Josselin is a charming medieval village in inland Brittany. We had almost included it in our boating agenda, so felt we needed to check out the wonderful castle. Rather quirkily (we thought), Josselin chooses Bastille Day to hold a medieval festival. About 1500 people get kitted out in period costumes, the town is decked out with flags and whatnot, whole pigs roast on spits, mounted nobles clip-clop their way through the streets, mummers and players entertain the crowds (a bit tricky, this part, if your French isn't up to scratch), archers representing local towns compete, and so on.
This can all sound a bit squirmingly like Sovereign Hill, but the reality is less cutesy than it might sound. The fact that there's a genuine medieval village in which it all takes place, with the backdrop of a castle, helps enormously - as does the effort that the entire town puts into getting into the spirit of the day.
The day finishes with a magnificent fireworks display along the river near the castle.
This can all sound a bit squirmingly like Sovereign Hill, but the reality is less cutesy than it might sound. The fact that there's a genuine medieval village in which it all takes place, with the backdrop of a castle, helps enormously - as does the effort that the entire town puts into getting into the spirit of the day.
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