The Medieval Tavern Experience the Unmissable Festive and Immersive Event

Imagine wandering into a stone-walled cellar beneath Paris, where the air is thick with the scent of medieval spices and the hum of lively music. For just $19 per person, you and your travel companions can spend an evening transported to the Middle Ages at La Taverne Médiévale, located a stone’s throw from the Bastille. This 1-day immersive event is held in vaulted cellars right in the heart of the city, offering an experience that’s as playful as it is authentic.

What drew us in is the promise of costumes provided free of charge—a chance to dress as a troubadour, knight, or court lady—plus the opportunity to sample medieval recipes and drinks from yesteryear. We also loved the lively atmosphere of medieval music and dance, which gives you a real taste of what festive life was like centuries ago.

One thing to consider is that food and drinks aren’t included in the ticket price, so you’ll want to budget extra if you’re hungry or thirsty. The experience is best suited for those who enjoy interactive entertainment, historical costumes, and a bit of theatrical fun. Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with friends, this event appeals to anyone curious about medieval life and looking for a memorable evening in Paris.

Key Points

• Authentic Atmosphere: Experience the lively and mysterious setting of a medieval Parisian tavern.
• Costume Fun: Free period costumes help you blend into the scene and add to the fun.
• Interactive Entertainment: Enjoy live music, medieval dances, and surprises orchestrated by the troupe.
• Culinary Delights: Taste medieval recipes and drinks like mead and hypocras, but plan for extra if you want to eat or drink.
• Location and Accessibility: Located near the Bastille, in vaulted cellars, with a flexible start time from 7 p.m.
• Capacity and Booking: Limited spots mean early reservations are a good idea; cancelation is flexible if needed.

When we first arrived at Caves Saint Sabin, the setting immediately set the tone—dark stone walls, a cozy underground vibe, and everyone dressed in period costumes. Our guide, or perhaps the host, greeted us in a lively manner that made it clear this was more than just a dinner—it was a lively, theatrical celebration.

The costume rental, included in the ticket price, was a highlight; we loved slipping into the garb of a knight and lady, which made the experience all the more immersive. The costumes are simple but authentic-looking, and you’re encouraged to interact and mingle, which adds a layer of genuine fun.

The evening kicks off with a welcoming introduction to medieval dances like the carole, tresque, and tarantella. The performers are talented and encourage participation, making everyone feel involved rather than just an observer. The live music, with period instruments, creates a festive backdrop that transports you away from modern Paris streets.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Setting and Atmosphere

The vaulted cellars exude a rustic charm that instantly reminds you of Paris’s medieval past. The stone arches and dim lighting create a cozy yet lively ambiance, perfect for a night of revelry. The entire setting is carefully curated to give visitors a sense of stepping into a different era, with touches like medieval banners and street performers adding authentic flair.

Costuming and Participation

One of the best features is the free costume rental. Whether you choose to be a troubadour, court lady, knight, or rogue, dressing up encourages you to let your guard down and fully immerse yourself. As one reviewer noted, “We felt like we were part of the scene rather than just observing it.”

Food and Drinks

While the experience includes no meals or beverages, the on-site bar offers medieval-inspired drinks such as mead, hypocras, rustic beers, and other secret potions. The recipes are crafted in accordance with traditional methods, giving you a taste of medieval flavors. Since food isn’t included, you might want to arrive hungry or plan to purchase something on-site. The prices for drinks might seem modest, but as some visitors mentioned, “it’s worth the extra to enjoy a toast with friends in such an atmospheric setting.”

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Entertainment and Interactivity

The core of the evening is live entertainment—musicians, dancers, and street performers perform throughout the night, often interacting with guests. The highlight is the medieval dance lesson, which gets everyone involved. Expect pranks, surprises, and perhaps a few playful pranks from the troupe, which keeps the mood light and humorous.

One reviewer summed it up well: “No one leaves unscathed—those pranksters really know how to keep everyone entertained.” The festive ball and music are lively and authentic, giving you a real sense of medieval celebration.

Accessibility and Timing

Guests can arrive anytime after 7 p.m., which offers flexibility. The event runs until around 1 a.m., so whether you want a quick evening or a long night of fun, there’s plenty of time. However, capacity is limited, so early booking is strongly recommended—especially during peak seasons.

Who Will Love This?

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy interactive, theatrical events and want to dress up and play along. History buffs will appreciate the authentic costumes and recipes, while those looking for a fun, social night out will find the lively entertainment appealing. It’s also a fantastic option for groups, couples, and even solo visitors eager for a memorable evening in Paris.

At $19, this experience offers a lot of entertainment and immersion for the price, especially considering the included costumes and live performances. Compared to other Paris entertainment options—like cabaret shows or dinner theaters—this one offers a more authentic, participatory feel with a lesser price point.

Remember, food and drinks are extra, but the atmosphere alone justifies the expense. Plus, booking in advance guarantees your spot, as capacity is limited. The flexibility to arrive anytime after 7 p.m. and stay as long as you like makes it suitable for various schedules.

If you’re after a fun, lively night that combines history, costumes, music, and interactive entertainment, the Medieval Tavern in Paris offers genuine value. It’s especially appealing to those curious about medieval customs or who simply want a different kind of night out. You’ll leave with memorable stories, plenty of photos in your costume, and perhaps even a new dance move or two.

While it doesn’t include meals, the authentic medieval recipes and drinks available on-site add to the charm. The event’s intimate underground setting and engaging performers make it a standout among Parisian evening activities.

To sum it up, this is a terrific choice for anyone who loves a touch of the theatrical, a splash of history, and a good dose of fun. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple celebrating, or a family with kids (age permitting), you’ll find this experience well worth the modest cost and time invested.

Is this experience suitable for children?
The tour is generally fun and interactive, but since it is aimed at an adult audience and involves alcohol consumption, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers with a taste for history and costumes.

Can I arrive late or leave early?
Guests can arrive any time after 7 p.m., but the event runs until 1 a.m. It’s recommended to arrive on time to enjoy the full experience; early departure might mean missing some entertainment.

Are the costumes comfortable?
The costumes are simple and designed to look authentic, not necessarily to be comfortable all night long. They’re suitable for photos and fun participation but are not high fashion.

Does the experience happen every day?
The Medieval Tavern is open Monday through Saturday, all year round, so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, because capacity is limited and bookings are strongly recommended to secure a spot.

What language is the show in?
The primary language is French, but some content is shown in its original language. Expect lively, visual entertainment that transcends language barriers.

Is the event indoors or outdoors?
The setting is in vaulted underground cellars, offering an atmospheric indoor environment.

Can I purchase food or drinks on-site?
Yes, but they are not included in the ticket price. Expect medieval-inspired beverages and perhaps some snacks.

How long does the event last?
You can plan for approximately 4-6 hours, from arrival after 7 p.m. until close at 1 a.m., allowing ample time for enjoyment and participation.

Is transportation to the venue difficult?
The venue is centrally located near the Bastille, accessible by public transport. It’s within walking distance from key sights, making it easy to incorporate into your Paris itinerary.

In short, the Medieval Tavern experience offers a lively, authentic taste of medieval life right in the heart of Paris. It’s a playful, reasonably priced event that guarantees a memorable night—whether you’re a history buff, costume enthusiast, or just someone looking for a fun evening out.

You can check availability for your dates here: