How do I visit the medieval castle of Guédelon?
In the heart of the Puisaye forest in Burgundy, an extraordinary architectural project has been fascinating thousands of visitors for almost 30 years. The Château de Guédelon is not just another historic monument: it’s a living medieval construction site, where dozens of craftsmen work day after day to build a 13th-century fortress using the techniques and materials of the time. This unique human and scientific adventure plunges you into the heart of the Middle Ages for an unforgettable visit, less than an hour from Auxerre.
What is Guédelon castle?
The Château de Guédelon is an experimental architectural project launched in 1997 in the department of Yonne. The aim? To build a real 13th-century fortress using only the materials, techniques and tools of the medieval era. This unique experience allows visitors to witness the construction of a fortress as if we were back 800 years in the past.
What makes this site so exceptional is its total authenticity. Here, there is no concrete and no modern machinery: stonemasons, masons, carpenters, blacksmiths and tile-makers work with the same gestures and the same methods as their ancestor builders. The castle takes shape stone by stone, beam by beam, before the astonished eyes of visitors who discover the secrets of medieval architecture.
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The history of the Guédelon project
In 1996, Michel Guyot, owner of Château de Saint-Fargeau, had the bold idea of building an authentic medieval fortress in an old quarry in the heart of the Puisaye forest. His ambition went beyond mere reconstruction: he wanted to create a genuine open-air scientific laboratory where archaeologists, historians and craftsmen could experiment with and understand the construction techniques of the Middle Ages.
Work began in 1997 on plans for a so-called “Philippian” castle, inspired by the military architecture developed under the reign of Philip Augustus in the early 13th century. This style is characterised by a polygonal plan with cylindrical towers, thick curtain walls and defensive moats. The Treigny site was chosen for its natural resources: limestone, wood, clay, sand and water are all available on site, as they were in the Middle Ages.
Initially scheduled to last 25 years, the project has been extended and is due for completion around 2030. Today, Guédelon is the second most visited tourist site in Burgundy after the Hospices de Beaune, with almost 300,000 visitors a year. This human adventure involves some forty permanent craftsmen and almost 650 enthusiastic volunteers.
The trades and craftsmen of the medieval building site
One of the most fascinating aspects of Guédelon is the diversity of the trades represented. Around twenty different professions work on the site every day, recreating the organisation of a real 13th-century building site. Each craftsman is an expert in his field and is happy to explain his work to visitors.
1. The stonemasons
The stonemasons extract and shape the limestone blocks directly from the site’s quarry. Armed with chisels, sledgehammers and wooden wedges, they detach the rough stone and then cut it with millimetre precision to create the voussoirs for the vaults, the capitals for the columns and the facing stones for the walls.
2. The masons
The masons assemble the cut stones using lime mortar made according to medieval recipes. They erect the walls, build the vaults and construct the castle’s towers. Their expertise guarantees the solidity and durability of the building.
3. Carpenters
Carpenters shape the wood from the surrounding forest to make frameworks, floors, scaffolding and lifting equipment. They use axes, saws, adzes and augers to work the oak without the use of power tools.
4. The blacksmiths
In their workshop on the site, the blacksmiths make all the tools needed by the other craftsmen: chisels, sledgehammers, nails, door fittings, chains and even metal frames. They extract the iron from the local ore in a blast furnace and work it in the forge using traditional techniques.
5. Tile makers
The tile-makers mould and fire the tiles that will cover the roofs and decorate the floors of the castle. They use local clay, which they shape by hand before drying and firing in a traditional kiln.
6. Other trades represented
The site also includes quarrymen, string makers, basket makers, cartwrights, lumberjacks and even potters. All these trades, once essential to the construction of great monuments, come to life before the eyes of visitors in an authentic and educational setting.
What should you see when you visit Guédelon castle?
A visit to Guédelon allows you to discover a building site that is constantly evolving. Depending on the progress of the work, you can see different parts of the castle and watch the craftsmen at work in their workshops.
1. Towers and curtain walls
Several cylindrical towers have already been built, some of them almost 20 metres high. You can climb some of them to admire the panorama of the site and the surrounding forest. The curtain walls gradually link these towers to form the defensive perimeter of the castle.
2. The manor house
Work is currently focusing on the seigneurial dwelling and its outbuildings. You will discover the great hall, the lord’s flats, the chapel and the areas of daily life. The rib vaults, monumental fireplaces and stained glass windows take shape before your very eyes.
