August 12-13: The Medieval Festival of Esterre, at the Château Sainte Marie

The Château Sainte Marie deserved a festival of chivalry.

For since the 11th century, it has witnessed many events and legends, from the top of its rocky spur! Every year in mid-August, the Medieval Festival of Esterre is an opportunity to pay homage to it. For two days, archery demonstrations, jousts and equestrian vaulting, as well as shows and banquets, in the pure medieval tradition.

So, on August 12 and 13, come and take on the Festival!

 Sainte-Marie Castle, a story that begins in the era of knights

This pebble and stone castle was built around the 11th century by the Count of Montblanc, Lord of Bigorre, who thus strengthened his authority among the people of Barèges.

In these times of brigandage, it was a strategic location: a lookout over the Barège valley, and a refuge for the population.

Why Saint Mary? Legend has it that a young woman from Luz, named Mary, was kidnapped and imprisoned in the castle by a bandit. Her prayers were granted by the Virgin Mary, whom she prayed to free her, and she was carried to heaven by a cloud of angels...

Legend also says that the man who loved Mary, named Peter, then withdrew as a hermit on the hill where the Solferino chapel now stands, and which for a long time bore the name of Saint Peter's Hermitage.

From the 14th century onwards, the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem, and later the Knights of Malta, occupied the castle. The knights are even said to have dug an underground passage connecting the castle to the Templar church in Luz... but this is so secret that no one has ever found it!

the 14th century, the Hundred Years' War raged. The Treaty of Brétigny in 1360 marked a long truce, during which an English garrison was installed at Château Sainte Marie by order of Richard II. This truce ended in 1404: after a siege that partially destroyed the castle, the English and their Seneschal were driven out by the Count of Clermont, Jean de Bourbon, at the head of 300 men-at-arms and 150 crossbowmen, with the support of the valley's inhabitants commanded by Aougé de Coufitte. This is THE feat of arms commemorated by the Medieval Festival.

As wars receded, the Château Sainte-Marie lost its role as a fortress. At the beginning of the 17th century, it passed to the family of the Count of Comminges and remained there until the beginning of the 18th century. It was gradually abandoned and became a "hovel." Sold as national property during the Revolution, its war towers were then used as a hayloft!

Its last vestiges, listed as historical monuments, were restored from 1980. Today we can admire the two defense towers: the round tower and the square keep, as well as part of the surrounding wall (the curtain wall) and its high Romanesque gate.

From this esplanade, the panoramic view over the Gave de Pau and Bastan valleys is unparalleled.

The Medieval Festival, the successful gamble of the village of Esterre

Since 2019, the castle has been owned by the commune of Esterre. But having such an old castle on such a site is great; bringing it back to life is even better!

So, when the Bears of Bigorre, a company of behourd – from the old French "behort" which means tournaments of chivalry – suggested launching Medieval Games there, the municipal council of Esterre did not hesitate.

This is how the first Medieval Festival was born, starting in 2019. The whole village took up the challenge, thus honoring their glorious ancestors. In a few months, with the support of the Bears and Marc Vayrac, known as the Blacksmith, a Medieval specialist, the event took on a life of its own!

The Medieval Festival of Château Sainte Marie has become a must-see summer festival in Pays Toy. Around a hundred medieval artists perform there: sword fighters, archers, equestrian vaulters and lancers, fire eaters, and more.

Over two days, the shows follow one another with theater, dances and music. Introductions to the handling of medieval weapons – sword fighting, axe throwing, archery – but also less warlike activities, such as the discovery of daily life and medieval games, not to mention the unmissable banquets and taverns!

Undeniably, a great moment in the history of the Toy country, not to be missed! Don't hesitate to enjoy it by staying at Chalet La Source !