Medieval nights in Paris have a special kind of pull. This one takes you underground in the stone Caves Saint-Sabin, where the King of Ribauds runs the show from a legendary tavern setting. I like that it’s built around doing things, not just watching.

Two things I really enjoy here are the free medieval costume rental for your whole evening and the fact that the dance portion is taught for beginners, not just performed at you. One possible drawback to plan for: food and drinks are ordered on site, and there can be limited space to eat comfortably.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Vaulted caves near Bastille: The setting is part of the magic, literally under the street.
• Costumes included: You borrow a troubadour, court lady, knight, or rogue look for the night.
• Food and drinks not included: Order on site; quality seems solid, but seating for eating can feel tight.
• Medieval dance instruction: You get an intro to dances like carole and tresque, with more period steps.
• Interactive entertainment: Music, games, pranks, and surprises can pull you into the story.
• Limited capacity: Book ahead because this is not a huge open-to-anyone event.

Entering the Medieval World at Caves Saint-Sabin (Rue Saint-Sabin)

The meeting point is at the entrance to Caves Saint Sabin, 50 Rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris. You’ll arrive to a staff member dressed in period costume, and they’ll point you to the start of the evening at your chosen time from 7:00 p.m. On many nights, that first moment matters: you want to step inside while the troupe is still setting the mood.

The real star is the environment. This event happens in vaulted cellars in the heart of Paris, close to the former Bastille fortress area and the Temple district. That matters because a tavern story works best when the walls do the heavy lifting. Once you’re down there, it feels like you’ve crossed a line from modern Paris to something older and stranger.

It’s also a practical spot for people who want atmosphere without fuss. You don’t need to line up outside a big venue for hours, and you don’t need to hunt for the “right” section of the event. You simply follow the flow—costumes first, then the night begins.

Costume Rental for the Whole Night: Free Disguise, Real Fun

One of the best value pieces here is the medieval costume rental included with admission. You borrow your outfit for the duration of the evening, so you can commit to the bit without buying something you’ll never wear again.

From what the program supports, you’ll be able to choose a look like troubadour, court lady, knight, or notorious rogue. That’s not just for photos. Costumes change how you move through the space, and they help the troupe build interaction. People tend to relax once they’re “in character,” and the whole room feels more willing to participate.

Practical note: there’s mention of a paid cloakroom (vesting) for 2 €. If you’re arriving with a big coat or backpack, plan for a small extra cost so you can dance and move without hauling everything around.

Also, if you’re the type who worries about feeling awkward, this is the right setup. You don’t need to be bold. Put on the costume, follow the energy, and you’ll find your comfort level fast.

Food and Drinks: Medieval Recipes, But You Order On Site

Here’s how the meal side works: food and drinks are not included. You order on site based on what you want, and the menu is meant to follow medieval recipes and “period” drink themes.

The tavern’s drink list is described in classic medieval style, including things like mead, hypocras, rustic beers, and other secret potions. If you like trying themed drinks, this is one of the main ways to make the night feel complete, since you’re not paying for a packaged set menu.

One thing to know before you go is pacing. A past review pointed out there aren’t many places to eat. That doesn’t mean you won’t find food, but it might mean you’ll eat closer to show moments or standing up with your drink for a while. If you’re planning to arrive hungry, consider eating a proper meal beforehand so you’re not stuck waiting for the best seating.

Dietary options are another reality check. One recent booking reported no vegetarian options on that day. So if you eat vegetarian, don’t assume you’ll be covered automatically. It’s smart to ask staff on the spot about what’s available that evening.

The King of Ribauds’ Tavern Show: Music, Performers, and Light Chaos

The night is run by the troupe under the watchful eye of the King of Ribauds. The premise is playful and a little mysterious: he invites you to a legendary tavern where laughter and surprises are part of the structure. It’s theater you share with others, not a silent show you sit through.

You can expect a musical atmosphere, live performers, and entertaining street-style moments inside the venue. The program also includes entertainment stands and “medieval surprises.” The language used for the event warns about pranks, unexpected encounters, and provost’s archers, which is a fun heads-up: don’t come expecting everything to be polite and predictable.

That’s also why this experience is more fun in a group. If you go with friends, you’re more likely to enjoy the spontaneous parts, like being pulled into a moment or getting caught up in the tavern’s game energy. If you’re more reserved, you can still have a great time, but you may want to keep a bit of distance until you see how interactive things get that night.

One review highlighted how friendly and effective the team feels once you walk in. That matters, because when you’re surrounded by costumed characters and action, you want staff who can help you find where you need to be quickly.

Medieval Dance Instruction and the Festive Ball

This is one of the most practical reasons to book. The event includes an introduction to period dances, with examples such as carole, tresque, tarantella, and other dance forms that match the medieval theme.

