Activities
Free for children under 10
Don’t forget to ask for the game booklet!
News 2025
Event day
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Château de Castelnaud’s opening to the public, a special day of events has been organised. A number of historical re-enactment experts will be present, and the day will conclude with an exclusive concert by Luc Arbogast.
Free admission all the day!
Saturday 22 March
Interactive Tour: "In the Time of the Lords"
Step into the world of medieval cuisine as a costumed guide leads you through the art and rituals of the time, highlighting the food customs and traditions of the period.
The tour concludes with a 20-minute workshop, where you’ll get hands-on experience in organizing a lordly medieval banquet.
Part of the “Février Gourmand” event, in partnership with the Périgord Noir Tourist Office.
Winter holidays
Treasure hunt
Step into history through play!
This treasure hunt offers a true family adventure, inviting you to solve a series of puzzles with the help of a beautifully illustrated booklet. Sharpen your observation skills as you embark on a quest to find Branchebrume’s treasure chest of gold coins – the castle’s very own dragon!
©Boris Picard
From 9 April
Theatrical Tour
Aliénor, l’intendante du château vous entraine dans un parcours itinérant pour vous conter les petites et grandes histoires de la forteresse.
Spring holidays
Spring holidays 2025
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration (1h)
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet demonstration (one-third scale model).
In French
From Saturday 5 April to Sunday 4 May
At 11am, 2.30pm and 4pm
Blacksmith demonstration
A blacksmith works in the forge before the visitors’ eyes and reveals the secrets of metal and fire.
From Sunday 6 April to sunday 4 May (except Fraidy 25 and Saturday 26 April)
From 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm
Meet "a 13th-century knight" (30 min)
Dressed in meticulously reconstructed equipment, historian Nathanaël Dos Reis 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
From Sunday 6 April to Thursday 1st May
(except fridays and saturdays)
At 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm
"Knights' school" workshop (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
From Sunday 6 April to Thursday 1st May (except Fridays and Saturdays)
From 10.45am to 12.45pm and from 1.45pm to 5.45pm alternating with the Rendez-vous of the 13th-century knight
Visit themed "Medieval garden" (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
From Saturday 5 April to Sunday 4 May
At 11.30am, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm
Trebuchet firing demonstration (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.
From Saturday 5 April to Sunday 4 May
At 10.45am, 11.50am, 2.15pm, 3.20pm, 3.45pm and 4.50pm
Theatrical Tour (1h)
Aliénor, the château’s steward, will lead you on an immersive journey, sharing both the small and grand stories of the fortress.
In French
From Saturday 19 April to Sunday 4 May
At 5.30pm
PROGRAMME 2025
January
Workshop "Trying on medieval costumes"
Until Sunday 9 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.
Playmobil® exhibit 2024-2025
Until Sunday 9 March
New edition of the Playmobil® exhibition at the Castle!
This year we take you into the imagination and beliefs of medieval society. Tales, mysteries and legends, iconic novels of the Middle Ages, the legendary little characters invade the castle to punctuate the interiors of the fortress with wonder.
New: find the Golden Playmobil!
Winter holidays
Exposition Playmobil® 2024-2025
Until Sunday 9 March
New edition of the Playmobil® exhibition at the Castle!
This year we take you into the imagination and beliefs of medieval society. Tales, mysteries and legends, iconic novels of the Middle Ages, the legendary little characters invade the castle to punctuate the interiors of the fortress with wonder.
> New: find the Golden Playmobil!
Workshop "Trying on medieval costumes"
Until Sunday 9 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 NEW
Fridays 14, 23, 28 Fevruary and 7 March
From 2pm to 5.30pm
🕚 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.
Part of the "Février Gourmand" event, in partnership with the Périgord Noir Tourist Office.
Interactive Tour: "In the Time of the Lords" NEW
On week, from Monday 10 February to Friday 7 March
At 11.30am and 3pm
🕚 45 min visit + 20 min workshop
Step into the world of medieval cuisine as a costumed guide leads you through the art and rituals of the time, highlighting the food customs and traditions of the period. The tour concludes with a 20-minute workshop, where you’ll get hands-on experience in organizing a lordly medieval banquet.
Part of the "Février Gourmand" event, in partnership with the Périgord Noir Tourist Office.
In French
"Challenging misconceptions" visit
From Saturday 8 February to Sunday 9 March
At 10.30am, 2pm and 4.30pm
🕚 45 min
This guided tour will challenge many of the cliches we believe to be true about the Middle Ages. Only in French
Saturday 22 March - Event day - 40 years
Castelnaud Castle is celebrating its 40th anniversary of being open to the public with this exceptional open day, free admission for all!