3. Craftsmen’s workshops
Spread across the site, the workshops are open to the public. You can talk to the craftsmen, ask them questions and understand the technical gestures they perform. It’s an interactive, educational experience that’s particularly popular with families.
4. The stone quarry
The quarry is the starting point for all construction. You’ll see how stonecutters extract blocks from the ground using techniques that go back thousands of years: digging grooves, inserting wooden wedges inflated with water, and naturally fracturing the rock.
5. The mill and tile works
A water mill has been rebuilt to grind the grain and a tile-making workshop is in operation to produce the thousands of tiles needed to cover the buildings. These facilities bear witness to the self-sufficiency sought after on medieval building sites.
Practical information for visiting Guédelon
1. Opening hours 2025
Guédelon Castle is open from 3 April to 2 November 2025. The site is open to visitors from 10am to 5.30pm (last entry 1 hour before closing time). Please note that the site is closed on certain Tuesdays and Wednesdays out of season. We advise you to consult the opening calendar on the official website before your visit.
2. Rates for 2025
Admission prices are as follows: adults €19, students €16, children aged 5 to 17 €13. Tickets are not date-stamped and are valid on all days during the season. For a themed guided tour, allow an extra €5 per person. Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more.
3. Length of visit
Allow at least 4 hours to fully appreciate your visit to Guédelon. This time will allow you to explore the entire site, watch the craftsmen at work, visit the various workshops and enjoy the activities on offer. Enthusiasts can easily spend a whole day there.
4. How do I get there?
Guédelon castle is located in Treigny (89520), on the D955 departmental road, halfway between Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye and Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye. By car, allow around 45 minutes from Auxerre, 1 hour from Nevers and 2 hours from Paris or Dijon. Free parking is available for visitors.
Download the audio tour to discover Auxerre on foot and on your own
If you’re staying in the region, be sure to visit Auxerre, the cultural capital of Burgundy, less than an hour from Guédelon. Discover its exceptional heritage with a Navaway audio tour that takes you through its medieval streets, Gothic cathedral and half-timbered houses. The application allows you to explore the town on your own, with 21 points of interest and commentary.
Activities and entertainment at Guédelon
As well as simply observing the building site, Guédelon offers a wide range of activities to enhance your visit and make it more interactive, especially for families with children.
1. Themed guided tours
Guided tours are organised regularly on a variety of themes, including medieval military architecture, construction techniques, daily life in the 13th century and botany. These tours, which last around 1? hours and are led by enthusiastic guides, give you the chance to learn more about the site (cost: €5 in addition to the admission ticket).
2. Participatory workshops
For an even more immersive experience, there are workshops where visitors can try their hand at medieval techniques such as stone-cutting, blacksmithing, tile-making, rope-making and ochre painting. These hands-on workshops can be booked in advance, and are a big hit with children and adults alike.
3. Entertainment for children
Free game books are available to turn your visit into a fun adventure. Children can hunt for clues, solve riddles and have fun learning. Special events are also organised during the school holidays.
4. Special events
Guédelon hosts a number of special events throughout the season, including medieval markets, equestrian demonstrations, medieval festivals and theme days. The Saint-Nicolas market in December is particularly popular, attracting large numbers of visitors.
Practical tips for a successful visit
1. Prepare for your visit
The Guédelon site extends over several hectares in the middle of the forest. Make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes suitable for the sometimes muddy terrain. In summer, don’t forget a hat and sun cream, as there is little shade in some areas. In case of rain, a waterproof jacket will be appreciated, as the visit takes place mainly outdoors.
2. The best time to visit
Spring and autumn offer ideal conditions, with moderate numbers of visitors and pleasant temperatures. Summer sees more visitors, particularly in July and August. If you can, choose weekdays for a quieter atmosphere. Arriving as soon as it opens at 10am will allow you to observe the craftsmen at the start of their working day.
3. On-site catering and shop
Several catering outlets are available on site. The market hall offers breakfasts, home-made dishes for lunch and snacks. You can also bring your own picnic and take advantage of the picnic areas. In the castle shop, you can take home a souvenir made by craftsmen: miniature tools, wooden toys, books, pottery and regional products.
4. Accessibility
The site presents some access difficulties for people with reduced mobility, due to the natural terrain and the stairs in certain towers. Nevertheless, a large part of the site remains accessible, and the teams are doing their utmost to make it as easy as possible for everyone to visit. Don’t hesitate to contact the site beforehand to prepare your visit.
