Quintaine Festival

Place de la Libération

A traditional celebration dating from the 15th century that honors Saint Léonard, the founder of the city and patron saint of prisoners. The Quintaine is a small wooden prison about one meter high. It traverses the old town to the sound of a traditional tune, carried by the confrères of Saint Léonard. Next comes the traditional photo on the forecourt of the collegiate church and the blessing of the Quintaine during the Messe Solennelle. After being blessed, the Quintaine is carried in a procession, hoisted on a pole, then attacked and destroyed by riders at speed, armed with wooden clubs, the…