The Medieval Tavern – Experience the Unmissable Festive and Immersive Event

A night in a medieval tavern in Paris. You’ll find it under the streets at Caves Saint Sabin, a stone’s throw from the Bastille, where the King of Ribauds runs the show. Expect period music, a festive ball, and interactive entertainment that turns a regular evening into something stranger and more fun.

What I like most is the free costume rental. You don’t just watch. You wear something that instantly changes how the whole room feels. I also love that the dance portion comes with an introduction to period steps like carole, tresque, and tarantella, so beginners aren’t left standing around.

One possible drawback: seating can feel tight when people want to eat. One review also noted the ad description didn’t match their expectations, so it’s smart to go in expecting theater and audience interaction, not a polished fine-dining event.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Free costume rental for the full evening (you blend in fast)
• Vaulted cellar setting at Caves Saint Sabin, near Bastille/Temple area
• Period drinks and medieval recipes ordered on site (not included)
• Dance lesson + live music with steps like carole and tresque
• Interactive surprises including pranks and the provost’s archers
• Limited capacity, so booking ahead helps you get a spot

Caves Saint Sabin: Your medieval starting gate in Paris

This experience begins at Caves Saint Sabin, 50 Rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris. If you like immersion, the location does half the job for you. You’re underground in vaulted spaces, and the room naturally supports the whole story: candles, stone, and that slightly mysterious tavern vibe.

It’s also a very practical neighborhood choice. You’re in eastern Paris, close to areas people associate with the Bastille and the Temple district. That matters because you can pair this night with a normal Paris day without spending time crossing the city.

Timing wise, you can arrive any time from 7:00 p.m. (they recommend arriving at the welcome point in costume). The venue closes at 1:00 a.m. If you’re trying to plan dinner and pre-show drinks, give yourself buffer time. One review mentioned different opening hours (20:00 to 05:00), so your safest move is to follow the time slot on your confirmation and keep your schedule flexible.

The King of Ribauds and the costume rule: show up ready

The whole thing is run in character by the King of Ribauds and his troupe. Right away, you’re treated as part of the evening’s cast, not just a ticket number. Even if you don’t know medieval dances, the atmosphere is set so you can join without feeling lost.

And yes: costumes are provided free of charge. They’re loaned for the duration of the evening, so you can dress as a troubadour, court lady, knight, or… a notorious rogue. The point isn’t fancy wardrobe quality (though it helps), it’s confidence. Once you’re in costume, you get included easier when the performers start drawing people into the fun.

A small planning note from the reviews: there’s mention of a vestiaire (cloakroom) for a fee (2€). If you’re bringing a jacket or small bag, think ahead so you’re not scrambling when you’re ready to eat and dance.

Food and old-school drinks: how to budget like a local

Here’s the most important money reality: food and drinks are not included in the admission. You’ll order on site based on what you want. That means the final cost depends on your appetite and drink choices.

Still, there’s value in how it’s set up. You’re not eating a standard restaurant menu in a themed room. You’re choosing medieval-style dishes and beverages that match the evening’s world—things like mead, hypocras, rustic beers, and other secret potions.

One review specifically praised the food quality, saying it was good, but another also complained there weren’t many places to eat. Translation for you: plan for a busy room, expect a wait for seating at peak moments, and don’t let hunger ruin the vibe.

Dietary considerations: one review mentioned no vegetarian options on their day. That doesn’t mean it’s always the case, but it does mean you shouldn’t assume. If vegetarian matters for you, consider messaging ahead or be prepared to adjust your order on the night.

Also: one review said the drink prices were reasonable and mentioned a smoking corner. If you smoke, it helps to know there’s an area rather than standing around guessing.

Music and the medieval dance lesson: carole, tresque, tarantella

This is where the experience earns its “unmissable” nickname. The evening includes live music and a festive ball, plus an introduction to medieval dances.

You’ll see dance styles named in the program such as:

• carole
• tresque
• tarantella

(and related period steps)

What makes this genuinely worth your ticket is the teaching style. One review praised a young instructor as competent and good with beginners. That’s key. Many “themed dance nights” throw you on the floor with zero instruction. Here, you’re given entry-level guidance so you can participate instead of just watching.

Once the group moves, you’ll likely find that performers and dancers actively include people. One review said the dancers were friendly and pulled participants into their circle. If you like a social atmosphere where you can laugh at yourself and still learn a few steps, this works well.

Practical tip: wear shoes you can move in. You don’t need dance shoes, but avoid anything slippery. The floor is an important detail in a dance show, and it’s not the time to test whether your footwear can handle it.

