August 8th and 9th, 2026: The Medieval Festival of Esterre, at Château Sainte Marie

The Château Sainte Marie certainly deserved a festival of chivalry.

For since the 11th century, it has witnessed many events and witnessed many legends from 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, jousting , and equestrian acrobatics follow one another, along with shows and banquets, all in the purest medieval tradition.

So, on August 12th and 13th, come and conquer the Festival!

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

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

In these times of banditry, it is a strategic place: a lookout over the Barège valley, and a refuge for the population.

Why Saint Mary? Legend says that a young woman from Luz named Mary, kidnapped and imprisoned in the castle by a bandit, had her prayers answered by the Virgin Mary, whom she prayed to for her release, and 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 to the hill where the Solferino chapel now stands, and which for a long time bore the name of the Saint-Pierre hermitage.

From the 14th century onwards, the Hospitallers of St. 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 it is so secret that no one has ever found it!

At the end of the 14th century, the Hundred Years' War was raging. The Treaty of Brétigny of 1360 established a long truce, during which an English garrison was stationed 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 inhabitants of the valley commanded by Aougé de Coufitte. This is THE feat of arms commemorated by the Medieval Festival.

As the wars receded, the Château Sainte-Marie lost its function 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 dilapidated ruin. Sold as national property during the Revolution, its fortified towers were then used as a hayloft!

Its last vestiges, listed as historical monuments, were restored from 1980 onwards. Today we can admire the two defensive towers: the round tower and the square keep, as well as part of the enclosure 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, a successful gamble for the village of Esterre

Since 2019, the castle has been owned by the municipality of Esterre. But having such an old castle in such a location is good, but bringing it back to life is even better!

So, when the Ours de Bigorre, a company of buhurt – from the old French “behort” which designates chivalric tournaments – suggested launching Medievals there, the municipal council of Esterre did not hesitate.

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

The Medieval Festival at Château Sainte Marie has become an unmissable summer event in the Pays Toy region. Around a hundred medieval artists come to perform there: swordsmen, archers, acrobats and equestrian throwers, fire-eaters…

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

Undoubtedly, a great moment in the history of the Pays Toy, not to be missed! Don't hesitate to take advantage of it by staying at Chalet La Source !