A Medieval Festival

Pages From Jan's Travel Journal: Thursday, May 5 2022

Desmond had to work until 1:00 that day. Craig and I had a leisurely breakfast and then lazed around the house, but left around noon to meet our son at the Medieval market. We had missed the Joan of Arc festival and were looking forward to the market. Both Jeff and Arno had agreed to join us there.

 

The festival was held just next to the cathedral.

It was a brilliant spring day and as we approached the festival grounds there was excitement in the air. Banners and flags were fluttering in the breeze and we could hear the music of flutes and bagpipes. There were dozens of tents and booths set up within the walls of Campo Santo, next to the cathedral. Enticing aromas lured us to the area where the food booths were set up. We all chose grilled meat and vegetables, with cider or beer. The food was delicious! 

Very festive!

We enjoyed a delicious meal at the
Medieval festival in Orleans, France.

It was wonderful to see Jeff and Arno again and to catch up with them. After lunch, we all began visiting the booths. There were many different types of handmade wares for sale. Craig found a leather wallet and a belt which were crafted by a sweet couple who have been selling their leather goods for 20 years at that festival. We bought some artisanal cheese from the man who made it, some craft beer from another vendor, and shampoo bars from a booth selling lots of handmade products. Des purchased some mead, too. It was so much fun walking around and looking at all the items for sale. 

Desmond browses the wares at the festival.

There were also activities for the children. I loved watching the little ones excitedly racing around on stick horses, practicing their jousting. Toward evening, we began to head toward home. We stopped for coffee at a cafe along the way, sitting at the outside tables on Place d'Arc. Arno left for a few minutes, slipping into a music store. He returned carrying a beautiful little instrument that I think is called a finger harp. He strummed it a bit while we chatted over our coffee and enjoyed the lovely view on the square.

 

Place d'Arc in Orleans

                                      

We said farewell to Jeff and walked home through the ancient part of town, passing by the beautiful Hotel Groslot, which was decked out with flowers and flags in honor of the festivities. Stopping to say goodbye to Arno as he veered off toward his place, we then headed home.

 

                                             

That evening, we made a simple supper of bread and the fabulous artisanal cheese from the festival. We finished our meal with yummy strawberry shortcakes.