This gigantic castle transports you to the heart of the Middle Ages, to be discovered urgently!
Discovering emblems of our cultural, historical or architectural heritage, the show “The favorite monument of the French” presented by Stéphane Bern, elects each year, among forty monuments of our regions of France, the favorite of the French. If we do not yet know the lucky winner of this year, the one who currently holds the coveted title is a fascinating castle by its scale that immediately transports us to the heart of the Middle Ages.
With a surface area of 35,000 m² spread over 7 floors, it is the “largest castle in Europe” and is located in France,in the Grand Est region. Dominating the town of Sedan from its promontory, this medieval fortress which crossed 600 years of history seems to come out of a fairy tale. This castle was once the incarnation of the principality of Sedan, when the city located today in the Ardennes department was independent of France, in 1549. The latter was then attached to the kingdom of France in 1642, during the Thirty Years’ War. Great names have paraded through the castle: Henri II, Vauban, Napoleon I, Napoleon III, and of course, Marshal Turenne, one of the greatest military glories of the nation, who was born there in 1611. Unique in France, the castle has the merit of satisfying all audiences, from children to great history lovers.
All year round, it is possible to visit its princely apartments or its formidable ramparts freely or with a guide through discovery circuits covering more than 1,000 years of history. And to celebrate its 600th anniversary this year, fun family visits, exhibitions and conferences to discover the secrets that shaped the fortified castle of Sedan are offered. Throughout the summer, families will also be able to attendknightly tournaments, concerts and shows. The unmissable sound and light show, “Sedan illuminé” is organized free of charge every day in July at 10:30 p.m. and in August at 10 p.m.
Rare for a castle, it is even possible to eat in its gourmet restaurant La Principauté, to experience, for the time of a meal, the medieval magic by candlelight, and to spend a few nights at the hotel to have a breathtaking view of the city of Sedan. Without a doubt, this medieval castle is a little-known jewel of France to visit absolutely at least once in your life.