Château de Guédelon

About the museum

The Guédelon project was born in 1997 with the ambition of building a fortified castle today entirely in the manner of the 13th century. The site lies in the forest, in a former quarry in the Puisaye region of Burgundy. The materials – stone, wood and clay – come from the site itself.

Around forty craftspeople work every day in full view of visitors: quarrymen, stonemasons, masons, carpenters, woodcutters, blacksmiths, tilers, ropemakers, carters and other trades. The methods and tools are those of the Middle Ages, and the materials are made on site.

Guédelon is both an experimental archaeology research project and a place of discovery for the general public. The construction advances every season, with new rooms, vaults, roof frames and wall paintings. The site is open in season, from late spring to autumn.

Highlights

• 13th-century castle under construction using medieval methods
• Fifteen trades visible on the site, from the quarry to the forge
• Water mill and craftspeople’s workshops
• Chapel with wall paintings made on site
• Hands-on workshops in stonecutting and archaeology

Permanent exhibition

• Le chantier du château fort – The craftspeople build a 13th-century castle in front of visitors and demonstrate fifteen trades, from stonecutting to the forge.

Founded

1997

Admission & discounts

The prices shown are for the 2026–2027 season for an online booking made more than 72 hours before the visit; on site or online less than 72 hours in advance, admission costs €2 more. Reduced rate for large families: €13 per adult and €9 per child online. Payment accepted in cash, by bank card, cheque, Chèque-Vacances and cultural vouchers.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site is largely accessible to visitors with reduced mobility: the workshops and the ground-floor rooms of the castle are reachable, but the upper-floor rooms can only be reached by sometimes narrow stairs. The path to the mill involves 500 m through the woods with a slight slope. Ramps lead to the toilets. Guided tours in French Sign Language (2 to 3 hours) and priority access at the ticket desks with the Handivisible app.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Hands-on workshops: stonecutting from about age 6 and archaeology for children aged 8 to 14. Free for children under 5; family pass and children’s stays. Changing tables in some toilets, and the possibility of warming baby food.

Getting there & parking

The site is on the D955 departmental road, between Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye and Saint-Amand-en-Puisaye, not far from the A77 and A6 motorways. Paris: 2 hrs; Auxerre: 45 min; Nevers: 1 hr 10 min. One accessible parking space is close to the entrance.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check

Restaurant La Canopée, food stands (La Halle, Le pain sur la planche), picnic baskets and covered picnic areas. A few luggage lockers at the ticket check. Site shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit