Of all of the locations that you will see during your vacation onboard the Barge Meanderer, the Château de Saint-Fargeau promises to be one that you will remember for a number of reasons. The Château de Saint-Fargeau boasts a rich history spanning over a millennium which is why it’s such a popular location to visit during your French barge cruise. In 980, Héribert, Bishop of Auxerre and half-brother of Hugh Capet, constructed a fortified hunting lodge on the site. Throughout the following centuries, the castle passed through the hands of illustrious families including the lords of Toucy, Bar, and Jacques Coeur, a famed silversmith in the court of Charles VII. It wasn’t until 1453 that Antoine de Chabannes undertook the construction of the current pentagonal-shaped castle, complete with six grand towers, on the foundation of the original fortress.
The castle’s history took another turn in 1652 when Anne-Marie Louise d’Orléans, the Grande Mademoiselle and first cousin of Louis XIV, was exiled to Saint-Fargeau for five years due to her involvement in the Fronde. During her stay, she collaborated with the architect Le Vau to design the castle’s interior facades, resulting in a stunning example of French classicism. The Lepetier family purchased the castle in 1713, with Louis Michel Lepeletier, a famous conventional who voted for the execution of Louis XVI, eventually meeting his own assassination.
The Château de Saint-Fargeau has also played a central role in Jean d’Ormesson’s novel Au plaisir de Dieu. In 1979, the castle was acquired by Michel Guyot, who has continued to preserve its rich history and beauty for future generations to enjoy.
Exploring the Wonder of Guedelon
One of the other reasons why this area is such a popular attraction is Guedelon. Guedelon is a unique and ambitious project located in Burgundy, France, where a team of archaeologists, historians, and builders are constructing a medieval castle using traditional techniques and materials. Here’s a breakdown of the project:
- Concept: Guedelon is a project that aims to build a castle from scratch using only traditional techniques and materials, as they would have been used in the 13th century. The idea is to gain a better understanding of how medieval castles were built and to preserve these ancient building techniques for future generations.
- Location: The castle is being built in a remote forest in Burgundy, France, on a site that was chosen because of the availability of the materials needed for the construction, such as stone and wood.
- Construction: The construction of the castle began in 1997 and is expected to be completed in 2023. The builders are using only the tools and techniques that were available in the 13th century, including stonecutting, carpentry, blacksmithing, and rope making. The builders are also using traditional materials, such as lime mortar, wooden pegs, and oak timbers.
- Design: The castle is being built based on a design from the 13th century, but the exact details of the design are not known. The builders are using historical records and archaeological evidence to inform the design and construction of the castle.
- Visitors: Guedelon is open to visitors, who can watch the builders at work and learn about medieval construction techniques. The site has become a popular tourist attraction, attracting around 300,000 visitors each year.
- Impact: Guedelon has had a significant impact on the local economy, bringing jobs and tourism to the region. The project has also helped to preserve traditional building techniques and to promote interest in medieval history and architecture.
Experience 18th Century Farm Life
Experience a leap back in time with a visit to Château de Saint-Fargeau, an eighteenth-century agricultural gem that offers a unique glimpse into a way of life long gone. During this era, French farms relied heavily on animals, with cows and goats providing milk for consumption, while horses and oxen pulled plows in place of modern tractors. Open to the public since 2000, the farm at the Château de Saint-Fargeau is an experience that you will not want to miss. This farm is home to a variety of animals, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
During your visit, you will learn more about how pigs, rabbits, sheep, and chickens were also instrumental in feeding farmers and their families. In today’s world, animals on farms serve a more leisurely and recreational purpose. Dwarf breeds are bred specifically as pets, while horses are ridden or harnessed for enjoyment, and pigs serve to gobble up any leftovers that fussy eaters might leave behind, such as vegetables.
Schedule Your Adventure
The crew onboard the Barge Meanderer can help you to plan a barge excursion to the Château de Saint-Fargeau. We’re dedicated to going above and beyond to ensure that your vacation is everything that you want it to be and more! Get in touch with us today to learn more about this beautiful location as well as other places that you will see along your barge cruise!