Sedan and its castle
Sedan, the biggest castle in Europe !
Have a fun time exploring the huge castle at Sedan with family or friends, from the moat to the Galerie des Princes. Discover the bastions, ramparts and towers of the 35,000m² fortress which has been altered many times during its 500-year history. Construction of the castle was begun in 1424 by Evrard de la Mark and it was extensively enlarged and reinforced by his descendants resulting in the castle we see today. Originally the property of the Princes of Sedan, it became French in 1642 when the Principality of Sedan became part of the Kingdom of France and was subsequently occupied by the French Army for almost 320 years.
From 1917 to 1918, the Germans transformed the castle into a forced-labour camp for thousands of French and Belgian civilians. Finally, in 1962 the town council of Sedan bought the castle from the Army for the nominal fee of one franc and saved it from destruction.
Two tours let visitors relive the history of the castle :
- « 1000 ans d’histoire (1,000 years of history) » takes you around the fortifications, ramparts, bastions and other walkways and then continues with the « Sedan, une principauté (the Principality of Sedan) ».
- « Sedan, une principauté (the Principality of Sedan) » takes you into the private life of the Princes of Sedan - their life stories, everyday life, symbols of their power, etc.
- « Kids » is a tour especially for children
Events and activities at the Château de Sedan
Events take place within the castle walls throughout the year. The Medieval Festival in May recreates the atmosphere at the castle during its heyday. In July and August displays by medieval knights are held along with torchlight tours of the castle on Friday and Saturday nights. Complete your stay in Sedan by visiting the Meuse Valley.
For more information, ring 03 24 29 98 80 or go to www.chateau-fort-sedan.fr
Sedan is classed as an Art and History town, so take time during your visit to admire its streets, mansions and old factories.
For Heritage Information ring 03 24 26 85 70 or email patrimoine@ville-sedan.fr
How to get to Sedan
By road : via A34, exit Sedan,
By rail : TGV to Sedan."
