Castle of Castelnaud
Middle Age War Museum
Middle Age War Museum
Aquitaine
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 Built in the 12th century the new castle was the scene of many battles: belonging at first to the lord of Cathar Bernard de Casnac, it was caught and then resumed between the French and English during the Hundred Years War. Left at the French revolution, it is registered to the historical monuments national department since 1966. Finally, in 1985, after 3 very important restorations, it houses the 'Museum of War in the Middle Ages'. More 200 pieces of weapons, armors and furnitures occupy several rooms in the castle, such as: - Hand weapons such as swords or weapons of shock - Projectile weapons, - Artillery Outside, many defensive weapons were rebuilt and placed as it should be if an attack took place. Thus, - a large crossbow Tower (can draw a one meter long arrow to 300 meters ...), - Several catapults impressive as we usually see in movies are strategically placed in the medieval military fort, - A bomb working with black powder closes defenses. A medieval garden ends peacefully the visit and brings us into a world more calm.  Chateau de Castelnaud 24250 Castelnaud-la-Chapelle N 44°48'58'', E 01°08'33'' Click here to see the route (on a new tab)  |
 The free tour lasts about an hour. The guided tour with an actor takes 45 minutes (every day during July and August). Night tour lasts one hour and requires advance booking. It takes place at 20:15 every day except weekends, from July the 1st to August the 31st. The castle is open all year, according to the following schedule: - In February, March, from October the 1st to November the 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., - In April, May, June & September: from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., - In July and August: from 09:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (night visit at 8:15 p.m.), - From November the 12th to January the 31st: from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Christmas holidays: from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; On December the 25th & January the 1st : from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Admission is possible until one hour before the closing time. Disclaimer : The management team of the destination has the possibility to change the opening days and hours without prior communication.  Tours are provided for individuals, groups and school groups. From September the 1st to May the 31st, 2,5 hours long workshops are planned (for 25 students maximum per workshop) and are supervised by expert guides and graduates. Studied themes are such as: History of heraldry, Medieval military architecture, Techniques of siege & weapons in the Middle Ages, Calligraphy, Measurement and measuring in the Middle Ages, and, Pleasure and table manners in the Middle Ages. A guided tour of 45 minutes done by an actor is also possible for school groups of toddlers (check with the organizers). The access to disable persons are sometimes difficult because of the many stairs. However, many places are easier to access. A Braille guide is available and guide dogs for visually impaired people are accepted. |