I like that the dance portion is designed for real beginners. A recent review praised the dance instruction led by a competent instructor who can bring beginners up to speed. That means you’re not stuck as the person who only claps in the back row. You’re invited to learn a few steps and then use them in the festive ball atmosphere.

Think of this as structured fun. You get the short teaching moment, then the room shifts into party mode, and suddenly you’re moving with the group instead of watching the dancers do everything. If you’ve always wanted to try European folk-style dancing but never found the right class, this can scratch that itch without a long commitment.

Also, don’t overthink it. Wear something you can move in, expect to follow cues, and go with the flow. Even if you only pick up a few steps, you’ll still get the point: you’re participating in the story.

Timing Your Evening: Arrive Anytime After 7:00 p.m., Close at 1:00 a.m.

You can arrive at the time of your choice from 7:00 p.m., and the venue closes at 1:00 a.m. That gives you flexibility. If you’re sightseeing earlier in the day, you can come when you’re ready rather than rushing.

That said, the schedule can vary. One booking reported an opening from 20:00 to 05:00 on a recent date, which suggests some evenings may run longer. Your safest move is to check the confirmed time window on your booking and plan your night with a little buffer.

How I’d structure your arrival:

• Aim to show up early in the window if you want time for costumes and drinks before the dancing really ramps up.
• If you’re mainly there for the ball and dance instruction, arrive closer to when the show momentum starts so you’re not waiting around too long.

Once you’re inside, the evening tends to feel like one continuous party. The “start” isn’t a single fixed performance you wait for. It’s a sequence: costumes, atmosphere, music, interactive moments, and then the dance segment.

Price and Value: What You Get for €13 Advance or €16 at the Door

Admission is listed as €13 in advance or €16 at the door, and costumes are included. That’s the key value angle: you’re paying for the entire themed evening experience plus access to the venue atmosphere, live show elements, and dance instruction.

Food and drinks are not included, so you will likely add extra spending on site. But that can actually be a plus if you want control. You choose what you eat and what you sip, rather than committing to a set menu you might not like.

So where does the value come from?

• Costume rental (big cost if you were to buy or rent elsewhere)
• Entertainment and musicians
• Dance instruction and participation
• A unique location in stone vaults under Paris

If you love theater, folk dancing, and “try it yourself” experiences, this looks like a fair deal for central Paris. If you only want a meal and a quiet cultural show, the add-on nature of food/drinks might feel less appealing.

Practical Tips to Make It a Smooth Medieval Night

Here are the small details that help you enjoy the big parts.

First, dress for movement. Even if you’re not a dancer, you’ll probably stand, clap, and follow cues. Comfortable shoes matter.

Second, keep your expectations flexible. There’s a strong interactive streak with pranks and surprises, so the experience isn’t meant to be perfectly scripted for every person in exactly the same way. That’s not a downside if you’re open to a bit of chaos.

Third, plan for eating space. If you want to eat during the evening, don’t assume you’ll find a full dining setup. One review pointed out limited seating for eating, so you may need to time your order and find your spot.

Fourth, for vegetarian diets, ask. Since one booking reported no vegetarian options that day, it’s smart to confirm what’s available as early as possible.

Finally, book ahead. Capacity is limited, and that matters in an experience like this where the troupe interacts with the group and the setting isn’t a massive hall.

Should You Book La Taverne Médiévale?

Book this if you want a fun, social night in Paris where the venue, costumes, music, and dance instruction all work together. If you like experiences that pull you into the action—especially learning a few dance steps—this is a strong match for the price.

Skip it (or at least think hard) if you mainly care about included dining, guaranteed vegetarian options, or a traditional sit-down show. Also, if the idea of pranks and surprise interactions sounds stressful, you might feel better choosing something less interactive.

If you’re on the fence, my advice is simple: decide whether you’ll spend your night participating. If yes, this tavern evening has a lot going for it. If you want only passive entertainment, the “tavern life” style may feel less satisfying.

FAQ

Where is La Taverne Médiévale located?

The meeting point is at the entrance to Caves Saint Sabin, 50 Rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris, France.

What are the event days and hours?

It runs all year round, Monday through Saturday. You can arrive any time from 7:00 p.m., and it closes at 1:00 a.m.

How much does admission cost?

Admission is €13 in advance or €16 at the door, with costumes included.

Is the costume rental included?

Yes. Medieval costume rental is included, and the costumes are loaned for the duration of the evening.

What is included in the ticket?

You get access to the tavern for the evening, costume rental, and a live show with musicians, dancing, and street performers, plus an introduction to medieval dances.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included and you order on site according to your preferences.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included and you order on site.

Do I need to arrive at a specific time?

You can arrive at any time from 7:00 p.m. within the evening’s operating window.

Is booking required?

Bookings are strongly recommended because capacity is limited.

Are there vegetarian options?

Vegetarian options are not guaranteed. One booking reported no vegetarian options on a specific day, so it’s wise to ask staff about what’s available that evening.