Activities 2026
OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND
FREE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 10
January
Workshop "Trying on medieval costumes"
From Saturday 18 October 2025 to Sunday 8 March 2026
Continuously
Try an outfit inspired by 14th and 15th centuries fashion. In the castle's kitchen, a wardrobe space allows you to step into the shoes of the lords and ladies of the Middle Ages. Immortalize this journey through time with your family during a photo break.
Playmobil® exhibit - "Rêves de châteaux"
From Sunday 1st December 2025 to Sunday 8 March 2026
This year the mythical PLAYMOBIL® invite you to rediscover medieval fantasy through six dioramas dedicated to the imaginary castles of cinema, meticulously recreated.
New game: Find the golden figurines to solve the puzzle!
Winter holidays
Playmobil® exhibit - "Rêves de châteaux"
From Sunday 1st December 2025 to Sunday 8 March 2026
This year the mythical PLAYMOBIL® invite you to rediscover medieval fantasy through six dioramas dedicated to the imaginary castles of cinema, meticulously recreated.
New game: find the golden figurines to solve the puzzle!
Workshop "Trying on medieval costumes"
Until Sunday 8 March
Continuously
Try an outfit inspired by 14th and 15th centuries fashion. In the castle's kitchen, a wardrobe space allows you to step into the shoes of the lords and ladies of the Middle Ages. Immortalize this journey through time with your family during a photo break.
Time of Spices and "The myth of the fork" NEW
Sundays and Mondays, from Monday 9 February to Monday 2 March
From 2 pm to 5.30 pm
🕚 Continuously
A specialist in ancient spices, Sarah Morandini shares her passion, expertise, and a vibrant, fragrant table with you in the majestic setting of the paintings rooms.
Christiaan, for his part, reveals the surprising history of the fork, an object long considered scandalous before becoming a symbol of refinement. He also recounts how sugar, a luxury product from the East, gradually became a staple on the tables of the nobility.
Part of the "Février Gourmand" event, in partnership with the Périgord Noir Tourist Office.
Theatrical tour: "In the Time of the Lords" NEW
From Tuesday 10 February to Saturday 7 March (except Sundays and Mondays)
At 11.30 am and 3.30 pm
🕚 1h
Before the big party, it's time for the dress rehearsal: every detail counts and every role must be mastered.
A stop on the "Février Gourmand" tour in partnership with the Périgord Noir Tourist Office
In French
"Challenging misconceptions" visit
From Saturday 7 February to Sunday 8 March
At 10.30 am, 2 pm and 4.30 pm
🕚 45 min
This guided tour will challenge many of the cliches we believe to be true about the Middle Ages. Only in French
Spring holidays
Calligraphy workshop New
From Saturday 11 April to Sunday 3 May
From 2 pm to 6 pm
🕚 Continuously
A guide will welcome you and introduce you to the tools of medieval calligraphy: ink, reed pen, parchment, and other period materials. She will then guide you through the techniques of Gothic script, using a reed pen like a medieval scribe.
Special event "Châteaux en fête"
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Saturday 4 April to Sunday 3 May
At 11 am, 2 pm and 4 pm
🕚 1h
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet demonstration (one-third scale model).
In French
Blacksmith demonstration
From Sunday 5 April to Sunday 3 May (except Saturdays)
From 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6.30 pm
Meet "a 13th-century knight"
From Sunday 5 April to Thursday 1st May
(except fridays and saturdays)
At 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm
🕚 30 min
Dressed in meticulously reconstructed equipment, the guide shows you the techniques of knights as they might have been encountered in the early 13th century. At the time, Castelnaud castle, then in the hands of lords who supported the Cathar cause, was taken and then destroyed in 1214 by the famous crusader Simon de Montfort.
In French
"Knights' school" workshop
From Sunday 4 April to Thursday 3 May
From 10.45 am to 12.45 pm and from 1.45 pm to 5.45 pm alternating with the Rendez-vous of the 13th-century knight
🕚 15 min
Young knights learn to use a sword and shield from the master-at-arms whose knowledge is based on medieval combat treaties.
From 5 to 14 years old
Visit "Medieval garden"
At 11.30 am, 2.30 pm, 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm
🕚 30 min
Get to know the food and medicinal plants that nourish and heal. Held outdoors, led by a guide in Medieval costume. An opportunity to explore everyday life towards the end of the Middle Ages.
In French
Trebuchet firing demonstration
From Saturday 4 April to Sunday 3 May
At 10.45 am, 11.50 am, 1.45 pm, 2.50 pm, 3.45 pm and 4.50 pm
🕚 10 min
Follow step by step the deployment of the most powerful throwing weapon of the Middle Ages. The operated war machine is 1/3 scale.
