
Guédelon Castle
Witness a 13th-century castle being built from scratch using only medieval techniques and tools. A living history project unlike any other.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more artisans

Guédelon Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more artisans
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness a 13th-century castle being built from scratch using only medieval techniques and tools. A living history project unlike any other.
"Absolutely loved this visit to a 12C castle being built in the 21C."

🗣️ Brush up on French
Most explanations are in French. A guided tour helps!
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll be walking a lot on uneven, natural terrain.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Castle Construction Site
Throughout the grounds
Witness a 13th-century castle being built using only period techniques and tools. A truly unique, ongoing archaeological project.

Artisan Workshops
Various locations on site
Observe stonecutters, carpenters, blacksmiths, and more practicing ancient crafts. History comes alive before your eyes.

The Water Mill
Near the castle
See a functional medieval water mill, a testament to the ingenuity of the past, brought back to life.

Medieval Gardens
Near the castle
Explore gardens designed with medieval principles, showcasing plants and herbs used in the era.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Medieval Pace
Language & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Brush up on French
Most explanations are in French. A guided tour helps!
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll be walking a lot on uneven, natural terrain.
⏳ Allow ample time
At least 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the project.
📸 Capture the process
Bring your camera for unique shots of living history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Brush up on French
Most explanations are in French. A guided tour helps!
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll be walking a lot on uneven, natural terrain.
⏳ Allow ample time
At least 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the project.
📸 Capture the process
Bring your camera for unique shots of living history.
📜 Get a map
Available in multiple languages to help navigate.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Guédélon Castle as a unique and immersive historical experience, highlighting the fascinating construction process and skilled artisans. While some note language barriers and basic dining, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it for its educational value and 'living history' aspect.
"Fantastic opportunity to learn more about medieval castles and how they were constructed! Be advised though: you need to be at least conversational in French to get the most out of your visit. Far from all signs are translated and most of the guides and artisans only explain and converse in French. Likewise for the shop - I couldn't find a single book in English. Information leaflet and plan of the grounds is available in most major languages though."
Erik Ask-Upmark
"Absolutely loved this visit to a 12C castle being built in the 21C. Modern workers have been building a medieval castle using the technology and techniques of medieval Europe to build this castle twenty years. The skills they've learned through this experiment in practical archeology, were instrumental in rebuilding Notre Dame. I could have spent the entire day here."
Anne Easton
"Great location lots of cool things to see and read about. Showed up on
A weekday in the summer no line buy a ticket. The staff were very helpful and good at speaking English and explaining in English. Over half the signage is translated however generally the signage within the castle is not. We had a wonderful visit"
natasha Rode-Christoffersen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Guédélon Castle is located in the Puisaye forest in Burgundy, France. The easiest way to reach it is by car, as public transport options are limited. If driving, use GPS coordinates or the address: Guédélon, 89520 Treigny, France. Parking is available on-site.
Public transport to Guédélon is challenging. While there might be local bus services to nearby towns, they are infrequent. It's highly recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange private transport for a convenient visit.
From Paris, take the A6 motorway south towards Lyon, then exit at Auxerre. Follow signs for Saint-Fargeau and then for Guédélon. The journey typically takes around 2-3 hours by car.
Yes, it's possible to visit Guédélon Castle as a day trip from Paris, but it's a long day with significant driving time (around 2-3 hours each way). An overnight stay in Burgundy is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.
Yes, ample parking is available on-site at Guédélon Castle, usually free of charge for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for Guédélon Castle vary by age and season. It's best to check the official Guédélon website for the most current pricing. Expect adult tickets to be around €15-€20.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required, especially if visiting on a weekday. However, during peak season or on weekends, it might be advisable to book online to save time.
Guédélon Castle typically opens from spring through early November. The daily opening hours can vary, so it's essential to consult the official website for the exact schedule during your planned visit.
Discounts may be available for children, students, and groups. Check the official Guédélon website for details on any special offers or family packages.
