Guédelon is a castle under construction in a forest near Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye, about 40 km west of Auxerre. Teams of builders have been raising it since 1997 using only the materials, tools and methods of the 13th century. You can watch stonemasons, blacksmiths, carpenters and other craftspeople at work, talk with them about their trades and see how each part of the castle is made. The site also runs hands-on workshops, such as stone carving, that give a clear sense of daily work in the Middle Ages.
A castle built the old way
Guédelon is a new build, not a restoration. Work started in 1997, and a team of about 40 builders has been raising the castle since then. They use only the materials and methods that were available in the medieval period.
The site sits in a forest, in the area of a former quarry. The grounds are large enough to walk slowly, and many visitors spend more time here than they first planned.
Because the castle is still going up, the view changes from one season to the next. Earlier visitors can see the foundations and walls at a stage that later visitors will not see.
Materials, tools and trades
Much of what the builders need is made on the spot. Stone is cut from the quarry, wood is worked by hand, and metal is smelted and forged. Tools are also made on site, so the process from raw material to finished part can be followed in one place.
The trades on site include stonemasons, blacksmiths, carpenters, tilers, rope makers, wheelwrights, painters and herbalists. Gardeners grow plants in the period style. Each craft has its own workshop, and you can see how the trades depend on one another.
Some tasks take many months, so a visit can show different steps from one day to the next.
How a visit works
You can explore the site on foot and stop at the workshops as you go. Information boards and short video explanations help you follow the work, and a leaflet in several languages is available for the grounds.
Guided visits and workshops can be booked in advance. Tickets can be changed easily, including when they include a guided visit or a workshop. Family workshops for children include stone cutting and archaeology, and stone carving is also offered.
The site has an on-site restaurant and picnic areas. There is a family discount, and the entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. Both free and paid parking are available.
Language and planning
The guides and artisans speak mainly French. English video explanations and posters explain the project, but some signs are not translated. Visitors who speak other languages may want to book a guided visit in advance.
The site is quieter early in the morning and on weekdays in summer. Plan at least two hours, and allow more time if you are interested in traditional crafts.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long do you need at Guédelon?
Plan at least two hours. Visitors with a strong interest in traditional crafts often stay longer.
Is there a family discount at Guédelon?
Yes, a family discount is offered. Tickets can be booked in advance, and they can be changed easily, including tickets for a guided visit or a workshop.
Is Guédelon suitable for children?
Yes. Family workshops for children include stone cutting and archaeology, and the site is set up for families.
Can you visit Guédelon in English?
English video explanations and posters are available, but most guides and artisans speak mainly French. Book ahead if you want a guided visit in another language.
Is Guédelon wheelchair accessible?
The entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
