medieval atmosphere transports you to another time and makes you live a great page in the history of France! For it is at Castillon, Gironde took place the last battle of the War of 100 years !
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But other times, other customs ...
A little history!
The Hundred Years' War covers a period of 116 years (1337-1453) during which confront France and England during many conflicts, interspersed with truces of varying length.
In 1137, the last to die Duke of Aquitaine. His daughter, the beautiful Eleanor, married Louis Le Jeune, future king of France. Then her marriage annulled (1152), shortly after she married Henry Plantagenet, future King of England. Thus, Aquitaine is attached to the English crown and also becomes a vassal of the King of France. Eleanor's death in 1204, marks the beginning of a long history of English Aquitaine. But the King of England was also Duke of Normandy: a large part of western France, the Pyrenees to France therefore beyond the authority of the king of France.
The war began when Edward III of England asserts a claim to the throne, as a small-son (by his mother) of King Philip the Fair of France, facing the indirect descendant what Philippe de Valois (nephew of Philip the bel). At that time, the "Salic Law" Following the tradition of the Franks away women and their heirs to the crown. Philippe de Valois is designated and appointed King of France Philip VI (1328). Edward III of England declares war on the then King of France. After various incidents, the King of France takes the Aquitaine (in 1337) thus opening up a conflict that lasted over a century. Philip VI intends drive the English from their French possessions, and especially of the Duchy of Aquitaine.
To understand the feelings of the people of Aquitaine, one must know that the long British rule (300 years) brought with it nor misery, nor oppression. Instead, the kings of England granted autonomy and facilities with liberal charters to municipalities. Thus, trade relations were they the basis of strong ties that wove between Aquitaine and the English crown.
Date 1453 ... most of the history of the West!
The war ravaged the country was close to the brink. After many setbacks, a recovery takes place partly at the instigation of Joan of Arc (1422). Guyenne is almost reconquered by the French, but the demands of Charles VII are sorry the English tutelage. Henry VI informed feelings of Aquitaine, Talbot load of the reconquest. After a quick campaign, Bordeaux was taken October 23, 1452 and Castillon submits to English. The French then decided against attack. They walk through the valley of the Dordogne and take Gensac July 8, 1453.
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| Talbot in battle Painting of the Battle of Castillon by Larivière |
The French army near Castillon, fortified city, but did not besieged. This behavior breaks with their offensive strategy that has already carry several strongholds. Their goal is not to conquer Castillon and Guyenne, city by city. It is to destroy the army of Talbot and settle in a single engagement and the fate of Aquitaine. At the gates of Castillon on the Dordogne, 17 July 1453, the last great battle was marked by the heavy use of artillery and rational dominating the cavalry of the famous English general Talbot who was killed in combat.
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At this major event which history will preserve the memory, the Castillonnais, paradoxically, did not participate, or so little! In the shelter of their walls, they were able to follow the rides, hear the roar of the cannonade, as witnesses attending a drama they did not perceive the distant and multiple impacts.
The end of the war of one hundred and the late Middle Ages
The final peace treaty, signed August 29, 1475 at Picquigny Picardy, officially marks the end. However, is used instead the year 1453, when the English are totally expelled from France (except Calais). The Battle of Castillon marks the end of the Hundred Years War, three centuries of affiliation of Aquitaine in the English crown and allows, finally, the kingdom of France to form. The capture of Constantinople by the Turks put an end to the presence of Christians in the East and the last Byzantine scholars and artists took refuge in Italy. The invention of printing by Gutenberg is the source of an unprecedented revolution. Culture is accessible to a greater number and allows the spread of ideas and knowledge. Historians agree therefore to consider this key period as the late Middle Ages ...
A pageant dubbed a show animal and equestrian remarkable!
The show was inaugurated in 1977, he was playing at the time on the church square of Castillon. It is a passion for history teacher who wrote the first text. Since then, the show has gained ground and became the largest of Aquitaine ... It is now the area of the castle of Castillon in Belvès Castegens it unfolds!
