Activities
Free for children under 10
Don’t forget to ask for the game booklet!
New in 2024
“Knights' school” Workshop
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
Spring and autumn holidays
Visit-workshop “Secrets of builders”
After the “Castle builders and siege machines” tour, why not try your hand at using the tracing tools used by the craftsmen of the time. Something for all the family!
April-May long weekend, Heritage days
Meet a 13th-century knight
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.
Spring and autumn holidays
Spring holidays 2024
Meet "a 13th-century knight" (30 min)
NEW
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 7 April to Thursday 2 May
(except Fridays and Saturdays)
At 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm and 5 pm
“Knights' school” Workshop
NEW
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 7 April to Thursday 2 May (except Fridays and Saturdays)
From 11.30 am to 1 pm and from 2.30 pm to 6 pm alternating with the Rendez-vous of the Crusader Knight
Visit "Medieval garden" (20 min)
Get to know the food and medicinal plants that nourish and heal. Held outdoors in french, led by a guide in Medieval costume. An opportunity to explore everyday life towards the end of the Middle Ages.
From Saturday 6 April to Sunday 5 May
At 11.30 am, 2.30 pm, 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm
“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 6 April to Sunday 5 May
At 11 am, 2 pm and 3.30 pm
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 Monday 5 May
(except Saturdays)
From 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm
« Challenging misconceptions » visit (45 min)
This guided tour will challenge many of the cliches we believe to be true about the Middle Ages.
In french
From Saturday 6 April to Sunday 5 May
At 5 pm
PROGRAMME 2024
Winter holidays
Exhibition "The Hundred Years War - A century of fashion" NEW
From Saturday 9 december 2023 to 10 March 2024
Twelve state-of-the-art and completely reconstructed seigneurial outfits illustrate the evolution of the shimmering attire of the aristocratic fashion of the time. A great opportunity to break through the dark and dirty image we have of this period! These hand-sewn costumes by Jimmy Lecordier are the result of meticulous research and over 2,000 hours of work.
Workshop "Trying on medieval costumes"
From Saturday 10 February to Sunday 10 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.
"Challenging misconceptions" visit
From Saturday 10 February to Sunday 10 March
On week, at 11:30 and 15:00
On weekend, at 11h:30, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00
🕚 45 min
This guided tour will challenge many of the cliches we believe to be true about the Middle Ages. Only in French
Theatrical visit "Elegance lessons by Claude de Cardaillac"
From Monday 12 February to Friday 8 March (except weekends)
At 11:00, 14:30 and 16:30
🕚 30 min
Follow Claude de Cardillac, a 15th century lady from Castelnaud, highly preoccupied with renewing her wardrobe ! An opportunity to learn more about Medieval fashion, despite the religious morals of the era.
Guided tour in French held inside, led by a guide in costume interpretating a historical figure.
From 30 March to 5 April - Easter
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
At 11:00 and 14:00
From Tuesday 2 to Friday 5 April
At 11:00, 14:00 and 16:00
🕚 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-workshop "Secrets of builders" NEW
From Saturday 30 March to Monday 1st April
At 10:30 and 15:30
🕚 Visit: 30 min, followed by the 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 Saturday 30 March to Monday 1st April
At 17h 🕚 1h15
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
Spring holidays
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Saturday 6 April to Sunday 5 May
At 11:00, 14:00 and 15:30
🕚 1h
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet demonstration (one-third scale model).
In French
« Challenging misconceptions » visit
From Saturday 6 April to Sunday 5 May
At 17:00
🕚 45 min
This guided tour will challenge many of the cliches we believe to be true about the Middle Ages.
In french
Visit "Medieval garden"
Get to know the food and medicinal plants that nourish and heal. Held outdoors in french, led by a guide in Medieval costume. An opportunity to explore everyday life towards the end of the Middle Ages.
Meet "a 13th-century knight" NEW
From Sunday 7 April to Thursday 2 May
(except fridays and saturdays)
At 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00
🕚 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 NEW
From Sunday 7 April to Thursday 2 May (except Fridays and Saturdays)
From 11:30 to 13:00 and from 14:30 to 18:00 alternating with the Rendez-vous of the Crusader 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 Monday 5 May (except Saturdays)
From 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00
May-June
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
In French:
- in May, at 11:00, 14:00 and 15:30
- in June, at 11:00, 14:00, 15:30 and 17:00
In English, in June, at 12:15
🕚 1h
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet demonstration (one-third scale model).
