Guédelon
Guédelon things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Guédelon Castle is 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.
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Guédelon Castle is 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.
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This place is a living museum and it is great. The craftsmen here are reconstructing a medieval castle using the same tools, materials, and methods they used in the middle ages during the reign of Philippe II. They have been working on it for years and years, and the castle will be completed in a few years (2025 was an estimate given by a mason working there) Around the castle you will find all sorts of workshops where they are crafting the tools and materials needed to create the castle. You will find things like a smith, a carpenter, a quarry, a mortar maker, a stone worker, a dye and paint maker, a watermill, and many more things. The people working there are all dressed in medieval clothes, and they are happy to explain the things they're working on and teach you the techniques. It is super interesting, but you will have a hard time talking to the craftsmen if you do not speak French. There are signs all over the place in both French and English, but the staff only speak French. You will also find more modern facilities near the entrance, such as a restaurant and a souvenir shop, and they also have a decent number of bathrooms. The place is a great place to bring kids, and you can easily spend a full day there, but keep in mind though that the ground is very uneven and not great for strollers, prams, or wheel chairs. The restaurant is very expensive, and the servings are tiny, so I really recommend that you bring your own food. There are plenty of picnic areas at the place and you are welcome to bring your own food and drink if you prefer to do that.
Bo Selmer HansenBo Selmer Hansen
60
A wonderful out of the way place to visit. The TV show had sparked our desire to see the place in the flesh. Our expectations were exceeded! The construction of the castle goes on as the tourists wander around. It is currently about two thirds complete, and there is plenty to see. We loved climbing the spiral staircases and exploring the round tower rooms, the great hall and the kitchen. Watching the human powered cranes in action was a highlight! I have read some reviews that said that the castle was small, but I think that it is a realistic size for a small castle (and we have recently visited Carcassonne!). The surrounding village contains shelters for the various crafts, including woodcutters, carpenters, blacksmiths, quarry, stonemasons, rope makers, paint and dye makers. There are vegetable gardens and animals. On the day we visited there were many bus loads of school children who were obviously enjoying the place as much as we were. We also enjoyed a simple medieval style cooked lunch at the restaurant. There were covered picnic areas for those who had brought their own food.
Julio RivieraJulio Riviera
40
Le Château de Guédelon est une véritable merveille du patrimoine historique et architectural qui mérite une critique élogieuse sans équivoque. Situé au cœur de la Bourgogne, en France, ce château est bien plus qu'une simple attraction touristique ; c'est un projet extraordinaire qui permet de remonter le temps et de vivre une expérience unique, à la fois éducative et immersive. Tout d'abord, il est impossible de ne pas saluer l'ambitieux concept à la base de ce château : une construction entièrement basée sur des méthodes et techniques médiévales, utilisant exclusivement des matériaux et outils d'époque. Ce projet de reconstitution historique a permis aux visiteurs de plonger littéralement dans le passé, en observant et en participant à chaque étape du processus de construction. Ce mélange d'histoire vivante et d'archéologie expérimentale est une expérience fascinante pour les passionnés d'histoire, petits et grands. La qualité de l'exécution est tout simplement remarquable. Les artisans et les ouvriers qui travaillent sur le site font preuve d'un savoir-faire exceptionnel et d'un dévouement sans faille. Leur engagement à respecter scrupuleusement les méthodes médiévales, malgré les défis techniques modernes, est admirable et suscite une profonde admiration. Chaque pierre taillée, chaque poutre sculptée est une œuvre d'art en soi, témoignant du talent de ces artisans et du souci du détail qui caractérise ce projet unique. Outre l'aspect technique, le Château de Guédelon offre également une plongée immersive dans la vie quotidienne du Moyen Âge. Les visiteurs peuvent se promener dans l'enceinte du château, observer les divers corps de métiers à l'œuvre et même échanger avec eux, ce qui permet de mieux comprendre le mode de vie médiéval. Cette expérience interactive et éducative est un véritable voyage dans le temps, offrant une compréhension plus profonde et nuancée de l'histoire. En outre, le Château de Guédelon est un modèle de préservation du patrimoine et de développement durable. En s'appuyant sur des méthodes de construction traditionnelles et des matériaux locaux, ce projet est un exemple inspirant de conservation du passé pour les générations futures. Il met en lumière l'importance de protéger et de préserver notre héritage culturel, tout en sensibilisant à la nécessité de vivre en harmonie avec notre environnement. En conclusion, le Château de Guédelon est bien plus qu'un simple château médiéval reconstitué. C'est un lieu qui transcende le temps et l'espace, qui nous plonge au cœur de l'histoire et qui nous permet de vivre une expérience unique et enrichissante. Ce projet audacieux est une ode à l'artisanat, à l'histoire et à la préservation du patrimoine, et il mérite sans aucun doute d'être célébré comme l'une des attractions les plus exceptionnelles et captivantes au monde.
JNCJNC
90
As we were on driving holiday in Frances burgundy region, the sight was couple of hours of drive from Dijon so based on reviews made the effort. It was amazing to see this castle being built using only medieval skills and I appreciated the craftsmanship and skill of people who were doing this. This is 25 year project which started in 1998, so still some way to go before finishing. Lost of tourists now various activities such as clay tile making for 5/8 year olds at additional cost but worth it as my little ones enjoyed the activities and also exploring the castle. I wouldn’t got out of my way to visit if only nearby or in the area. 3 stars because the food in the cafe such as cakes etc were covered with flies and wasps but this still being served the food areas also attracted insects. UK this would be completely unacceptable and this shows the high standard of hygiene UK food businesses adhere to which is reassuring.
Azizur RahmanAzizur Rahman
00
It's such an incredible site! Guédelon is not only the castle, it's a small village and you can witness the live hundreds of years ago. You can watch all the craftsmen and -women and immerse in a different era. Everybody is very approachable will do his/her best to introduce you to the live back then even if you can't speak French. There is a net café for snacks and bakery all local and organic. Some activities / presentations for kids but mostly you'll be walking mouth open through the site. The place is busy, but manages to keep a relaxed atmosphere. No queuing or rushing, no predefined routes, just a day out in medieval France. Absolutely recommend it! And don't worry, there is plenty of parking even for camper vans.
Kai DöhlerKai Döhler
10
What an interesting place to visit. I just love the idea behind this place. The castle is about 90% complete I would guess. And the surrounding workshops where the volunteers make and color the linens, shape the stone, and work with the wood Are really fascinating. I’m glad we went. My son loved the stone cutting workshops. You have to book it in advance. Restaurants: The restaurant information on the website wasn’t completely clear. So there are two restaurants, casual outdoor seating. The restaurants are open for lunch until three or 4 PM, depending on demand. After that there are snacks such as desserts fruit cups and beverages. Picnic lunches are also welcome.
Jaime VogtJaime Vogt
00
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(5.9K reviews)
Phone
+33 3 86 45 66 66
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Website
guedelon.fr
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Deep Dive
A deep dive into Guédelon