Generally, your ticket allows for re-entry on the same day. However, it's always a good idea to confirm this policy with staff upon arrival or check the signage at the entrance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Guédélon Castle is a unique experimental archaeology project where a 13th-century castle is being built from scratch using only medieval techniques, tools, and materials. It's a living history site where you can see the entire process unfold.
You can explore the castle under construction, watch artisans at work (stonecutters, carpenters, blacksmiths), visit the water mill, see the medieval gardens, and learn about the project's history.
Absolutely! Guédélon is highly recommended for families. Children can witness history being made and learn about medieval crafts in an engaging way.
To fully appreciate the site and observe the artisans, plan for at least 2 to 3 hours. Some visitors even spend an entire day here.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended, especially if your French is limited. They provide in-depth information about the project and its historical context.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on-site at Guédélon Castle. However, some visitors find it to be basic and commercial, not fully capturing the medieval atmosphere.
The restaurant typically serves simple, family-friendly meals. It's a convenient option for a break, but for a more authentic medieval dining experience, you might consider packing your own picnic.
Bringing your own picnic is generally allowed and can be a great way to save money and enjoy the surroundings. There are often designated areas for picnicking.
Information on specific dietary options is not widely available. It's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurant staff upon arrival or check their menu if available online.
Prices at the on-site restaurant are typical for tourist attractions. While convenient, they might be higher than local eateries outside the site.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Guédélon Castle for personal use. It's a fantastic place to capture unique shots of historical construction and crafts.
While personal photography is permitted, professional photography or commercial filming may require special permission. Always be respectful of the workers and their craft.
The entire site offers great photo opportunities! Focus on the castle's architecture in progress, the artisans at work, the water mill, and the surrounding forest setting.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and active construction areas for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to check with the site management before attempting to fly a drone.
Many visitors enjoy capturing the contrast between the medieval construction and the modern visitors, or close-ups of the intricate work done by the artisans.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Wear comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of walking. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the scenic surroundings. The interactive nature of the site keeps children engaged, making it a memorable and educational outing.
🏰 History Buffs & Enthusiasts
Recommendations: Take a guided tour to delve into the project's historical context and the specific challenges faced. Spend time observing the artisans and ask questions (even if through gestures!) to understand their craft.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Tips for photographers: Focus on capturing the details of the craftsmanship, the scale of the castle, and the human element of the workers. Golden hour light can add a magical quality to the stone and timber structures.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Guédélon Project: A Living Laboratory
The project is designed to be completed around 2030, meaning visitors can witness its evolution over time. The site includes not only the castle itself but also a quarry, a lime kiln, a water mill, and a village that supports the construction. It's a fascinating glimpse into how medieval structures were brought to life, offering invaluable insights for historical research and even for modern restoration projects, such as the rebuilding of Notre Dame Cathedral.
Visitors can explore the entire site, observe the master builders at work, and learn about each stage of the construction. From stonecutting and carpentry to blacksmithing and rope-making, every craft is represented, providing a truly immersive historical experience.
Experiencing Medieval Crafts
Beyond the major trades, you'll also find rope makers, tile makers, and painters using natural pigments. The project emphasizes self-sufficiency, with materials like sand, clay, and water sourced directly from the surrounding forest. This holistic approach allows visitors to understand the entire ecosystem of medieval construction.
Interacting with the artisans, even with a language barrier, offers a unique connection to the past. Their dedication and skill are evident in every detail, making Guédélon a place where history is not just learned, but actively experienced.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities
While many signs have translations, the primary language of explanation and interaction with artisans is French. For those with limited French, a guided tour is highly recommended to fully grasp the project's significance and details. The on-site restaurant offers basic fare, but many visitors opt to bring their own picnics to enjoy amidst the historical setting.
Guédélon is a fantastic destination for families, offering an educational and engaging experience for children. The project is ongoing, with an estimated completion date around 2030, meaning each visit can offer new insights into its progress.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit