In France, workers build a castle from scratch the 13th century way
NORTHERN BURGUNDY, France — Deep in a forest of France's Burgundy region, a group of enthusiasts is building a medieval castle the old-fashioned way — that is, with tools and methods from the late 13th century.
Some of those working here are heritage trade craftspeople, others are ardent history buffs, but all say they share a deep respect for nature and the planet, and a desire to return to simpler times.
"This is a place you experience with all your senses," says Sarah Preston, communications director and guide of these grounds known as Guédelon Castle. "As soon as we walk onto the site you smell the woodsmoke. There's something so evocative about these sites and sounds."
Just as she speaks, a horse cart rolls past carrying wood. Tapping from stonemasons rings out in the distance.
Once beyond the entrance barn doors, visitors plunge into a bygone age. There are no mechanical sounds, no motor engines
