We all know the Puy du Fou but the Château de Tiffauges is a tourist site that deserves to be visited. Very popular with children, this site successfully combines History and shows. On the program : History of Bluebeard, presentation and use of weapons in the Middle Age, playful explanation of the architecture of the time, equestrian knight show…
A bit of History
Welcome to the real Château de Tiffauges. A fortified castle built in the 12th century and which was the property of Bluebeard. This nickname refers to Gilles de Rais, a nobleman in the 15th century who is known for having murdered hundreds of children.
As you approach the Château de Tiffauges, you recognize all the signs of very medieval castles (tower, ramparts, church, overhang over the valley, etc.). Moreover, when you get your entrance tickets (which you can also buy online), you are facing the main tower which resisted the attacks. Because yes, the Château de Tiffauges is partially in ruins.
For information, we paid less than €15 for an adult entry and a child entry in the spring. Please note that there is a slight increase for visits during summer time.
The different animations
Even though it is in ruins, parts of the original buildings and ramparts are still standing. They are used intelligently and become perfect places to immerse yourself in the History and stories of the place.
The life of Gilles de Rais
Enter one of the rooms on the side of the ramparts and listen to your interlocutor in medieval clothing tell you the story of Gilles de Rais. From a knight decorated for his bravery on the battlefield to a murderer and pedophile, hanged in the middle of the 15th century. Of course, as there are many children visiting the castle, the storytellers are careful not to shock their audience.
Architecture in the Middle Age
Take a seat in the interior courtyard of the Château and listen to the architects explain to you how the machines and tools have been used to build the ramparts. Your two guides are very educational and set in motion (with the help of children) the full-size reproductions of these machines. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions after the presentation.
Weapons and armor in the time of the knights
Enter again one of the rare places still intact on the side of the ramparts. In this room weapons and armor from the Middle Age are exhibited. Your guide explains the combat usefulness of each piece. It also involves the public (to the delight of children) in finding the name and use of the different weapons. Like all events, the audience is deliberately limited because the size of the venue is small.
Learn to use the bow and crossbow like Robin Hood
At the heart of the courtyard is a weapons presentation workshop (bow, crossbow, etc.). Sorry, but no one can touch them because they are dangerous weapons after all. But your new guide will explain how they work, give you demonstrations and share anecdotes that will amaze even adults. So keep your wits about you because you are on the verge of being targeted (it’s up to you to find the clues).
Fend enemies with the trebuchet
A trebuchet was reconstituted for the occasion. Installed near the ramparts, it protects the castle from attackers coming from the valley. Another guide (still in medieval clothing) asks you to help activate the trebuchet. Adults and children are welcome to repel the attackers.
Between two animations
Medieval games have been installed in the heart of the courtyard (right next to the bow and crossbow workshop). You find there:
- Mechanical horses to simulate a knight fight
- Skill games with balls or hoops
- Board games from the time (like checkers for example)
- …
Guided tour of the Château de Tiffauges
During your visit, take advantage of the environment to take a tour of the courtyard, the old church, the underground crypt, the ramparts… You can visit freely or as part of a guided tour which lasts 45 minutes . By freely, I mean that there is an old fridge from the period to visit, a video on the History of the castle to watch, the ramparts to climb….
Also take advantage of your visit to have a picnic in the castle courtyard. Benches and tables were set up especially for the occasion. In good weather, it is pleasant to eat on the grass or simply to rest while waiting for the next event. Because yes, the activities mentioned above have specific times. Consult the program to organize your day.
The knight show, highlight of the Château de Tiffauges
It’s THE moment that all children wait for. There is a performance at lunchtime and another in the middle of the afternoon. When we went there during spring time, there were less than 200-300 visitors I would say. So we were able to see and see again this show which lasts 30 minutes and is super nice.
The story is that of a chemist who is responsible for repelling attackers with his inventions. Between cavalcades, heroes and villains, trebuchets in action, cries and victories, falls and science… You will see very involved actors (some of whom are the guides you met during the activities). They are on foot, on horseback, with weapons, with farm animals, with special effects…