Last Updated on 21/05/2026 by Ting Dalton
We visited Guédelon in 2017. This guide has been updated for 2026 with current prices, opening hours and practical details.
If you head to Treigny, in northern Burgundy, you’ll find one of the most unusual attractions in France. Guédelon Castle is a 13th-century fortress being built from scratch using only medieval tools, techniques and materials. It pulls in more than 300,000 visitors a year, and once you’ve been, you’ll understand why.
Why visit Guédelon Castle?
On paper, it doesn’t sound all that interesting – an old quarry, a pile of stone, and a half-built castle that doesn’t look grand at all. But Guédelon has to be seen to be believed.
The brainchild of local castle owner Michel Guyot and Maryline Martin, who wanted to bring work to the area, the project now has a team of around 70 workers and hundreds of volunteers – some who return year after year. Staff work in full 13th-century costume. Everything here is made on site, from the ropes and tools to the roof tiles and paint. Horse and cart transport quarried stone to the masons, and the constant clanging of iron on stone follows you around the site.
This is what makes Guédelon so special. Even in the pouring rain, we spent the whole day here and were reluctant to leave – thirsty for more stories from our wonderful guide Hein.
The story behind Guédelon
Hein’s passion for the project was infectious. From the minute he met us until the end of the day, he explained every detail. He told us how, early in the build, a leading historian came along and told the team their stonework was too neat – not in keeping with the era. So they started again. If you look closely at the base of the walls, you can spot the difference.
That’s what makes this project extraordinary. The team are determined to keep the integrity of the build as true to history as possible. Each worker – from the masons and ironmongers to the carpenters and blacksmiths – has been on a steep learning curve as the project progresses. And each one is completely dedicated to the cause.
Originally expected to finish around 2022-2023, Guédelon is still going – and that’s rather the point. In 2026, workers are continuing the gatehouse between the two towers and building the portcullis. Even Maryline has admitted there will always be something to do, more methods to discover. This may be the project that never truly ends.
Guédelon and Notre-Dame Cathedral
The skills developed at Guédelon have had a real-world impact far beyond Burgundy. After the 2019 fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris destroyed the medieval timber roof known as La Forêt, craftsmen trained at Guédelon were called to the restoration site. Their knowledge of medieval woodworking techniques – honed over decades at the castle – helped rebuild what many experts said would be impossible to replicate.
Guédelon Castle with kids
Our son spent the day squelching in mud, watching horses pull carts, and listening to historical facts he probably didn’t fully follow – but he was slightly in awe of Hein and determined to keep up with his long strides. He also took part in a stone carving workshop. He was a little young for the finer details, but he loved every minute. It was the dads, though, who took the activity most seriously – keen to impress Hein with their handiwork.
As a family, we felt lucky to experience Guédelon in its raw state. Seeing first-hand the effort that goes into constructing this building made it unforgettable. And it means when we return, we’ll be able to see how far they’ve come.
Visiting Guédelon Castle: What you need to know
2026 opening dates: 2 April – 1 November 2026
Opening hours: Daily in summer, 9.30am – 6.30pm. Outside summer, 10am – 5.30pm/6pm (closed some Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Check the calendar on guedelon.fr before visiting.
2026 admission prices: Adults €19, students €16, children (5-17) €13, under-5s free.
Guided tours: Highly recommended. Guédelon is fascinating to wander, but the history comes alive with a guide. Tours are available in English – ask at the entrance.
Stone carving workshop: Suitable for children 6+.
Food on site: Several eateries serve main meals and light lunches at reasonable prices. You can also bring your own food and eat in the picnic areas.
Getting there: Guédelon is on the D955 near Treigny, about 40 minutes from Auxerre by car. There’s no internet connection on site, so download your tickets before you arrive.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes and waterproof layers. The site is open rain or shine, and the ground gets muddy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Guédelon take?
Plan for at least three to four hours. With a guided tour and workshops, you could easily spend a full day.
Is Guédelon Castle finished?
Not yet. The project started in 1997 and is still going. In 2026, workers are building the gatehouse and portcullis. Part of the appeal is watching a castle take shape over time – each visit reveals new progress.
Is Guédelon worth visiting with children?
Yes. Kids love the mud, the animals, the workshops and watching real craftspeople at work. The stone carving workshop is suitable for ages 6 and up. Younger children will enjoy the horses, the forest trails and the sheer scale of the site.
Can you visit Guédelon in English?
Guided tours are available in English, and guidebooks in English can be purchased on site. Signage is mainly in French, but the visual nature of the project means the language barrier is minimal.
More Burgundy guides
Guédelon is one of many reasons to visit this corner of France. Read our guide to the best things to do in Burgundy for wine, castles, medieval villages and more.
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