Archaeology

Site takes shape 2001

GuEdelon - Living history

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Historic monuments and archaeological sites are by nature static. So how energizing it is to find Guédelon, a site teaming with activity and life, to the west of Auxerre.

Here in the Puisaye, a medieval castle is actually being built from scratch, using the same methods used 800 years ago. The stone is quarried and hewn, the rope and baskets are woven, even the carts to carry the stone are constructed, just as it was done in the 13th C. No electricity or cranes here, this is living history and it has certainly captured the imagination, welcoming a quarter of a million visitors last year, ranking as Burgundy's second most popular tourist attraction. The figure will rise annually as more people hear of the site and return to see its progress over the next 20 years when this building project is due for completion.

Progress June 2006		Huge bellows in the forge

An ideal educational visit for school children, people of all ages will find plenty to interest and fascinate too. You hear visitors discussing the intricacies of the pulley systems used to hoist the stone blocks, the wood formers for the vaulted roofs, and the construction of the bridge made from 57 oak trees, which will also act as a drawbridge.

The project began in 1997, the dream of Michel Guyot, owner of the Château at St. Fargeau nearby. He wanted an experimental site, where we could learn a lot about past methods. His concept has been brought to fruition by the director, Maryline Martin, who has gathered together her team of experts and crafts people. So, the project has evolved from an historical and scientific one into also a human one. The team has become a dedicated band many of whom are making this their vocation, caring deeply about the authenticity.

The Guédelon quarry was chosen for its natural resources, the stone, wood and earth needed for construction. As Jacques Moulin, architect-in-chief says,
‘it is the first time that we can see how ‘Mr Middle Ages’ would have worked…’
The castle consists of four towers with an inner courtyard and living quarters. You can stand in the tower and imagine aiming your bow and arrow through the narrow slits in the walls to ward off attackers.

Six tons of stone are hoisted daily		Transporting the construction materials		Rain collected from wooden tiled roof

Dressed in medieval costume (bar the footwear), the craftsmen ply their trades around the edges of the building site. There are carpenters, masons, weavers, potters and stone hewers, not forgetting the blacksmiths who make and repair all the tools.
They are 35 in all, plus volunteers on the site, guiding visitors around. It is a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, but charged with activity.

Transporting the construction materials

And for the tourist, there are plenty of facilities to make the day memorable. You can wander at leisure taking note of the colour coding for the safe and non safe areas of the building site. The visitors don’t seem to get in the way of the work, they are part of the whole concept of Guédelon, adding life and vitality.

You can get in the spirit of the times at the Tavern which offers tempting medieval fare. Taste ‘hypocras’ a mead drink, sample ‘Le Forgeron’ a plate of smoked sausage and gizzard topped with scrambled eggs. There are extensive picnic areas too, and also a well stocked shop on the site with educational and fun items. The visit comes highly recommended and will appeal to anyone over the age of five.

Building Schedule

Opening Times

Guédelon is open daily from March 11 – Nov 5 all day from 10.00 – 18.00 (closing time varies slightly according to season and last entry time one hour before closing)
Closed every Wednesday except in July and August.

During July and August there will be guided tours in English every afternoon at 14.00.

For groups, this can be arranged at any time given prior notice.
Tel 03 86 45 66 66

Note: The site is on the D955 between St-Sauveur en Puisaye and St-Armand en Puisaye. From experience, we advise staying on the main roads – you can waste a lot of time in the hinterland!

Places to stay

• Les Clairions ** Auxerre
• Campanile ** Auxerre