Michel Guyot conceived the idea of building a castle using medieval building techniques. He studied where the materials came from, how they were transported, which tools were used, and how such heavy loads were hoisted.

The now 50-strong team of builders is supoorted by members of the public who join the professionals, for short periods, throughout the building season.

The location was chosen for its richness of materials: rocks, forest, water, clay for tiles, sand for mortar.

The construction of the castle will take about 25 years, with completion expected in 2023. Next, a village will be built as well as a sacred building.

The site map of today's construction site, showing the locations of the quarry, stonecutters, mason layers, carpenters, the blacksmith, the tilers, lifting machinery, the basket maker, the dyers hut, the rope maker, carters and their horses, the well and more.

Model of Guedelon

Adrian makes his way down to the rope maker's shed

Rope maker demonstrates his machine for twisting four cords together into a rope.

Rope maker's shed

Hand made ropes

Rope maker demonstrates his machine for twisting four cords together into a rope.

Educational display

Villard de Honnecourt was an architect and engineer of the 13th century, well known for his document containing numerous sketches of architecture and geometric studies.

Villard de Honnecourt was an architect and engineer of the 13th century, well known for his document containing numerous sketches of architecture and geometric studies.

Brick maker moves his clay along the wooden planks as he works it.

Making daub for the walls of buildings.

The daub fills in the spaces between the wattle on the wall.

Basket maker's hut

Wool dyer's hut

Castle contruction as of 2011

Traditional carts were being used to transport people and materials

Castle contruction as of 2011