Historical reenactment weekend 1914-1918

NOT TO BE MISSED: THE PARIS REGION’S NO.1 WW1 REENACTEMENT WEEKEND!

In the Museum’s gardens, visit a gigantic bivouac with more than 300 reenactors, vehicles and… animals!

Reconstitution associations present at 2026:
32ème Fab And Co ; Association Musée du champ de bataille ; Associazione Culturale Torre Diedo Aps ; Des Kaisers Armée ; Eperon 132 ; Fer De Lance ; Front Matrosen ; Historium ; Ivy Division 4th Recon Troop ; Le Colombier Militaire ; Les Aventuriers de l’histoire ; Les Gardiens ; Les Renards à l’Ouest ; Les Soldats de Plomb ; L’escouade ; Mémoire de Poilus ; Mémoire du Lion ; Messager Meldois ; Nazapad ; Ochotnicza Kompania Wielkopolska ; Passion 14-18 Histoire Vivante ; Pro Loco Fogliano Redipuglia ; Rsh.1944 ; Scènes & Marne 1914 ; Sturmtrupp « West Front » ; Taxi de la Marne ; TCF 1830-1920 ; Usarg de la Madeleine

In partnership with la Société des Amis du Musée de la Grande Guerre, Renault, Transdev, E. Leclerc, Meaux Marne Ourcq Tourisme, Pays de l’Ourcq

The historical re-enactment weekend on September 5 and 6 promises unforgettable moments: the presentation and driving of the impressive Saint-Chamond tank, but also the rare appearance of one of the Marne taxis, on loan from the Renault Foundation. Horse-riding demonstrations by the Fer de Lance association will also remind us of the essential role played by horses. Do not miss the two major parades in the city of Meaux, on Saturday in the city center and on Sunday in the Beauval district.

Program for the 2026 edition

Saturday, 5 September 2026

9:45 am – Flag-Raising Ceremony
By all participating associations – Demonstration Area
The weekend officially opens with the traditional flag-raising ceremony, bringing together all participating historical reenactment associations. A solemn moment marking the beginning of this journey into living history.

11:00 am & 4:15 pm – La Madelon Tank Demonstration
By Mémoire de Poilus – Demonstration Area
Watch La Madelon, an impressive replica of a First World War tank, come to life. This rare demonstration offers a unique opportunity to see one of these steel giants in action.

1:30 pm – Soldiers’ Canteen Inspection
By Scènes & Marne 1914 – Demonstration Area
Discover a scene inspired by the daily lives of First World War soldiers, where discipline, equipment and humour combine in an engaging historical reenactment. An entertaining way to explore life at the front.

2:00 pm – Musical Performance
By Passion 14-18 and Soldats de Plomb – Demonstration Area
Enjoy the popular tunes and songs that accompanied both soldiers and civilians throughout the First World War.

2:45 pm – Marne Taxi Demonstration and Speed Check
By Taxi de la Marne and Les Gardiens – Museum Forecourt
Relive the story of the famous Marne Taxis through a lively demonstration. Watch the vehicle in motion and discover why these automobiles became legendary during the Battle of the Marne.

3:30 pm – Gas Attack Demonstration
By Brigata Liguria – Demonstration Area
Experience a reenactment of one of the most feared aspects of the First World War: a gas attack. This educational demonstration explains the emergence of chemical warfare during the conflict.

5:00 pm – Musical Performance and Sabre Dance
By Nazapad – Demonstration Area
Enjoy traditional music and spectacular sabre dancing performed by the Nazapad association. A lively performance celebrating the traditions of Eastern Europe.

5:45 pm – Flag-Lowering Ceremony
By all participating associations – Demonstration Area
The day concludes with the traditional flag-lowering ceremony, bringing together all the reenactors. A respectful and moving moment marking the end of Saturday’s activities.

Outside the Museum : 11:00 am – Historical Reenactors’ Parade through Meaux Town Centre
Departure: Place Georges Brassens
Some of the reenactors leave the museum to parade through the streets of Meaux in period uniforms. A spectacular procession showcasing military uniforms from several nations.

Sunday, 6 September 2026

9:45 am – Flag-Raising Ceremony
By all participating associations – Demonstration Area
The day begins with the traditional flag-raising ceremony involving all reenactment associations. A symbolic event opening the final day of the festival.