Duels through the centuries
Saturday 22 March
From 10 am to 6 pmWeapons and armor come to life as enthusiasts of European Historical Martial Arts (AMHE) take to the field.
Gilles MARTINEZ's Académie d'AMHE and Nathanaël Dos Reis's ‘De Gueules et d'Argent’ living history association will lead reenactments of weaponry combat from the 13th, 15th, and 16th centuries.
Life-size artillery fire
Saturday 22 March
From 2 pm to 6 pm
Historical Craftsmanship Takes on the Collections
Saturday 22 March
From 10 am to 6 pmSpecialized artisans take their place at the heart of the museum, bringing iconic pieces back to life through exceptional reproductions.
> Georges JOLLIOT, armour smith
> Gaël FABRE, swordsmith
> Arnaud HOSSE, illuminator
©Georges Jolliot - Gaël Fabre
Luc Arbogast in an Exclusive Concert
Saturday 22 March
At 7.30 pmFor the very first time at Château de Castelnaud, we’ll wrap up this festive day with a unique musical performance!
Driven by his exceptional voice, Luc Arbogast, joined by Ludovic Fleuret, will deliver a captivating show inspired by ancient music, blending history and melody.
Reservations required – more details coming soon
©azzyraphale - Rodolphe Coquet
From 1st to 4 April
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Tuesday 1st to Friday 4 April At 11am, 2.30pm and 5.15pm 🕚 1h
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet demonstration (one-third scale model).
In French
Spring holidays
Meet "a 13th-century knight"
From Sunday 6 April to Thursday 1st May
(except fridays and saturdays)
At 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm
🕚 30 min
Dressed in meticulously reconstructed equipment, historian Nathanaël Dos Reis 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
Trebuchet firing demonstration
From Saturday 5 April to Sunday 4 May
At 10.45am, 11.50am, 2.15pm, 3.20pm, 3.45pm and 4.50pm
🕚 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.
"Knights' school" workshop
From Sunday 6 April to Thursday 1st May (except Fridays and Saturdays)
From 10.45am to 12.45pm and from 1.45pm to 5.45pm alternating with the Rendez-vous of the 13th-century knight
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
Blacksmith demonstration
From Sunday 6 April to sunday 4 May (except Saturdays)
From 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Saturday 5 April to Sunday 4 May
At 11am, 2.30pm and 4pm
🕚 1h
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet demonstration (one-third scale model).
In French
Visit "Medieval garden"
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
Theatrical Tour NEW
From Saturday 19 April to Sunday 4 May
At 5.30pm
🕚 1h
Aliénor, the château's steward, will lead you on an immersive journey, sharing both the small and grand stories of the fortress.
In FrenchMay
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
🇫🇷
- on May (except from 8 to 11 May and from 29 to 31 May), at 11am, 2.30pm, 4pm and 5.15pm
- from Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 May, at 11am, 2.30pm and 4pm
🇬🇧 at 1pm
🕚 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 Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 May
At 10.50am, 11.50am, 12.50pm, 1.45pm (in English), 2.20pm, 3.20pm, 3.50pm and 4.50pm
🕚 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.
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.
"Secrets of the museum collection" visit
From Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 May
At 5pm
🕚 1h30
From 29 May to 30 June
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
🇫🇷 Every day (except from 29 May to 1st June and from 7 to 9 June), at 11am, 2.30pm and 5.15pm
From Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1st June and from Saturday 7 to Monday 9 June, at 11am, 2.30pm and 4pm
🇬🇧 Every day, at 1pm
From Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1st June and from Saturday 7 to Monday 9 June, at 1pm and 4pm
🕚 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 Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1st June and from Saturday 7 to Monday 9 June
At 10.20am, 11.20am, 12.50pm, 1.50pm (in English), 2.20pm, 3.20pm, 3.50pm and 4.50pm
🕚 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.
Blacksmith demonstration
From Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1st June and from Saturday 7 to Monday 9 June
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.