What to do around Guédelon
The Puisaye-Forterre region is full of remarkable sites that are the perfect complement to a visit to Guédelon Castle. Make the most of your stay to discover the treasures of this beautiful Burgundy region.
1. Saint-Fargeau castle
Just 15 minutes from Guédelon, the Château de Saint-Fargeau is well worth a visit. This impressive pentagonal fortress offers a striking contrast with the medieval building site. In summer, the historical night-time show featuring 600 volunteer actors is well worth the trip.
2. Ratilly castle
This 13th-century fortified castle now houses renowned pottery workshops and a contemporary art gallery. Visitors can watch the ceramists at work and admire their creations in an authentic medieval setting.
3. Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye
The birthplace of writer Colette, Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye boasts a museum dedicated to this great literary figure. The medieval castle overlooking the village offers a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
4. Visiting Auxerre
A 45-minute drive away, Auxerre is a must-see. This city of art and history has a well-preserved medieval centre, Saint-Etienne’s Cathedral, Saint-Germain’s Abbey and the quays bordering the Yonne. Let the Navaway tour be your guide as you explore this Burgundy town, revealing all its secrets.
5. The Chablis vineyards
Just 30 kilometres away, the prestigious vineyards of Chablis invite you to discover their world-renowned white wines. Numerous wine cellars offer tours and tastings in authentic surroundings.
The educational and scientific value of Guédelon
As well as being a tourist attraction, Guédelon is a formidable tool for research and the transmission of knowledge. The site regularly welcomes researchers, students and heritage professionals from all over the world.
Archaeologists can test their hypotheses about medieval construction techniques, historians can compare written sources with the reality on the ground, and architects can better understand the constraints faced by their predecessors. This experimental archaeology is helping to solve enigmas that have remained unanswered for centuries: how were stones weighing several tonnes lifted? How were rib vaults built? What tools were actually used?
Guédelon is an exceptional educational destination for schoolchildren. Specific programmes are offered from primary to secondary school, enabling pupils to illustrate their history, technology or science lessons in practical terms. Watching a blacksmith extract iron from ore, or a stonemason fashioning a keystone, is far more memorable than a simple theoretical lesson.
The project is also part of a sustainable development approach ahead of its time. The exclusive use of local materials, the recourse to human and animal energy, and the total absence of thermal machines demonstrate that it is possible to build sustainably. This ecological dimension of the site resonates particularly well with visitors who are concerned about the environment.
In conclusion, a visit to the Château de Guédelon is much more than a simple tourist outing: it’s a real journey through time that will take you back to the Middle Ages from a completely new angle. As you watch the craftsmen build this castle stone by stone using 13th-century techniques, you’ll understand the architectural genius of our ancestors and the extraordinary know-how that went into building cathedrals and fortresses. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast or simply curious, this unique site is sure to fascinate you. Make the most of your stay in Burgundy to combine this exceptional experience with the discovery of Auxerre and its heritage treasures, for a holiday rich in emotion and discovery.
Frequently asked questions
When will Guédelon be finished?
Initially scheduled to last 25 years, the project has been extended and should be completed around 2030. This extension will make it possible to refine the techniques even further and complete the castle’s buildings according to the original plans.
Can Guédelon be visited all year round?
No, the site is open to the public from April to November. It closes during the winter because the weather conditions make it impossible to work the stone and lime mortar. In December, a Saint-Nicolas market opens the site exceptionally over a weekend.
Do I need to book a visit in advance?
Booking is not compulsory for self-guided tours, but is strongly recommended in high season (July-August) and at weekends to avoid waiting times. For guided tours and workshops, booking is essential as places are limited.
Is the site suitable for young children?
Yes, Guédelon is an ideal family destination. Children love watching the craftsmen, discovering the lifting equipment and taking part in the workshops. Free game books are available at the entrance to keep them occupied during the visit. But be sure to keep a close eye on them when they’re near active construction sites.
Can I take photos on the site?
Personal photographs are permitted and encouraged throughout the site. You may photograph the craftsmen at work, while respecting their activity. Only commercial use of the images requires prior authorisation.
Is there any accommodation near Guédelon?
Yes, there is plenty of accommodation in the region: hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering cottages and campsites are all available within a 10-kilometre radius of the château. Auxerre, 45 minutes away, also offers a wide choice of accommodation to suit all budgets.
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