Located in the heart of the Puisaye region, in the Yonne department of Burgundy, the medieval construction site at Guédelon is a project unlike any other in the world. Since 1997, a team of craftsmen has been building a 13th-century fortified castle there, using only the techniques and materials of the period.
Every year, this experimental archaeology site attracts visitors eager to discover how medieval builders actually worked.
A unique experimental archaeology project
Guédelon is not a static reconstruction, but a living construction site. Every part of the castle is built using historical tools and methods, directly from locally sourced materials: stone, wood, and earth.
This project combines scientific research, the sharing of expertise, and an immersive experience for visitors.
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The major construction phases of the project
1997 – The start of construction
The project begins in the heart of the Guédelon Forest. An initial team prepares the site, clears the area of brush, sets up the first workshops, and lays out the site for the future castle.
At that time, the construction site was not yet open to the public.
1998 – Opening and first climbing walls
The construction site opened to the public in the spring of 1998. The first structures began to take shape, and the perimeter walls started to rise.
From its very first season, the site has already attracted tens of thousands of visitors.
1999–2002 – The castle’s foundations
The following years were devoted to expanding the castle’s perimeter and undertaking the first major construction projects:
- gradually raised city walls
- construction of the chapel tower and its underground structures
- installation of the first arches
- installation of the fixed bridge and lifting systems
- early hydraulic works involving cisterns
In 2002, a major milestone was reached with the completion of the first large ribbed vault.
2003–2006 – First interior volumes
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The construction project is entering a new phase with the creation of the interior spaces:
- ribbed vaults and stone staircases
- construction of new workshops made of wood and cob
- beginning of the manor house
- installation of the first monumental oak beams
2007–2010 – The manor house takes shape
Work on the house is progressing quickly:
- floor plan of the main rooms (kitchen, pantry, great hall)
- roof framing
- construction of the first functional chimneys
- phased construction of the building
In 2010, the roof framing of the main house was completed.
2011–2019 – Towers, vaults, and finishes
In the years that followed, work continued on the towers and the architectural finishes:
- construction of the castle's largest vault in the keep
- development of walkways
- construction of flanking towers
- gradual completion of the chapel
- coverage of the first rounds
In 2019, the chapel tower was fully roofed, marking a major milestone in the project.
A vivid journey back to the Middle Ages
The medieval construction site at Guédelon offers a hands-on look at how castles were built in the Middle Ages.
Visitors can watch the artisans at work, talk with them, and learn about the techniques used in the 13th century.
Eating at the Guédelon medieval construction site
There are several dining options available on site:
- Breakfast at the market hall
- homemade dishes for lunch
- indulgent snacks
- a restaurant inspired by medieval cuisine
Stay at a bed-and-breakfast near Guédelon: the Château des Barres
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To extend your visit, you can stay at the Château des Barres, located nearby in the Yonne department.
This family-owned castle offers the perfect place to stay for exploring Guédelon and the surrounding area in comfort. Combining history, nature, and comfort, it’s the ideal base for a stay in Burgundy.
For more information or to book a vacation rental near Guédelon, click here.