7 hectares and for two hours, 450 actors and 50 horsemen work with passion to help you experience this moment of history! Beyond the feats of arms, these two intense hours, raised waterfalls, special effects prowess and pyrotechnic us back also in everyday life in the Middle Ages, between farms and inns, women at the well, scenes of harvest, hunting parties, their teeth and street vendors, knights, monks. "With the precision of the cinema, theater and the fineness of the dimension of the opera," says Eric Le Collen, director of this revival. Animals are obviously heavily invested in this grand historical epic.
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| Cows hitched |
Since I was a kid, I enjoy (very regularly), to rediscover this show! I'm always delighted and admiring face is the work of 700 volunteers of the association of the Battle of Castillon .
The cavalry has is very impressive and attracts my attention! But in recent years, I discovered with pleasure the introduction of new animals, they are central in this mural size. Harness cows, geese, pigs, goats, donkeys, hounds (hunting court) ... there's plenty! The public is very sensitive to the presence of animals: he smiles, laughs, cries at the sight of these actors a little special. Children are enthralled! In short, our animal friends highly successful among both small as great!
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The Knights of ATEA 33 - Photo ©: ATEA33 |
I congratulate the association in charge of the work animals, it is remarkable and so authentic that we really like being transported into the daily life of the Middle Ages. A way for us to understand the place of the animal at that time ... The Battle of Castillon Association has entrusted the work of breeding and training the association ATEA33 (near the stronghold of Résilienfance) specializing in horse shows and animal ...
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The geese ATEA 33 - Photo ©: ATEA33 |
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The guinea ATEA 33 - Photo ©: ATEA33 |
Finally, upon completion, the village of Eleanor organized by the association of the Battle of Castillon, welcomes you before the show on the site. In a medieval atmosphere and friendly, you can enjoy a traditional market and local produce, theater, storytelling, dancing, musicians, jugglers, jousting demonstrations in a real camp once, games old, tastings of wines from Bordeaux Castillon Coast, a calligraphy workshop, a stone sculptor and pony rides. Admission is free and you have the option to restore the medieval inn .
Congratulations to all the volunteers, thank you for their commitment and passion ... 32 years that this show exists thanks to them! What a beautiful story that this reconstruction! Especially go!!
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If you are passing in the Gironde, or if you are in the area and that you have never seen the show (yes, there are but better late than never ;-)), a medieval short break is needed but hurry the season ends ... Three dates are still showing: 13, 14 and 15 August! So enjoy the show!
To learn more about:
The spectacle of the Battle of Castillon
The Battle of Castillon , contact GRHESAC (Group Recherhces Historical and Archaeological Rescue Castillonnais)
Eric Le Collen , director of the show
August 10th, 2009 at 23:20
Truly dazzling spectacle for a team of volunteers.
I invite you all to go!
Julian
July 17th, 2010 at 2:07 p.m.
The Village On Eleanor welcomes the audience before the performance of the Battle of Castillon,
Dice 19h, the area of the castle Castegens, enter the medieval atmosphere. A market of artisan and local products offers local produce and medieval.
The old crafts are featured with Calligraphy workshops, wood turner, spinner of wool and stone sculptor.
Medieval games available to children and adults alike can wait before playing the Regal Inn of the monk. Fast food and refreshments are offered.
You can visit a reconstruction of a camp of knights
An animation and exposure you into the fantastic life of Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Wine tasting of Cotes de Castillon Bordeaux, six winemakers are featured every night.
The Office de Tourisme de Castillon Pujols you to discover Aquitaine through a Quiz that you can win lots of prizes.
Take a souvenir or a gift of the Battle of Castillon, the souvenir shop offers a wide choice for all ages.
7:45 p.m. playlet of Farce theater *
Medieval Dances 8:00 p.m.
8:15 p.m. The Tales of Ladies stammers
20h 45 duels with swords by the Company Fortress Fight
10:30 p.m. The Show
* 30 and July 31
20h 45 duels with swords by the Company Fortress Fight