Official web site of the castle of Blois

From 14 July 2011 11:30 to 31 August 2011 18:00

"1577, duels at the court of Henri III"
Show of ancient fencing in the castle, every day at 11:30 am, 3:30 pm and 5:00 pm.
Show of ancient fencing realized by the national Academy of fencing, written and staged by Laurent Tixier. Presented every day in the courtyard or in the seigneurial room of the castle, except Monday and Tuesday at 5:00 pm, free sessions in front of the entrance of the castle.

In 1577, in Blois as elsewhere in France, religious dissent stirred up hatred between Catholics and Protestants. The most violent members did not hesitate to provoke duels to defend their point of view. In this context, two brothers from the House of Tornelierre, both convinced members of the Catholic League, have chosen to pick a fight with Hugues de Mauriac, a Huguenot known to defend his cause. A rough sword and dagger combat ensues, whose fatal outcome seems inevitable….

Fencers / comedians :

Julien Pennanec’ a hour : Hugues de Mauriac Lorenzo Bello : Benjamin de Tornelierre Berthon Paul : François de Tornelierre

Laurent D’ Elia : Hugues de Mauriac Eric Brunet : Benjamin de Tornelierre Ghislain Poiron : François de Tornelierre

Musicians / comediennes :

Alicia Ducout (Ancient Harp and percussions) : Jeanne de Mauriac

Juliette Leroy (Portative organ and percussions) : Jeanne de Mauriac

Art director : Laurent Tixier Choreographic director : Michel Palvadeau In charge of production : Gurval Réto

Wardrobe master : Elise Bossard Rapiers and Daggers : nation-sport (Paris) Production Diapason With the cooperation of the CNEA (national Academy of ancient fencing) and of the General Council of Vendée.