The military association of Compagnie des Pennons de Lyon has celebrated the medieval history of Lyon city since 1987, especially Lyon’s revolt against the archdiocese in the XIVth.

Lyon’s History

In the Middle-Ages all the power was held by the archdiocese until 1269 when the merchants of the local bourgeoisie revolted against the archdiocese. One company or “pennon” was organized for each district in defense of the inhabitants’ rights. The 28 pennons were in charge of the defense of Lyon city’s gates under the Ancien Régime.

An Exceptional Medieval Feast in Lyon

Today, Lyon’s medieval feast is a beautiful event when the frontier between past and present is blurred.
When we watch this video of 2011, we feel we can see the two graceful swordswomen dancing like swans and the Phantom man hiding his real identity to lead us through the mysterious streets of the Old Lyon.

No doubt, we feel secure as the soldier on watch comes to the walls of the city when suddenly the Basilica of Fourviere stands like a colossal work of art overlooking the city of lights at sunset..