Le Puy en Velay

Le Puy en Velay is known for its lentils, lace and green liqueur, Vervaine, as well as for having a medieval renaissance festival once a year. The festival is called Le Roi de L'oiseau or the Bird King festival. Each year the locals as well as visitors dress in medieval costume and the entire town is transformed to medieval times. There were peasants and street musicians as well as people in velvet gowns attending parties and dancing. Lauren had a costume from last school year and John had a sword, so they were ready to participate. Preston tried to rent costumes for the rest of us, but thankgoodness they were all rented out! I was perfectly content to walk around and observe.



In the past, the festival centered around the Bird King contest. The person that shoots the most birds with a bow and arrow would be crowned Bird King and would not have to pay taxes for the year. Although the contest is still held as part of the festival, they shoot targets instead of birds and the prize is no longer free taxes. Believe me, Preston asked.


It was great to walk around the cobblestones and see the women washing in the fountain or hand making lace. We watched several exhibitions at the base of the cathedral and sampled the local food. We ate fruit pies, crepes and drank hypocrat, a spiced wine. Of course we had lentils and a verveine flavored dessert for dinner at a quaint little restaurant. It was a fun day for all of us, especially John and Lauren. They had a great time pretending to be a lady and a knight. John didn't have a complete costume, so we bought him a few pieces before the night was over.

We had such a great time this year that I hope that we can go back to the festival again. I might even go all out and rent costumes for the whole family!