"Secrets of the museum collection" visit
From Monday 6 April to Friday 1st May (except weekend)
At 5 pm
🕚 1h30
In french
May
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
🇫🇷 Every day, at 11 am, 2 pm and 5 pm
🇬🇧 Every day, at 3.30 pm
🕚 1h
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet demonstration (one-third scale model).
Trebuchet firing demonstration
From Monday 4 to Sunday 31 May (except for extended holiday weekends):
At 11.50 am, 2.50 pm, 4.20 pm 🇬🇧 and 5.50 pm
On 8 May, Ascension and Pentecost weekends:
At 10.45 am, 11.50 am, 1.45 pm, 2.50 pm, 3.15 pm, 4.20 pm 🇬🇧, 4.45 pm and 5.50 pm
🕚 10 min
Follow step by step the deployment of the most powerful throwing weapon of the Middle Ages. The operated war machine is 1/3 scale.
"Cronistas of the Hundred Years' War" - Governing, fighting, and healing in the 15th century
From Thursday 14 to Sunday 31 May
From 10.30 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6.30 pm
🕚 Continuously
Three costumed guides welcome you to the castle to introduce you to daily life in a fortress during wartime.
In the kitchen, a guide explains how hygiene practices changed with the arrival of devastating epidemics.
In the dungeon, a noblewoman recounts the essential role of women when the lord was absent or killed in battle.
Finally, in the armory, a soldier presents the offensive and defensive equipment of a 14th- and 15th-century warrior.
In French
"Medieval garden" visit
Blacksmith demonstration
From Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 May
From 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6.30pm
A blacksmith works in the forge before the visitors’ eyes and reveals the secrets of metal and fire.
June - Early July
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
🇬🇧 Every day, at 3.30 pm
🇫🇷 Every day, at 11 am, 2 pm and 5 pm
🕚 1h
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet demonstration (one-third scale model).
Trebuchet firing demonstration
From Monday 1st June to Friday 3 July
At 11.50 am, 2.50 pm, 4.20 pm 🇬🇧 and 5 pm
🕚 10 min
Follow step by step the deployment of the most powerful throwing weapon of the Middle Ages. The operated war machine is 1/3 scale.
Summer holidays
“Assaulting the castle” visit
From Saturday 4 July to Monday 31 August:
- 🇫🇷 at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm
- 🇬🇧 at 11.30 am and 4.30 pm,
- 🇳🇱 from Monday to Thursday, at 10.30 am, 13.30 pm, 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm
🕚 30 min
In addition to the free visit to the museum, learn more about the history and architecture of the fortress, but also the techniques of attacking and defending a castle in the Middle Ages.
Trebuchet firing demonstration
Medieval show
From Sunday 4 July to Friday 28 August (except Saturdays)
At 11.30 am, 12.30 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm and 5 pm
🕚 30 mins
A medieval-inspired farce performed in French by two actors who draw the public into their eccentricities!
In French
Themed visit
From Saturday 4 July to Monday 31 August
🕚 30 min
Held outdoors in french, led by a guide in Medieval costume. An opportunity to explore everyday life towards the end of the Middle Ages.
- "Medieval garden"
Get to know the food and medicinal plants that nourish and heal.
Every day in French, at 10.30 am and 5.30pm
- "Hygiene and cleanliness"
What was the use of water in the Middle Ages in the daily life of a fortified castle?
Every day in French, at 11.30 am, 12.30 pm, 2.30 pm, 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm
Blacksmith demonstration
From Sunday 5 July to Monday 31 August
(except Saturdays)
From 10 am to 1 pm and from 2.30pm to 7 pm
NEW NIGHTTIME SHOW 2026
From Monday 13 July to Thursday 27 August
(except weekend)
At 8.30 pm and 10 pm
🕚 1h
In the midst of the Hundred Years' War...
A traveling French-language play performed at nightfall
Limited places available - Booking required
September
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Tuesday 1st to Wednesday 30 September (except on 19 and 20 September)
🇫🇷 at 11 am, 2 pm and 5 pm
🇬🇧 at 3.30 pm
🕚 1h
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet firing demonstration (one-third scale model).
19 & 20 September - Heritage Days
Conference "Castillon, 17 juillet 1453" - Julien Adam - EXCEPTIONAL
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September
Schedule to be determined
Julien Adam, author of "Castillon, 17 juillet 1453 - La France gagne la guerre de Cent Ans" published in 2024, tells us about one of the major events in French history.
