In Sedan you can see everything--or almost everything--in a big way. If you drive along the A34, it's impossible to miss Woinic, a monumental statue of a wild boar. And it is also impossible to avoid visiting the Sedan castle if you stop over in the capital of the French Ardennes, the largest in Europe of its kind.
Its impressive size of about 35,000m2 only compliments its impeccable condition, due to the meticulous maintenance by the soldiers who occupied it for 300 years. However, this piece of heritage could have been relegated to the shelf of memories.
Built, then constantly reinforced
Évrard de la Marck had the first castle built in Sedan in the 15th century, encompassing a former priory. The man was in a hurry, and it took only six years to erect its main building and two towers on a triangular plan, an arrangements that was outdated at a time, when artillery was used more and more.
Expansions followed at a rapid pace, with a new bailey (of 10,000m2) from 1455, the doubling of curtain walls, a new artillery tower, defence platforms... As if that were not enough, new work was undertaken from the 1500s, with the reinforcement of the walls and then the installation of four bastions 50 years later. No one dared to imagine attacking Sedan any more.
The site was carefully maintained by the army for 300 years. (Photo: Shutterstock)
In 1642, Frédéric-Maurice de la Tour d'Auvergne had the bad idea of taking part in Cinq-Mars' conspiracy against Richelieu. The Viscount of Turenne's brother saved his head by donating Sedan castle to Louis XIII. It would remain in the military domain for 300 years, ensuring its regular maintenance.
The danger of the supermarket
In 1962, the town of Sedan made a very good deal by buying it for a symbolic franc. But the ambitions were quite different from those one might imagine.
"In 1967, the town council put an item on its agenda concerning the project to raze the castle," says a spokesperson, in order to make room for a modern temple of consumption: a supermarket. It is amusing now, but "it came down to one vote during the ballot".
Fortunately, the town opted to conserve its heritage. There are many events every year at Sedan Castle, including chivalry tournaments, medieval markets, various shows, and more. Cross-border cooperation is topnotch, notably with the neighbouring town of Bouillon in Belgium, as well as the creation of a hike path between the two castles.
Objective: 75,000 visitors per year
This year, the castle launched an escape game. "It's called 'In Search of the Lost Sword'. The Lord of La Marck had this sword hidden, and it will be up to you to find it,” explains Audrey Thillois, communications manager.
In any case, local ambitions are high. While the castle has attracted around 50,000 visitors annually in recent years, "the objective is to reach 75,000 admissions.”
This story in French on Paperjam. It has been translated and edited for Delano.