Château de Guédelon
Can you construct a 13 Century castle? Using only 13 Century equipment today. Oui indeed! As proven by this remarkable archeological discovery project. Located in the Burgundy region of France. A living history experience relearning historical skills and crafts. Built a 100 miles south of Paris.
Time travel to 1228
Château de Guédelon is rooted deep in medieval history. Here you can truly step back in time. Get the full effect of the 13 Century! Right here, right now! Yes, you heard me you really can visit the site. If you like authenticity when it comes to historic experiences then Guédelon castle will be a treat .
That magical sensation of stepping back in time.
Amazing machine!
Here a team of 50 master builders literally live and breath in the 13 Century! Craftsmen and women dress and look exactly as they would have back in the 13 Century. No trucks or hydraulics are allowed onsite. All supplies have to be transported via horse drawn box carts. Any heavy lifting is done using giant pully systems.
This fascinating machine works sort of like a humongous hamster wheel. Instead of hamsters however, one of the builders essentially use a wheel pully as a treadmill. Standing inside it and walking! Forward to lift, backward to lower.
Every stone, beam, wall and shingle are masterfully crafted to the required fit. By hand! No power tools at all!
Construction
One of the most remarkable places to visit in France is the construction of Château de Guédelon. No electric tools. No bulldozers. No boxes of nails! In keeping with the concept of only 13 Century technique, every single solitary little tool has to be made on site!
There are blacksmiths, stonemasons, tile makers, and rope makers, and everything is created from scratch using medieval techniques.
A truly brilliant example of preserving ancient, authentic French ingenuity.
French Ingenuity
Château de Guédelon was created by the French visionary Michel Guyot after he successfully renovated the Château de Saint-Fargeau. Michel is an entrepreneur, owner and restoration designer of many chateaus in France. His idea was to create a brand new castle using very old techniques (we’re talking 800 years old!) Maryline Martin, the cofounder was appointed head project manager to oversee the build and Guédelon was born in 1997.
Guédelon was the name chosen for the château due to the forest and nearby lake. Because the castle was to be built only by 13 Century practices, the choice of location was a lot easier. There was no need to consider the accessibility of trucks or hydraulic machines to the site as there would not be any. This is not only excellent for creating a full-effect experience it is also very good for the environment as there are no grinding screeching motors, no risk of electric shock, no toxic products, no pollution, no chemical smog . By choosing to work in the style of the Middle Ages, and using a abounded quarry they have significantly reduced there environmental impact. It has now been 25 years since the project broke ground. The completion of the castle itself is planned for around 2030.
An excellent place to visit!
The Château de Guédelon is near the village of Moutiers-en-Puisaye, in the Yonne département of Burgundy. The castle is styled on typical French medieval chateau-fort, modeled on designs from the 13th century. The project has now become a visitor destination. For anyone visiting France for the castles or medieval history, Guédelon is a must. It has all kinds of facilities including a museum, gift shop, and restaurant. The castle is rich with historic intrigue and insight. When paying a visit to this incredible place, don’t forget to say hello to the three cart horses Paloma, Tyrolienne, and Arpège. They work hard transporting all the materials to build this amazing chateau. And there’s more!
There is food as well! A 13th-century nod to French cuisine.
Here at the castle build , they actively encourage visitors to interact with the tradesmen while they work. With its brilliant architectural value, it is no surprise that the developing castle attracts around 300,000 visitors annually, bringing in €5m a year, which finances the entire project. This brilliant feat of architectural genius was also featured in the incredible film Secrets of the Castle by Ruth Goodman, Peter Ginn and Tom Pinfold. I loved it.
What Guédelon means to us
This amazing castle is the perfect representation of what we at SaveZeFench support. The skill, the craftsmanship, preserving historical values, ancient trades and stunning fortitude. We want to say a massive Je vous remercie! To Michel Guyot for creating this one of a kind of French heritage project, bringing all of these masters together. Preserving these priceless crafts. Avec tous nos remerciements , for all the people he has brought together. In joy, education and awareness of France’s rich medieval culture!
Is It Family Friendly
Is it family-friendly? Oui. If you love LARP. Knights, France, castles, princesses, or history. Well, then this can’t be missed. If you don’t speak or read French that’s ok they have English-speaking guides. Emailing ahead and asking for a specifically focused tour is possible. Click Here https://www.guedelon.fr/en There are interactive stations for learning and a shop. Horses and carts rolling by, basket weaving, and cloth dyed from plants grown in the garden. Walking with an experienced guide who knows all the history is the best option. However, we would advise sunscreen. This is an ever-evolving project so each year there is something new to see.
So much imagination to stir. Oh là là, c’est trop beau.
If you want to join!
At Save Ze French we hope places like this will inspire. As well as revive lost essential skills. It is our mission that Guedelon not be the only place to learn and get such hands on training. We are working to make sure these invaluable skills are not lost. It would be a wonderful opportunity for the masters of there craft to pass on the knowledge to a appreciative audience. If you would like to be apart of the construction click here for safety a working understanding of French is required.
