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Turenne's crazy week

Publié le 18 April 2025 par su_laetis

1650-2026...

The owner of Château de Turenne is taking inspiration from the history of the village, and in particular from a very festive period in its history (1650), to offer events celebrating memorable festivities.

The festivities will take place on 16 and 17 May 2026.

What was Turenne's "crazy week"?

In May 1650, the slingshot was raging in France. The great lords of the kingdom were in revolt against Mazarin and the regent Anne of Austria. The Prince of Condé, his brother and brother-in-law were imprisoned by Mazarin at the Château de Vincennes.

Condé's wife, escorted by 2,000 men, decided to travel to Bordeaux to rally parliament to her cause and raise an army. On the way, they were welcomed in Turenne by Frédéric Maurice, Duke of Bouillon, brother of the great Turenne and an ardent rebel.

For a week, while all the preparations were put in place for a smooth descent to Bordeaux, the town of Turenne was alive with the festivities offered to the great men of the kingdom.

The capital of the viscounty had not seen such pomp since that date.

History suggests that it will take several years for the Viscounty to recover from the expenses incurred by what is now known as Turenne's Crazy Week.

Programme for the 2026 version of Crazy Week

16 May: Renaissance Day

  • 12.15pm - Historical re-enactment
    Attend a falconers' wedding during the Renaissance period, a lively and colourful scene inspired by the traditions of yesteryear.

  • 13:00 - Festive Banquet
    Share a convivial moment over a grand banquet set up in the Château's hanging gardens.
    Booking is strongly advised and subject to weather conditions.

  • 3.30pm - Historical lecture
    Join Michel Jarrige, historian of the Château, for a lecture on the Maréchal de Turenne, to gain a better understanding of this great historical figure.

Throughout the day

  • Renaissance walk around the Château and its gardens with the association Les Fugues Vénitiennes.
Renaissance costume parade in Turenne
  • Old-fashioned games available for old-fashioned fun.
  • Presentation of the art of falconry by the association Les Grandes Ailes Corréziennes.
  • Historical immersive sensory workshop to experience History with your senses. (Subject to availability, information available from the château shop).

17 May: a day of discovery and sharing

  • Renaissance walk

  • Ancient games

  • 3.30pm - Historical lecture
    Attend a talk by Michel Jarrige, the castle's historian, to find out more about the history and key figures of the Viscounty of Turenne.

  • Immersive sensory history workshop
    An original workshop to discover the history of La Semaine Folle in a different way, through the senses and immersion.
    (Subject to availability, information available from the château shop).

  • Activities for younger visitors
    The château team will also be offering workshops specially designed for children, so that they can learn while having fun.

Practical info

  • The banquet on 16 May: a choice of 4 times: 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm. Prices: €35 adults and €20 children (under 12s)
  • Open from 10.30am to 6pm
  • Admission:
    - 8.40€ for adults
    - 6.90 for concessions (under 18s, students, seniors (over 60s), jobseekers, disabled people (proof required) and groups of 12 or more)
    - 25 Family pass (2 adults + 2 children) and €30 (2 adults + 3 children)
  • Further information on the Château de Turenne website

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