France: The Viking Obsession You Didn’t See Coming
When we think of Viking fandom today, three places usually come to mind: Scandinavia, where the Vikings originated; the British Isles, which bore the brunt of their raids; and the United States, where Scandinavian immigrants have passed on their heritage through generations of Norse pride. But one country rarely mentioned—yet perhaps more enthusiastic than all the rest—is France.
It might come as a surprise that France is home to one of the world's most vibrant, widespread, and creative Viking enthusiast communities. And it's not just confined to Normandy, the historically “Northman”-named region ceded to Viking leader Rollo in the 10th century. The Viking revival in France is happening in coastal towns and inland cities, from grassroots workshops to theatrical concert halls.
French Viking Shipbuilding is Booming.
Take, for instance, Les Sables-d’Olonne, a seaside town on the Atlantic coast of the Vendée region. There, a group of volunteers is building a full-scale replica of a Viking ship named Olaf d’Olonne. It’s a community-driven project built using traditional methods. At least three Viking ship projects, including L’Aigle d’Ogvaldr and Drakkar de l’Estran, were launched in the 2010s in the neighboring Brittany region as well. While some are no longer active, they were part of a broader surge in Viking enthusiasm.
In Toulouse, the collective Les Bátar is constructing the ORKAN, a 12-meter Drakkar that blends Viking design with modern, eco-conscious materials. Their long-term goal is to sail it to New York.
Meanwhile, in Normandy, there are several past and present projects to build Viking ships. Artisan Wilfried Desfontaines is working on the Argwikor, a half-scale Skuldelev 3 replica. There’s also the Dreknor, a replica of the Gokstad ship, which has been sailing since the 1990s. In Honfleur, a major reconstruction project is underway to rebuild La Mora, William the Conqueror's flagship.
And the boats are only part of the story.
Historical parks are all the rage.
Near Caen in Normandy, the Ornavik Historical Park has recreated an entire Viking village from the early 10th century, built using period tools and methods. Visitors can explore longhouses, watch blacksmiths at work, and speak with reenactors who live and breathe Viking-era life. It’s part living museum, part experimental archaeology, and it stands as one of the most ambitious projects of its kind in Europe.
Then there’s Le Puy du Fou, France’s most spectacular historical theme park. It features a jaw-dropping Viking stunt show complete with burning ships, theatrical raids, and full-scale combat choreography. It’s fantasy-meets-history on a blockbuster scale, and millions watch it each year.
Across France, local festivals, historical fairs, and experimental archaeology programs continue to recreate Viking life, not for tourists but for the sheer joy of inhabiting the past.
French Viking historical reenactment is on the rise.
The Idavoll website serves as the nerve center for Viking reenactment in France. This French-language hub lists 144 active reenactment groups nationwide—yes, 144! From full-costume warriors to craft specialists and ritual reenactors, the movement is thriving.
And what about that music?!
Let’s not forget music. France is home to two of the most iconic Viking-themed bands in Europe: SKÁLD, whose haunting Old Norse chants have earned international acclaim, and Eihwar, whose primal, tribal beats conjure the spirit of the berserker.
France: The Next Place You Should Visit to Nerd Out on Viking History.
So while the world looks north for modern Vikings, it might be time to glance further south. The French aren’t just watching from afar—they’re building longships, dressing the part, singing the songs, and reawakening a culture that once touched their shores. Quietly, passionately, France has become one of the Viking world’s most unexpected champions.
My novels: The Vikings in France in the early 9th Century.
If traveling to France isn’t within the budget this year, you could still go there by diving into my historical fiction series about Viking Hasting and his exploits in France. Upgrade to a paid subscription to this publication, and you’ll receive the first three books in the series FREE (and support my work).
