Sedan Castle: an Ardennes must-see
The largest fortified castle in Europe and voted "France's favourite monument" in 2023, Sedan Castle is the most visited tourist site in French Ardennes, with over 135,000 visitors a year.
Standing on its rocky promontory, the 35,000 m² medieval building located in Sedan celebrated its 600th anniversary in 2024. To celebrate this milestone, a number of events took place throughout the year, including podcasts, conferences, workshops, exhibitions, concerts, shows and even a jousting tournament. One of the highlights of the year was the medieval festival "La fête du feu" in May 2024, with its historical re-enactments offering some real insight into everyday life at the time, covering cooking, weapons, war machines, calligraphy, weaving, blacksmithing and much more.
A new immersive experience, "Le Puits des Légendes", celebrating the 4 Sons of Duke Aymon (a famous local legend), and a sound and light show: "Sedan Illuminé: héritage en couleurs" were also inaugurated. Industrialists from French Ardennes were also asked to build a model that was showcased in front of the castle. The aluminium was cast by Fonderie Design FRA, in moulds designed and printed by 3D Métal Industrie, and powder-coated by Pliroze (Roze Group) so that this collaborative project would last for future generations.
Since it was built in the 15th century, the manor has been transformed successively by the princes and princesses of Sedan into a stronghold reputed to be impregnable, and which even the troops of Charles V failed to overcome. Threatened with destruction in the early 1960s and classified as a Historic Monument in 1965, Sedan's castle is now undergoing an extensive restoration campaign, including the renovation of the keep, the castle's centrepiece. It also boasts a 4-star hotel and a gourmet restaurant.
A town known for its art and history, Sedan is encircled by an arm of the Meuse river and is peppered with remarkable architecture, a testimony to its extensive industrial past. Right in the middle of the town, Sedan's fortified castle overlooks this exceptional heritage.
https://www.chateau-fort-sedan.fr/en/
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