In the heart of Burgundy, in the middle of the forest, a genius idea germinated in the mind of a man: build a castle to understand what construction techniques were used in the Middle Ages. It is surrounded by craftsmen that you will learn the history of the builders.
2 hours from Paris, set off to discover this unique site in France: Guédelon Castle.
Guédelon Castle: the history of the Middle Ages
In 1994 Michel Guyot, owner of the thousand-year-old castle of Saint Fargeau in Yonne, receives archaeologists from the national institute for preventive archaeological research (INRAP). They discover at the level of the castle foundations, the presence of a medieval castle. Michel Guyot then joined forces with Maryline Martin, current president of the site, to build a fortified castle!
They then bought hectares at a place called Guédelon which had all the characteristics and materials necessary for the construction of the building: it is an old ferruginous sandstone quarry, the earth is clayey and ocher abundant, there is wood and water. The adventure can begin!
During Guédelon’s visit, columnists, will present the genesis of the project, explain techniques and stories, and will reveal the future of the site. Artisan workshops, always active, will welcome you with pleasure. Family entertainment will be at your disposal, upon reservation. Be ready for a day in the heart of the Middle Ages!
| Prices | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Basic price – Adult Full price |
15 € | 16 € |
| Child rate |
12 € | 13 € |
| Group rate |
11 € | 13 € |
| School rate |
7 € | 9 € |
The Guédelon construction site: 13th century artisans
Construction of this medieval castle began in 1997, as if we were in 1229. In order to achieve this, there was numerous research and studies, which are still continuing, of buildings in Puisaye, Burgundy and France.
The various workshops of this unique construction site are then set up around the site: stonecutters, carpenters, blacksmiths, rope makers, masons, mixers, tile makers, potters and also gardeners, basket makers and even the dyers! Because in Guédelon, the craftsmen live the project as in the 13th century!
Indeed, the numerous researches over this period sometimes lead to modifications of the construction initially planned. We undo, we rebuild, we move. It's almost a life project, as for a lord of the Middle Ages, and by all accounts, the best way to stay true to the times.
More than a museum: an archaeological experience in Guédelon
Guédelon is not a museum. It’s an archaeological and scientific project in reverse.
Instead of looking for ruins, we build a fortified castle with cut stones and small devices, with oak wood, clayey soil and even with iron that we will extract on site!
The visit to the workers' workshops, the castle, the mill plunges us into a distant era and pushes us to imagine the future: a church ? A village ? A tavern? In any case, it’s in the pipeline! In 2023, the dovecote tower saw its roof installed and in 2024, the two entrance towers will rise further. The keep, also called the tower of the masters, will undoubtedly be the last tower completed.
In Guédelon: activities for children and adults
During your visit, the craftsmen on site will be delighted to share their knowledge and know-how with you, as well as the columnists who will answer all your questions. You will also see how a mill worked in the 13th century, how colors were created, or the multiple uses of the XNUMX-knot rope. You can take part in a stone cutting workshop and even an archeology workshop!
You will also see the many animals present on the construction site: everyone works in the 13th century! It is the history of the art of construction of the builders that you will experience during your visit. For a medieval parenthesis in your life, know that professional internships are also offered there to discover some of the professions on site.
Do you have practical questions before your visit to Guédelon?
Where to park in Guédelon?
Guédelon has organized the entrance to the site with two large car parks, a parking lot for coaches, a parking lot for motorhomes and a parking lot for two-wheelers. Please note, if you have an electric car, you can also recharge your vehicle right in front of the entrance to Guédelon.
Can I stay and sleep on site in a campervan?
If you are a motorhome owner, you will have to leave the site in the evening. In fact, there is no provision for reception and overnight parking in the car park. A free motorhome area is at your disposal in Treigny and the Joumiers campsite, less than 7km away, has motorhome pitches
How long does it take to visit Guédelon?
In general, we do not recommend less than half a day. The day is ideal because it gives you time to see all the workshops, interact with the artisans, go to the mill, take part in activities. It is, in the opinion of the almost 300 people who visit each year, from France and abroad, the best duration!
When to visit Guédelon?
With 300 visitors per year, Guédelon can be considered a flagship of tourism in Yonne and Burgundy. Ascension weekend, for example, is the busiest weekend of the year. During school holidays, as in many tourist sites, visitors flock to discover the medieval techniques and trades of this castle under construction in the heart of the forest.
Where to eat in Guédelon?
On site, two catering outlets exist in Guédelon and allow you to eat on site without leaving the castle. “Le Pain sur la plank” and “Mis Tembec” offer simple products so that you can compose your menu, with terrines, quiches, complete dishes without forgetting desserts! You can also bring your picnic.
What to visit around Guédelon?
The closest town to Guédelon is Treigny, and you will have plenty to do a little sightseeing, just like in Saint-Fargeau or Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye. Whether it be the Boutissaint Animal Park, the Bois de la Folie Adventure Park, the castles of Ratilly et Saint-Fargeau or even the convent of Treigny, you can spend a pleasant stay as close as possible to Guédelon.
Colette's country, will offer you the opportunity to learn more about the writer with her Birthplace and his Museum. LA FERME DU CHATEAU with his animals, or even the Sound Museum will delight the little ones (and the adults too!).
When does the medieval Guédelon construction site end?
Initially planned to last 25 years, the construction is being extended and should be finished around 2030. Indeed, changes in plans, research into techniques or quite simply work periods respecting those of the time (we were then working between 200 and 230 days per year), saw the construction site somewhat delayed.
Who finances Guédelon?
If Guédelon began as an association under the 1901 law and was able to benefit from subsidies, it has, for many years, been a company with employees which is self-financing thanks to visitors. Entrance tickets, the shop and on-site catering ensure the financing of this SAS de l'Yonne.