10:00 am & 3:30 pm – La Madelon Tank Demonstration
By Mémoire de Poilus – Demonstration Area
The roar of the engine announces the arrival of La Madelon. Take this opportunity to see this iconic First World War vehicle operating at close range.

11:00 am – Equestrian Demonstration
By Fer de Lance – Demonstration Area
Horses return to the spotlight through a demonstration highlighting their essential role during the First World War. An elegant display combining precision, horsemanship and history.

1:30 pm – Soldiers’ Canteen Inspection
By Scènes & Marne 1914 – Demonstration Area
Combining humour, military discipline and historical anecdotes, this lively performance recreates a scene inspired by the daily routine of French soldiers during the Great War.

2:00 pm – Musical Performance
By Passion 14-18 and Soldats de Plomb – Demonstration Area
Listen to the songs and melodies that accompanied soldiers and civilians throughout the war, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the 1910s.

2:45 pm – Marne Taxi Demonstration and Speed Check
By Taxi de la Marne and Les Gardiens – Museum Forecourt
See an authentic Marne Taxi in motion during this unique demonstration, illustrating the legendary role these vehicles played in September 1914.

4:15 pm – German Troops Demonstration
By Ochotnicza Kompania Wielkopolska and STURMTRUPP “West Front” – Demonstration Area
Watch reenactors present the manoeuvres, equipment and field procedures of a German First World War unit. An authentic demonstration offering insight into the realities experienced on the other side of the front.

5:00 pm – Musical Performance and Sabre Dance
By Nazapad – Demonstration Area
Round off the day’s entertainment with a colourful performance combining traditional music and spectacular sabre dancing.

5:45 pm – Flag-Lowering Ceremony
By all participating associations – Demonstration Area
All participating associations gather one final time for the flag-lowering ceremony, bringing the 2026 Historical Reenactment Weekend to a respectful and memorable close.

Outside the Museum : 11:00 am – Historical Reenactors’ Parade in the Beauval District (Meaux)
The Beauval district of Meaux hosts Sunday’s grand parade. Military and civilian reenactors will transport local residents back to the atmosphere of 1914–1918.

Throughout the Weekend

• Changing of the Guard at the trench exit by Scènes & Marne 1914
• Sale of rare and second-hand books by the Friends of the Museum of the Great War Society
• Historical wargames and traditional games presented by the Friends of the Museum of the Great War Society
• Information stand hosted by the Friends of the Musée de l’Armée Society
• Access to the temporary exhibitions “Colours of War” and “Behind the Masks: Photographs from the Two World Wars” (included with museum admission)

Please, be aware that the trench will only be accessible by reservation (with time slots) and with an additional fee of €3.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR THE 2026 EDITION

TICKETS

Admission includes access to the historical re-enactment event, the museum’s permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. Please note that the immersive trench experience requires an additional ticket.

Advance booking (until Friday, 4 September, 10:00 pm)

• 1-day ticket: €5 per person
• 2-day pass: €8 per person

On-site or online sales (Saturday, 5 September and Sunday, 6 September only)

• 1-day ticket: €7 per person
• 2-day pass: €10 per person

Immersive Trench Experience

• Additional charge: €3 per person
• Advance booking required
• Time slots every 30 minutes

Free admission

• Children under 12
• Active military personnel and Operation Sentinelle personnel
• Tourism professionals from the Île-de-France region
• Museum curators
• ICOM members
• French Ministry of Culture cardholders
• Teachers who have booked a school visit with the museum for the current academic year

Advance online booking is strongly recommended. E-tickets will be scanned at the entrance to the event.

Tickets may also be purchased on site. Accepted payment methods: Visa/Mastercard (American Express not accepted), cash, cheque and French Chèques-Vacances.

FOOD & DRINK

A food court offering both savoury and sweet options will be available in the museum grounds throughout the weekend.

ACCESS & PARKING

Parking

The museum car park will be closed to the general public and reserved exclusively for visitors with disabilities (proof of eligibility required).

Visitors are advised to use the Champ de Foire car park (Avenue de la Marne, Meaux).

Free shuttle buses will run continuously throughout the weekend between the Champ de Foire car park (Rue Léon Le Royer, Meaux) and the museum.

The P’tite Navette shuttle service will also operate between Meaux railway station (25 minutes from Paris Gare de l’Est via the P Line) and the museum.

Regular public bus services also provide access to the museum.

Shuttle timetables will be available from 25 August 2026.