Guedelon is a fascinating project in Treigny, in the Yonne department of Burgundy, north of Nevers. The vision of one man, Michel Guyot, the idea of the project is to build a complete '13th century castle' in this corner of France using only authentic tools and locally sourced materials.
The Guedelon project
The plan for the building was created by the architect for the National Monuments of France (Jacques Moulin).
Every detail of the project is as accurate as possible, even down to the clothes worn by the workers. If ropes are needed they are made on site; when stone is needed it needs to be quarried out of the ground on site. The techniques used to build the castle are exactly as they would have been 700 years ago.
The project is planned to take more than two decades to complete, currently employs 50 people, and has also become an important tourist attraction. It also attracts many thousands of school children each year, fascinated to watch the ever changing stages of the project.
The nature of the project means that visitors can never be sure what they will see - it depends what work is being done at the time of a visit. But one thing is sure, the visit will be fascinating, seeing authentic work methods and materials being used, and not a cement mixer in site!
Perhaps the most remarkable achievement is that of creating 50 full-time jobs and an important tourist attraction in the middle of the forest: perhaps we will soon see new castles being built all over France!
Visitor information
The castle is located between Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye and Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye, south east of Auxerre. The Chateau de Guedelon project is open April to October, admission charge 9 euros (children 7 euros).
Photos of Guédelon by Paul Hermans are copyright GFDL
Attractions nearby
A visit to the 15th century castle at Saint-Fargeau is an interesting complement to a visit to Guedelon, with the chance to see a 'complete' castle of the period, lovingly furnished and with some fascinating carpentry work. Chateau de Saint-Fargeau is owned by (and has been renovated by) Michel Guyot, creator of the Guedelon project.
You can find more travel ideas in the Yonne guide and the Burgundy guide.
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Map of Guedelon and places nearby
Visit near Guedelon with France This Way reviews
Clamecy
The Collegiale Saint-Martin is the principal monument here in the historic centre of Clamecy
Clamecy guide
Briare
With the Loire River and the Canal de Briare crossing in the centre of Briare it is not surprising that water based activities are important here
Briare guide
Sancerre
The pretty village of Sancerre is best known for the famous wines of the same name produced nearby - and to be samlped in the village!
Sancerre guide
Auxerre
With its cathedral and churches, and extensive historic centre with half-timbered houses and an imposing belltower Auxerre is a very interesting town to visit
Auxerre guide
Gien
To the east of the main Loire Valley, the view across the bridge to the castle and town of Gien is very atractive
Gien guide
La Charite-sur-Loire
In La Charité-sur-Loire you can visit the abbey church and other monastery buildings
La Charite-sur-Loire guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Yonne
The French version of this page is at Guedelon (Francais)