The story
King of the Bird Renaissance Festival in Le Puy-en-Velay
Le Puy-en-Velay's old town becomes a lived-in Renaissance world each September, built around the historical Roi de l'Oiseau archery tradition. Expect costumed encampments, torchlit parades, Renaissance balls and a closing archery contest that crowns a new king, staged across the town's genuinely medieval streets and volcanic outcrops.
For five days each September, the hilltop old town of Le Puy-en-Velay turns itself into a lived-in sixteenth century, with residents and visiting troupes filling the streets in Renaissance dress for the Fetes Renaissance du Roi de l'Oiseau.