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Guédelon Castle

4.7
·17k reviews·Treigny-Perreuse-Sainte-Colombe, France

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 content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays in Summer

Fewer crowds, more artisans

CrowdLow
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Guédelon Castle - Image 1

Guédelon Castle

Best Time

Weekdays in Summer

Fewer crowds, more artisans

CrowdLow

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.

4.7
(17k reviews)

"Absolutely loved this visit to a 12C castle being built in the 21C."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗣️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Castle Construction Site

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.

Instagram
Artisan Workshops

Artisan Workshops

Various locations on site

Observe stonecutters, carpenters, blacksmiths, and more practicing ancient crafts. History comes alive before your eyes.

Instagram
The Water Mill

The Water Mill

Near the castle

See a functional medieval water mill, a testament to the ingenuity of the past, brought back to life.

Instagram
Medieval Gardens

Medieval Gardens

Near the castle

Explore gardens designed with medieval principles, showcasing plants and herbs used in the era.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Medieval Pace

Guédélon Castle is a living history project, not a typical tourist attraction. Expect to see ongoing construction and artisans at work. Arrive early to maximize your time exploring this unique 13th-century castle build. Instagram

Language & Accessibility

While some signage is translated, many explanations and conversations are in French. Consider a guided tour for deeper understanding. The site is largely accessible, but wear comfortable shoes for uneven terrain. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays in Summer
Why
Fewer crowds, more artisans
Crowd
Low
When
Spring or Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Since 1997, a group of craftsmen has been building a medieval-style castle in France from scratch, using only 13th-century techniques, tools, and materials, as part of an ongoing experimental archeology project called “Guédelon”. The estimated completion date is 2030. #facts #history #knowledge
oleh.mov
2.9K likes • 47.6K views

🗣️ Brush up on French

Most explanations are in French. A guided tour helps! InstagramReddit

👟 Wear comfy shoes

You'll be walking a lot on uneven, natural terrain. Instagram

The water mill in Guédelon Forest comes to life each spring, weather permitting. Its design follows a medieval mill found in fragments in 2008, but no one knew how such a thing would run in practice. So the team at the Guédelon Castle experimental archaeology site in France tried their hand at a working version. Read about the medieval castle built from scratch using thirteenth-century tools and...
archaeologymagazine
636 likes • 21.6K views
Je vous emmène avec moi à Guédelon en Bourgogne 🏰 Ils construisent un château fort avec les techniques du moyen âge ⚒️ C'est vraiment un endroit à visiter en famille ! Merci @guedelon_officiel pour ce super moment de découverte 🧝‍♂️ #Bourgogne #chateaufort #construction #château #medieval #vacance #découverte #travel #castle
faustine_lrx
22 likes • 1.2K views

⏳ Allow ample time

At least 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the project. Reddit

📸 Capture the process

Bring your camera for unique shots of living history. Instagram

Today we visited Guédelon castle, a castle currently under construction near Treigny, France. The castle is the focus of an experimental archaeology project aimed at recreating a 13th-century castle and its environment using period techniques, dress, and materials. A team of forty master-builders has taken on the extraordinary challenge of building a castle using the technology and materials of th...
learn_create_play
14 likes • 257 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗣️ Brush up on French

Most explanations are in French. A guided tour helps! InstagramReddit

👟 Wear comfy shoes

You'll be walking a lot on uneven, natural terrain. Instagram

⏳ Allow ample time

At least 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the project. Reddit

📸 Capture the process

Bring your camera for unique shots of living history. Instagram

📜 Get a map

Available in multiple languages to help navigate. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(17k reviews)

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. InstagramReddit

"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

Unique living history project
Skilled artisans at work
Educational for all ages

What People Dislike

Language barrier for some
Basic on-site dining

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Yes, ample parking is available on-site at Guédélon Castle, usually free of charge for visitors. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

Discounts may be available for children, students, and groups. Check the official Guédélon website for details on any special offers or family packages. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Guédélon is highly recommended for families. Children can witness history being made and learn about medieval crafts in an engaging way. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Prices at the on-site restaurant are typical for tourist attractions. While convenient, they might be higher than local eateries outside the site. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

While personal photography is permitted, professional photography or commercial filming may require special permission. Always be respectful of the workers and their craft. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Guédélon Castle is an absolute dream for families! It's a living history lesson where kids can see medieval crafts in action, from stonecutting to blacksmithing. Instagram+1 The sheer scale of building a castle with ancient tools is captivating for all ages.

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. Instagram

🏰 History Buffs & Enthusiasts

For anyone fascinated by medieval history and construction, Guédélon is a pilgrimage site. This experimental archaeology project offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the practical application of 13th-century building techniques. Instagram+1 You'll gain a deep appreciation for the ingenuity and labor involved in creating such monumental structures.

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. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

Guédélon Castle provides a unique and visually rich environment for photographers. The ongoing construction, the rustic medieval aesthetic, and the artisans at work offer endless captivating photo opportunities. Instagram The contrast between the ancient building methods and the modern visitor experience is particularly striking.

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Guédélon Project: A Living Laboratory

Guédélon Castle is more than just a historical reconstruction; it's a groundbreaking experimental archaeology project. Since 1997, a dedicated team has been meticulously building a 13th-century castle from scratch, using only the tools, techniques, and materials available in the Middle Ages. This ambitious endeavor aims to rediscover and preserve lost construction methods. Instagram+1

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram+1

Experiencing Medieval Crafts

One of the most captivating aspects of Guédélon Castle is the opportunity to witness medieval crafts being practiced by skilled artisans. These aren't demonstrations; they are integral parts of the castle's construction. You can see stonecutters shaping blocks from the on-site quarry, carpenters felling trees and crafting wooden beams, and blacksmiths forging tools and hardware. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Planning Your Visit: Practicalities

When planning your trip to Guédélon Castle, consider that it's an active construction site set within a forest. Comfortable footwear is essential, as you'll be walking on natural, sometimes uneven, terrain. Instagram The site is extensive, so allow at least 2-3 hours to explore thoroughly. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit The on-site restaurant offers basic fare, but many visitors opt to bring their own picnics to enjoy amidst the historical setting. Reddit

Guédélon is a fantastic destination for families, offering an educational and engaging experience for children. Instagram+1 The project is ongoing, with an estimated completion date around 2030, meaning each visit can offer new insights into its progress. Instagram

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