I'm beginning to plan my family's trip to the Dordogne next summer, and I have just come across mention of a massive re-enactment of the Battle of Castillon that is staged each year. My 8-year-old son might really enjoy something like this.

The event's own website keeps freezing up on me, so I thought I'd ask here if anyone has ever attended this extravaganza.

From other things I've read, I can't tell if it's a sound-and-light show, an actual re-enactment, or a bit of both.

I gather we'd need tickets in advance.

Thanks for any details you can share.

It's absolutely fabulous. It's both a sound and light show and a re-enactment, replete with a cast of about 500 people and myriad horses and other animals. It's one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. Yes, you have to get tickets in advance. Get there early so you get a good seat (the crowd is enormous) and so that you can wander around the stalls outside the venue (good eats as well as costumed folks selling trinkets your son will enjoy). The whole thing takes several hours (I think last time we went it began around 9 pm and wasn't done until after midnight). I won't give you the details, but there are some absolutely spectacular moments in this event.

Oh, and do read up on the Battle of Castillon ahead of time who you know who everybody is and what's happening.

Thanks so much, St. Cirq. Aside from bedtime issues (will he be able to stay awake?) this sounds wonderful. I appreciate the endorsement.

How far ahead do you suppose we'd need to book?

(We're reading up on the Hundred Years' War in anticipation of the trip.)

The first time we went my kids were 7 and 10. No way would they have fallen asleep. There's a continual narrative, music, and just the din of the battle, horses racing, burning wagons being dragged up hills....constant motion, light, and noise.

We book a couple of months ahead, at least.

Sounds like real fun! Here is the website:
http://www.batailledecastillon.com/B..._Castillon.htm

It's on the shortlist, for sure!

I really appreciate your advice.