How to build a Medieval Castle (Chateau)

Now that does sound fascinating – started in 2003 and for the next 20 years, thirty five craftsmen and women will be building a medieval castle before your very eyes!.
The mix of volunteers and skilled craftsmen and women will follow 13th century techniques. The site in a quarry in the middle of the forest will provide them with all the building material they will require : wood, water, stone, earth, sand and iron. No JCBs, chain saws or electric drills! Open to the public (and very busy in high summer) you can really get a taste of a medieval building site and the entry fee helps to support the project, which is making good progress.
The Chateau de Guedelon (near St Fargeau (89 Yonne, BFC) will have a keep, dungeons, moat and drawbridge and is being built to authentic plans. Open from March to November this sounds like a site to visit and re-visit – see www.guedelon.fr

In Saint Fargeau there is a complete medieval chateau (from the 10th Century) which may be worth visiting – it also boasts a steam locomotive collection and in the summer a magnificent “Son et Lumiere” spectacle! There is also the medieval Farm which apart from the normal touristy visit to see the buildings, animals, farm tools etc also offers the opportunity for your family/group to experience rural medieval life for real!! AND you can even stay in this completed 15th Century castle – B&B at the Chateau de St Fargeau