The Guedelon Castle in Treigny, France is not your ordinary castle. It is being built using only material and techniques that were used during the Middle Ages. The goal is for it to look like an authentic medieval castle when it is completed.
History and Construction
Maryline Martin and Michel Guyot started this project in 1997. They picked the site for the castle because of the nearby pond, forest and stone quarry that they knew would be very beneficial to this project. The materials used for the castle consist of mostly stone and wood. Everything from the tools, to even what those constructing the castle wear, must be representative of what was available in the Middle Ages. One of the main benefits of starting this massive construction project was rediscovering hands-on approaches to construction that were forgotten. Those building the castle sometimes have to recreate items like flint tools and siege engines that are no longer used today. Construction of the Guedelon Castle isn’t expected to be completed until 2030 which means it will take around 33 years to build it. The project’s chief architect is Jacques Moulin. He used Philip II of France’ 12th and 13th centuries architectural model to design this castle. Once it is completed it will have 6 towers and a moat.
Tourism
The construction of the Guedelon Castle has been good for the local economy. Around 60 people are employed to work at the castle. There has also been a huge boom in tourism to the area. It’s the most visited attraction in Yonne and over 300,000 people visit it each year. Tourists can explore the castle on their own, go on a tour or learn about stone carving and take a stone they carved home with them. Tickets to the Guedelon Castle are around $15 for adults and $12 for children. There are modern conveniences such as restrooms and a restaurant onsite. Visitors should expect to spend about 3 hours at the castle in order to thoroughly be able to walk around and see everything.
Although it is taking quite a long time to complete this structure, most people would agree it is worth the wait. The locals and visitors are enjoying all the hard work that goes into building a structure without the use of modern construction practices. Guedelon Castle will be quite the sight to see when it finally is completed.
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The Guédelon medieval castle is one of France’s most unique living history experiences. Pair this off-the-beaten-path adventure with our Paris in the Spring guide for the ultimate French journey.