In French
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September
🇫🇷 at 11 am and 2 pm
🇬🇧 at 3.30 pm
🕚 1h
Trebuchet firing demonstration
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September
At 10.45 am, 11.50 am, 1.45 pm, 2.50 pm, 3.15 pm and 🇬🇧4.20 pm
🕚 10 min
"Secrets of the museum collection" visit
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September
At 3.30 pm
🕚 1h30
Take a closer look on a collection of ancient weapons and armor of nearly 300 pieces. One of the most important French private collections to be open to the public. A unique conference visit to discover its treasures.
In French
October
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Thursday 1st to Friday 31 October
At 11 am, 2 pm and 4 pm
🕚 1h
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet demonstration (one-third scale model).
Autumn holidays
Meet a "13th-century knight"
From Sunday 18 to Thursday 29 October
(except Fridays and Saturdays)
At 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm and 5 pm
🕚 30 min
Dressed in meticulously reconstructed equipment, the guide shows you the techniques of knights as they might have been encountered in the early 13th century. At the time, Castelnaud castle, then in the hands of lords who supported the Cathar cause, was taken and then destroyed in 1214 by the famous crusader Simon de Montfort.
In French
"Knights' school" Workshop
From Sunday 17 October to Sunday 1st November
From 10.45 am to 12.45 pm and from 1.45 pm to 5.45 pm,
alternating with the Rendez vous of the 13th century knight
🕐 15 min
Young knights learn to use a sword and shield from the master-at-arms whose knowledge is based on medieval combat treaties.
Workshop "Trying on medieval costumes"
From Saturday 17 October 2026 to March 2027
Continuously
Try an outfit inspired by 14th and 15th centuries fashion. In the castle's kitchen, a wardrobe space allows you to step into the shoes of the lords and ladies of the Middle Ages. Immortalize this journey through time with your family during a photo break.
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
At 11 am, 2 pm and 4 pm
Except Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October
🕚 1h
In French
Trebuchet firing demonstration
From Saturday 17 October to Sunday 1st November, before and after guided tour
At 10.45 am, 11.50 am, 2.15 pm, 2.50 pm, 2.45 pm and 4.50 pm
🕚 10 min
Blacksmith demonstration
From 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5.30 pm
30 et 31 october - Duels Through the Ages - EVENT
Duels through the ages
Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October
🕚 1h
More information to come
Workshop "Trying on medieval costumes"
From Saturday 17 October 2026 to March 2027
Continuously
Try an outfit inspired by 14th and 15th centuries fashion. In the castle's kitchen, a wardrobe space allows you to step into the shoes of the lords and ladies of the Middle Ages. Immortalize this journey through time with your family during a photo break.
Blacksmith demonstration
From 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5.30 pm
From 3 to 11 November
“Attacking the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Monday 2 to Friday 6 November
At 11 am, 2 pm and 4 pm
From Saturday 7 to Wednesday 11 November
At 11 am and 2 pm
🕚 1h
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet demonstration (one-third scale model).
In French
Trebuchet firing demonstration
From Saturday 17 October to Sunday 1st November, before and after guided tour
At 10.45 am, 11.50 am, 2.15 pm, 2.50 pm, 2.45 pm and 4.50 pm
🕚 10 min
"Secrets of the museum collection" visit
From Saturday 7 to Wednesday 11 November
At 4 pm
🕚 1h30
Take a closer look on a collection of ancient weapons and armor of nearly 300 pieces. One of the most important French private collections to be open to the public. A unique conference visit to discover its treasures.
In French
Workshop "Trying on medieval costumes"
From Saturday 17 October 2026 to March 2027
Continuously
Try an outfit inspired by 14th and 15th centuries fashion. In the castle's kitchen, a wardrobe space allows you to step into the shoes of the lords and ladies of the Middle Ages. Immortalize this journey through time with your family during a photo break.
Christmas holidays 2025-2026
PLAYMOBIL® exhibit - NEW THEME
From Tuesday 1st December 2026 to March 2027
More informations to come
"Trying on medieval costumes" workshop
From October 2026 to March 2027
Continuously
Night Theatre Tour
From Saturday 26 to Wednesday 30 december 2026
and Friday 1st January 2027
At 5.15 pm
🕚 1h
Embark on a storytelling stroll through the heart of the fortress, discovering its history, a time of dark battles and glorious banquets! When night falls and the gates close, the castle opens its doors only to a select few spectators of its nocturnal theater. At the hour when dog and wolf vie for the light, an actress brings to life the ancient tales of the fortress, of which only the thick stone walls remain as witnesses.
Online booking required
Limited number of places available
In French