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Activities

Free for children under 10

Château de Castelnaud

Don’t forget to ask for the game booklet!

New in 2024

Claude de Cardaillac - visite théâtralisée

“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

Claude de Cardaillac - visite théâtralisée

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

Claude de Cardaillac - visite théâtralisée

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

October 2024

Château de Castelnaud - Blacksmith

“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 firing demonstration (one-third scale model).

Fom Tuesday 1 to Friday 18 October
🇬🇧 at 12.15 pm
🇫🇷  at 11 am, 2 pm, 4 pm

Trebuchet firing demonstration

Blacksmith demonstration

Following the guided tour, the guide operates a 1/3 scale war machine.

Fom Tuesday 1 to Friday 18 October
At 11.50 am, 1.05 pm (in English), 2.50 pm, 4.50 pm

Autumn holidays 2024

Trebuchet firing demonstration

Workshop "Trying on medieval costumes"

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.

From Saturday 19 October to Sunday 3 November
Continuously

Château de Castelnaud - Blacksmith

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.

From Sunday 20 to Thursday 31 October (except Fridays and Saturdays)
At 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm and 5.pm

Château de Castelnaud - Blacksmith

"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 20 to Thursday 31 October (except Fridays and Saturdays)
From 11.30 am to 1 pm and from 2.30 pm to 6 pm

 

 

 

Trebuchet firing demonstration

Blacksmith demonstration

A blacksmith works in the forge before the visitors’ eyes and reveals the secrets of metal and fire.

From Sunday 20 October to Friday 1st November (except Saturdays)
From 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5.30 pm

Château de Castelnaud - Blacksmith

“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 firing demonstration (one-third scale model).

From Saturday 19 to Thursday 31 October
– 🇫🇷 at 11 am, 2 pm and 4 pm
– 🇬🇧 at 12.15 pm

PROGRAMME 2024

Winter holidays

Exhibition costumes Hundred Years War - Christmas
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.

 

Château de Castelnaud - Couillard - Guerre au Moyen-Age
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
"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

 

Elegance lessons by Claude de Cardaillac
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

Château de Castelnaud - Tir au trébuchet
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Saturday 30 March to Monday 1st April
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

 

Château de Castelnaud - Visite thématique
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

 

Château de Castelnaud - Visite conférence du musée
"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

Château de Castelnaud - Tir au trébuchet
“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
« 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
 
Château de Castelnaud - Visite costume Moyen-âge
Visit "Medieval garden"
From Saturday 6 April to Sunday 5 May
At 11:30, 14:30, 15:30 and 16:30
🕚 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.

 
Château de Castelnaud - Croisé
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
“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


Château de Castelnaud - Forgeron
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

A blacksmith works in the forge before the visitors’ eyes and reveals the secrets of metal and fire.

May-June

Château de Castelnaud - Tir au trébuchet
“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).

 

Challenging misconceptions
Visit « Challenging misconceptions »
From Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 May (Ascension)
and from Saturday 18 to Monday 20 May (Pentecost)
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

 

Trebuchet
Trebuchet firing demonstration

From Saturday 18 to Monday 20 may
At 10.45 am, 11.45 am, 1.45 pm, 2.45 pm, 3.15 pm, 4.15 pm and 4.45 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.

 

Château de Castelnaud - Visite thématique
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

 

Château de Castelnaud - Forgeron
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

Château de Castelnaud - Tir au trébuchet
Trebuchet firing demonstration
From Saturday 6 July to Saturday 31 August (except Sundays)
From 10:00 to 13:30 and from 17:00 to 18:30
The most powerful of siege engine in action… In order to not damage the castle, the one used here is on a scale of 1:3!

 

Château de Castelnaud - Visites guidées
“Assaulting the castle” visit

From Monday 1st to Friday 5 July, all guided tours are followed by a trebuchet shooting
- 🇫🇷 every days, at 11 am, 2 pm, 3.30 pm and 5 pm
- 🇬🇧 every days, at 12.15 pm
🕚 1h

From Saturday 6 July to Sunday 1st September
- 🇫🇷 at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm
- 🇬🇧 at 11.30 am, 12.30 pm*, 2.30 pm, 3.30 pm*, 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm
*only from Friday to Sunday
- 🇳🇱 from Monday to Thursday, at 12.30 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.

 

Château de Castelnaud - Spectacle médiéval
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!

 

Château de Castelnaud - Visite thématique
Themed visit

From Saturday 6 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

 

Château de Castelnaud - Forgeron
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

A blacksmith works in the forge before the visitors’ eyes and reveals the secrets of metal and fire.

 

Château de Castelnaud - Visites guidées
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

Château de Castelnaud - Tir au trébuchet
“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

Château de Castelnaud - Visite thématique
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

 

Visit conference of the museum
"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

 

Château de Castelnaud - Tir au trébuchet
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September
- 🇬🇧 at 12.15 pm
- 🇫🇷 at 11 am, 2 pm and 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).

October

Guided tour - Château de Castelnaud
“Assaulting the castle” visit followed by a trebuchet firing demonstration
From Tuesday 1st to Friday 18 October
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).

Autumn holidays

Château de Castelnaud - medieval
Workshop "Trying on medieval costumes"

From Saturday 19 October to Sunday 3 November
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.

 

Château de Castelnaud - Arquebusier
Meet a 13th-century 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.

 

Château de Castelnaud - Visite guidée et tir au trébuchet
“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

Attack! Guided tour on the theme of attacking a fortified castle that end with a trebuchet firing demonstration (one-third scale model).

 

Château de Castelnaud - Forgeron
Blacksmith demonstration
From Sunday 20 October to Friday 1st November (except Saturdays) From 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:30
A blacksmith works in the forge before the visitors’ eyes and reveals the secrets of metal and fire.

 

Knights school
"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

Château de Castelnaud - Visite thématique
Castelnaud brings out the heavy artillery!
Friday 1st and Saturday 2 November
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.

 

Château de Castelnaud - Tir au trébuchet
“Assaulting the castle” visit
Friday 1st and Saturday 2 November
At 10:30, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00
🕚 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.

In French

 

Château de Castelnaud - Visite thématique
Visit "Artisans builders of fortresses and siege engines"
Friday 1st and Saturday 2 November
At 11:15, 13:45 and 15:45

🕚 30 min

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

Château de Castelnaud - Guided tour
“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).

 

Visit conference museum
"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 French

Christmas holidays 2024-2025

Château de Castelnaud - Fitting of costumes
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: