Quintaine Festival

Place de la Libération

A traditional festival celebrated since the 15th century honoring Saint Leonard, the founder of the city and patron saint of prisoners. The Quintaine is a small wooden prison about 1 meter high. It is carried through the old town to the sound of traditional airs, by the brothers of Saint Leonard. Next comes the traditional photo on the courtyard of the collegiate church and the blessing of the Quintaine during the Solemn Mass. After being blessed, the Quintaine is carried in procession, raised on a pole and then attacked and destroyed by riders in the race, armed with wooden clubs, the…