Sedan: the Biggest Fortified Castle in Europe
S. Ortega-Dubois
S. Ortega-Dubois
Europe’s biggest fortified castle is an unmissable and impressive monument in the heart of the town of Sedan. To discover during your visit!
History was written here
In 1591, the last descendent of the La Marck family was married to Henri de la Tour d’Auvergne, symbolising the handover of Sedan between the two princely families.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the city
During your visit, discover an impressive scale-model of the town of Sedan in 1840. It allows you to get a sense of the colossal majesty of the fortifications surrounding the town, and to identify several of the historically emblematic buildings of Sedan.
Making history engaging for everyone
Throughout the tour there are panels that explain the history of Sedan Castle. A fun booklet will engage your children in a playful visit with Raymond, the castle’s friendly mascot!
An Unavoidable Visit
The fortified castle of Sedan presents itself as if a childhood dream has come to life. Massive and imposing, it silently dominates the town from on high. No matter the time of year this passion-filled stone colossus allows you to travel back in time and immerse yourself in the fascinating history it has witnessed. Pass through its halls and listen to the echos of the daily lives of the soldiers who maintained and guarded it, and look deep into the heart of the town while taking a stroll along it’s fierce ramparts (bastion des Dames).
Then wander through the princely apartments where the life of the castle and the town at the time of it being “Little Geneva" is reanimated for you and presented in illustrations from the collections of the municipal museum. Within the walls of the castle, after having admired the perfectly preserved woodwork and having visited the chapel, you will arrive at the large model of the town where an audio commentary will accompany you.
Practical information
The Medieval Festival
Centered around the medieval imagination, the Sedan festival is characterised by the participation of numerous local associations. Every year in May, in the courtyard and in the grounds of the castle, reenactments of troubadours and troops attract audiences from all over Europe in search of the real immersive experience.
Hypocras, or slow roasted pig, as well as various other specialities will not fail to awaken your taste-buds.
Summer Tournaments
In the summer, medieval entertainment and games bring the fortified castle to life. This is an experience you will not want to miss. To win the heart of the beautiful princess or simply for the challenge, the combatants/stunt people come together in one-on-one combat or on horseback, allowing you to discover the codes of honour and get a taste for the games of the medieval period. This family show will delight your children, even the youngest!
