The aim of the association is to promote the architectural, historical and cultural heritage of the town of Langres, the Langres region, the Haute-Marne department and the surrounding departments, through live performances (creation, dissemination, organisation of events).
La Compagnie des Hallebardiers - Presentation
What is a "halberdier"? "In the 16th century, in the event of unrest or war, the ramparts were guarded day and night. The guard was reinforced to prevent any enemy or undesirable incursions. Of the 5 gates to the town [of Langres], 3 were closed. The others were heavily guarded by around thirty militiamen. Behind the gates, the streets were chained, and chains were stretched between two bollards to prevent wagons from entering. As soon as the sun rose, the streets were "opened" by removing the chains. Such was daily life in Langres during the Wars of Religion". (La Haute-Marne Libérée 26/08/1987)
Thanks to a 1985 agreement between the Caisse Nationale des Monuments Historiques et des Sites (the future Heritage Department) and the town of Langres, the latter was awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (Town of Art and History) label. This opportunity gave a group of young people from Langres the idea of working together on a common project: to bring the town and its ramparts to life as they were in the 16th century.
They decided to revive the halberdiers, the soldiers responsible for guarding the town's ramparts and gates.
In 1986, "La Milice" was formed and volunteers armed with halberds stood guard on the ramparts in the evenings. From July to August, around fifteen evenings were organised, with the ramparts explored by torchlight, and the city's towers, usually closed to the public, revealed their mysteries.
Little by little, what began as a game became a veritable institution: the Langres militia became part of the cultural and tourist life of Langres.
In 1988, La Ronde des Hallebardiers, the fruit of collaboration between the Tourist Office and the Heritage Department, became a real show tour of the city's ramparts and fortified towers. Volunteers rehearse under the guidance of professional actors and directors.
The association "La Compagnie des Hallebardiers de Langres" was officially created on 5 December 1990.
The company gradually became more professional, surrounding itself with actors, authors, directors, stage managers, technicians and administrators.
Over the years, the company's shows have been enriched by the lighting of monuments, the installation of sound systems, the training of volunteers in stage acting and the diversification of historical themes.
Through the creation of its shows, the Compagnie des Hallebardiers encourages local and tourist audiences to take a fresh look at our heritage.
The shows created are aimed at family audiences, accessible to all, and are the result of a joint effort between professional and amateur performers, with a constant concern for quality and excellence.
The complementary nature of amateur and professional practices guarantees the quality of the shows, as well as the richness and dynamism of the formula.
The activities of the Compagnie des Hallebardiers
- Estival des Hallebardiers :
Every summer from the end of July to the end of August
- Harquebus shooting :
Every day from 15 July to 15 August at the Tour du Petit-Sault at 6.30pm, every year
Every day, every year, according to demand and by prior arrangement with the OTSI, to round off a visit or just to watch the demonstration.
Shooting demonstration with replicas of 16th century arquebuses.
Duration of the humorous demonstration: 30 minutes
Compagnie des Hallebardiers