The show is interactive: pranks, surprises, and being part of the tavern

This isn’t a sit-down performance with a clear boundary between audience and actors. The program includes entertainment, stands, and medieval surprises orchestrated by the King’s troupe. The theme even warns you about pranks and unexpected encounters, including the provost’s archers.

That tells you what to expect: the evening wants participation. The best mindset is playful, not precious. If someone in costume tries to involve you, go with the flow. You’ll get more out of it if you treat it like shared theater.

Also, remember the setting: vaulted cellars, strong roleplay energy, lots happening at once. If you’re the type who likes everything explained ahead of time, you might find the pace a bit chaotic. But if you enjoy theater with audience interaction, you’ll probably consider that part of the fun.

Paris at night, with a medieval twist: what the venue does for the atmosphere

A themed event can fail in two ways: it looks cheap, or it feels like a gimmick. In this case, the setting supports the story. Underground stone spaces already look medieval. Add costume, music, and a troupe working the room, and you get a night that feels like a living scene rather than a photo backdrop.

The atmosphere is also described as highly convivial in reviews. That word matters: it suggests you’re likely to meet other people willing to have fun, not just watch quietly. If you’re traveling solo, this is a good pick. You may not leave with new best friends, but you’ll likely leave with more conversation than you expected.

Price and value: €13 advance, €16 at the door, plus your drink budget

The stated pricing is:

• €13 in advance
• €16 at the door
• costumes included (loaned for the evening)

In your budget terms, that lines up with the general summary figure around $19 per person. The big value story isn’t the base price—it’s that the costume rental is included. You’d easily pay more than that for costume hire in many tourist settings.

But since food and drinks aren’t included, you need to budget for what you’ll actually eat and drink. If you go light, you’ll keep costs low. If you sample several medieval beverages, your night will cost more. One review mentioned reasonable drink prices, which helps.

Capacity is limited and booking is strongly recommended. That affects value too. When a venue sells out, the experience often gets more crowded. Booking ahead gives you the chance at a smoother night.

Reviews: what people praise, and what to watch for

With a rating around 3.5 from recent reviews, the picture is mixed. Here’s the practical take from the feedback you’ve got:

Strong points you should lean into:

• Friendly, caring staff and good organization right after you arrive
• Dance instruction that works for beginners
• Good food (at least on some nights)
• Social atmosphere where dancers include you
• Reasonable drink prices and a comfortable vibe, including mention of a smoking corner

Things to watch:

• Limited places to eat, so plan around seating
• Vegetarian options may not be available every day (ask or be ready for substitutions)
• One review said the description didn’t match reality, which could mean expectations weren’t aligned—so go in understanding it’s an interactive show with on-site ordering.

Who should book La Taverne Médiévale at Caves Saint Sabin?

This is a great fit if you want:

• Hands-on entertainment with audience interaction
• A fun night out with music and a dance lesson
• A medieval-themed experience that includes costumes without extra fees

It’s less ideal if you:

• Want a quiet dinner with no roleplay and minimal involvement
• Are very strict about dietary needs without checking first
• Expect everything to be included (food and drink are ordered on site)

If you’re in Paris for a weekend, or you’re there for a few days and want one evening that’s different from museums and classic cafés, this is a solid choice.

Should you book this medieval tavern experience?

I’d book it if you like interactive theater, don’t mind ordering your own food and drinks, and you’re excited to learn a few period dance steps instead of just watching. The combination of free costumes, a cellar venue, and a real dance introduction is where the value lives.

I’d hesitate if you hate crowds, really need guaranteed vegetarian options, or if you prefer a more literal interpretation of what’s advertised. The smartest move is to check your confirmation details for your start time, arrive near your scheduled welcome window, and treat the night as a playful medieval show—because that’s exactly how it’s designed to work.

FAQ

Where is the Medieval Tavern experience located?

It takes place at Caves Saint Sabin, 50 Rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris, France. You should arrive at the entrance to Caves Saint Sabin and someone in period costume will welcome you at your arrival time.

What does the ticket price include?

Admission includes access to the Medieval Tavern for the evening, medieval costume rental (loaned for the duration), and the live show with musicians and dancing plus an introduction to medieval dances.

Is food and drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the admission price. You order on site according to your preferences.

What time should I arrive?

You can arrive at any time from 7:00 p.m. The experience closes at 1:00 a.m. (you should arrive around your chosen welcome time).

Are costumes really free?

Yes. Costumes are loaned free of charge for the duration of the evening as part of your ticket.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.