Visit « Challenging misconceptions »
This guided tour will challenge many of the cliches we believe to be true about the Middle Ages.
In French
Visit-workshop "Secrets of builders" NEW
From Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 May (Ascension)
and from Saturday 18 to Monday 20 May (Pentecost)
At 10:30, 13:30 and 15:30
🕚 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
Blacksmith demonstration
From Monday 6 to Saturday 11 May
(except Tuesday)
From 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm
A blacksmith works in the forge before the visitors’ eyes and reveals the secrets of metal and fire.
Summer holidays
Trebuchet firing demonstration
“Assaulting the castle” visit
From Monday 1st to Saturday 6 July, all guided tours are followed by a trebuchet shooting
In French, every days, at 11:00, 14:00, 15:30 and 17:00
In English, every days, at 12:15
🕚 1h
From Sunday 7 July to Sunday 1st September
In French, every days, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00 and 18:00
In English, every days, at 11:30, 14:30, 16:30 and 17:30
In Dutch, every days, at 12:30 and 15:30
🕚 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.
Medieval show
From Sunday 7 July to Friday 30 August (except Saturdays)
At 11:30, 12:30, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00
🕚 30 mins
A medieval-inspired farce performed in French by two actors who draw the public into their eccentricities!
Themed visit
From Sunday 7 July to Sunday 1st September
🕚 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 10:30, 17:30 and 18:30
- "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 11:30, 12:30, 14:30, 15:30 and 16:30
Blacksmith demonstration
From Sunday 7 July to Sunday 1st September
(except Saturdays)
From 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:30 to 19:00
Night show "Dans l'ombre de Geoffroy de Vivans"
From Monday 8 July to Friday 23 August
(except weekend)
At 20:30 and 21:45
🕚 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 2 to Monday 30 September
In French, at 11:00, 14:00, 15:30 and 17:00
In English, at 12:15
🕚 1h
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet firing demonstration (one-third scale model).
Heritage Days - 21 & 22 September
Visit-workshop "Secrets of builders" NEW
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September
At 10:30 and 15:30
🕚 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
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September
At 17:00
🕚 1h15
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
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Monday 2 to Monday 30 September
In French, at 11:00, 14:00, 15:30 and 17:00
In English, at 12:15
🕚 1h
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet firing demonstration (one-third scale model).
October
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet demonstration (one-third scale model).
Autumn holidays
Workshop "Trying on medieval costumes"
From Saturday 19 to Thursday 31 October
From 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00
...
Meet a 13th-century crusader knight NEW
From Sunday 20 to Thursday 31 October
(except Fridays and Saturdays)
At 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00
🕚 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.
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Saturday 19 to Thursday 31 October
In French, at 11:00, 14:00 and 16:00
In English, at 12:15
🕚 1h
Blacksmith demonstration
"Knights' school" Workshop NEW
From Sunday 20 to Thursday 31 October
(except Fridays and Saturdays)
From 11:30 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00
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
1st and 2 November - Artillery shooting days
Castelnaud brings out the heavy artillery!
At 12:00, 14:30, 16:30
🕚 30 min
Demonstration of fire with the castle's life-size war machines, powered by a garrison straight out of the Hundred Years War, under the watchful eye of the re-enactment engineers.
“Assaulting the castle” visit
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.
In French
Visit "Artisans builders of fortresses and siege engines"
Discover the secrets and methods of building powerful castles and impressive war machines built to defeat them.
Held outdoors in french, led by a guide in Medieval costume. An opportunity to explore everyday life towards the end of the Middle Ages.
From 3 to 11 November
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Sunday 3 to Friday 8 November
In French, at 11:00, 14:00 and 16:00
In English, at 12:15
🕚 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 9 to Monday 11 November
At 16:00
🕚 1h15
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 2024-2025
Workshop "Trying on medieval costumes"
From Surday 21 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025
From 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00
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.
2024 events calendar to download:
