Since 2005, a historical event on the theme of the Renaissance has been held over two evenings. This year, they take place on Tuesday, August 2, and Wednesday, August 3, starting at 7 PM in the heart of the village of Villeneuve-Loubet.
Aimed at the general public, including families, this festive event offers colorful parades, shows, workshops, games, music and dance, taverns…
An estimated 15,000 visitors over the two evenings are French and foreign summer tourists.
The festival highlights a page of the history of Villeneuve-Loubet: the stay of the King of France, Francis I, accompanied by his court, at the Château de Villeneuve in 1538.
One of the peculiarities of our event is that it relies on a specific historical event.
On May 31, 1538, it was a revolution in the small rural village of “Villeneuve,” also called “Villeneuve près de Nice” or “Villeneuve en Provence”. King Francis I, who has been traveling in the south of his kingdom since April, will arrive at any moment.
He is not alone: his court accompanies him, along with a solid escort of 1,600 horses and 6,000 foot soldiers, a total of nearly 15,000 people.
The King will stay there until June 22, the time needed to sign the Truce of Nice with his great rival, Emperor Charles V, at the initiative of Pope Paul III, tired of their incessant quarrels.
The Pope resides near Nice, the Emperor is anchored at Villefranche-sur-Mer, and the King of France has chosen the Château de Villeneuve-Loubet, owned by his aunt Anne de Lascaris, who, with her son Claude de Savoie, welcomes him with open arms. He needs to feed all of his people! The countryside of Villeneuve-Loubet and its surroundings are bountiful. Finally, the Var River, a natural border, provides an interesting perimeter of security.
During his stay, Francis I continues to exercise royal power. About fifty acts recorded in various chanceries attest to this. He also takes the opportunity to visit neighboring cities, granting rewards or confirmations of privileges.
The king will ratify the Truce of Nice on June 21, after the Pope and the Emperor.
