“In the heart of France, in northern Burgundy, a team of forty master-builders has taken on the extraordinary challenge of building a castle using the technology and materials of the Middle Ages…”
Guédelon is a “new build” castle, on which construction is still ongoing since 1997. The design was based on the architectural canons established by Philip-Augustus, the builder king (1165-1223). The construction site is set within a specific historical timeframe. The start d/ate for construction is taken as being 1229, in the reign of Louis IX (the future Saint Louis and Philip Augustus’ grandson). It was important to determine the social status of the fictional lord of Guédelon. His position in the feudal hierarchy, his social and economic standing would determine the size and scale of his castle, the presence and use of certain architectural features and materials that are all sourced onsite.
At the foot of the castle walls, quarrymen extract ironstone blocks while stonemasons transform them into battlements, vaulted ceilings and gothic windows. The woodsmen and carpenters turn oak into roof beams, doors and wooden galleries. Clay from the forest floor is fashioned into pottery and tiles for the castle roof and floors. The painters seek out ochre to make paint. The millers grind flour in the hydraulic water mill.
Building a 13th-century castle in the 21st century provides a lot of answers to the craft of medieval construction. The Guedelon castle has now become a tourist destination, and is due to be completed in 2023.
Nearby attractions
If a visit to a medieval castle in the making was not enough, you can always explore more nearby attractions :
- Saint-Fargeau Castle: Have a full tour of roof timbers of the 15th century red-brick castle, home to Louis XIV’s cousin. Candle-light tours available during summer.
- Historical Show: 600 actors and 50 horse riders bring 1000 years of history to life.
- Castle Farm: family fun in an authentic farmyard. Gîtes, cabins, gypsy wagons, B&B
- Outdoor activities: enjoy 1000 km of marked hiking trails, mountain bike tracks and watersports on Bourdon Lake.