"Medieval garden" visit
From Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1st June and from Saturday 7 to Monday 9 June
At 10.30am and 4.30pm
🕚 20 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
Visit-workshop "Secrets of builders"
From Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1st June and from Saturday 7 to Monday 9 June
At 11.45am and 2.45pm
🕚 Visit: 30 min, workshop: 45 min
Discover the secrets and methods of building powerful castles and impressive war machines built to defeat them. After the tour, why not try your hand at using the tracing tools used by the craftsmen of the time. Something for all the family! In French
"Secrets of the museum collection" visit
From Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1st June and from Saturday 7 to Monday 9 June
At 5pm
🕚 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
Summer holidays
“Assaulting the castle” visit
From Tuesday 1st to Friday 4 July, all guided tours are followed by a trebuchet shooting:
- 🇫🇷 at 11am, 2.30pm and 5.15pm
- 🇬🇧 at 1pm and 4pm
🕚 1h
From Saturday 5 July to Sunday 31 August, every days:
- 🇫🇷 at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm
- 🇬🇧 at 11.30am, 2.30pm and 4.30pm
- 🇳🇱 at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm
🕚 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 6 July to Friday 29 August (except Saturdays)
At 11.30am, 12.30pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm
🕚 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 5 July to Sunday 31 August
🕚 20 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 days in French, at 10.30am, 5.30pm and 6.30pm
- "Hygiene and cleanliness"
What was the use of water in the Middle Ages in the daily life of a fortified castle?
Every days in French, at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm
Blacksmith demonstration
From Sunday 6 July to Sunday 31 August
(except Saturdays)
From 10am to 1pm and from 2.30pm to 7pm
Night show "Dans l'ombre de Geoffroy de Vivans"
From Monday 14 July to Friday 29 August
(except weekend)
At 8.30pm and 10pm
🕚 1h
In the shadow of Geoffroy de Vivans, a plot takes shape
Transported to the heart of the year 1590, discover feats of arms and tragic destinies in the time of Henri IV and the Wars of Religion.
Traveling play in French
Number of places limited – Reservation required
September
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Monday 1st to Tuesday 30 September (except 20 and 21 September)
🇫🇷 at 11am, 2.30pm and 5.15pm
🇬🇧 at 1pm and 4pm
🕚 1h
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet firing demonstration (one-third scale model).
20 & 21 September - Heritage Days
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September
🇫🇷 at 11am, 2.30pm and 4pm
🇬🇧 at 1pm
🕚 1h
Trebuchet firing demonstration
Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September
At 10.50am, 11.50am, 12.50pm, 1.50pm (in English), 2.20pm, 3.20pm, 3.50pm and 4.50pm
🕚 10 min
"Secrets of the museum collection" visit
Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September
At 10.30am, 2pm and 5pm
🕚 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 FrenchOctober
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Wednesday 1st to Friday 31 October
At 11am, 2.30pm and 4pm
🕚 1h
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet demonstration (one-third scale model).
Autumn holidays
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Saturday 19 October to Sunday 2 November
🇫🇷 at 11am, 14pm and 4pm
🇬🇧 at 12.15pm
🕚 1h
Trebuchet firing demonstration
From Saturday 18 October to Sunday 2 November
At 10.50am, 11.50am, 12.50pm, 1.50pm (in English), 2.20pm, 3.20pm, 3.50pm and 4.50
🕚 10 min
Workshop "Trying on medieval costumes"
From Saturday 18 October 2025 to 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.
Blacksmith demonstration
Meet a "13th-century knight"
From Sunday 19 to Thursday 30 October
(except Fridays and Saturdays)
At 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm
🕚 30 min
Dressed in meticulously reconstructed equipment, historian Nathanaël Dos Reis 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 19 to Thursday 30 October (except Fridays and Saturdays)
From 10.45am to 12.45pm and from 1.45pm to 5.45pm,
alternating with the Rendez vous of the 13th century knight
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
From 3 to 11 November
Workshop "Trying on medieval costumes"
From Saturday 18 October 2025 to 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.
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Monday 3 to Tuesday 11 November
At 11am, 2.30pm and 4pm (no guided tour at 2.30pm on Sunday 9 November)
🕚 1h
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet demonstration (one-third scale model).
"Secrets of the museum collection" visit
From Saturday 8 to Tuesday 11 November
At 10.30am and 3.30
🕚 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 FrenchChristmas holidays 2025-2026
Playmobil® exhibit 2025-2026
From Saturday 20 December 2025 until March 2026
New theme, new challenge for Christmas 2025!
"Trying on medieval costumes" workshop
From Saturday 21 December 2025 to March 2026
Continuously
Night Theatre Tour
From Monday 22 to Tuesday 30 December and Friday 2 January (except on 24 December)
At 5.30pm
🕚 1h
At nightfall, the castle's cook takes you on a tour.
In French
2025 events calendar to download here.
