Castle of Baux de Provence Nîmes Romaine / Arènes - Maison Carrée - Tour Magne

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Visitor options

WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES

In 2007, the Château des Baux offers you workshops and activities on the theme of the Middle Ages.

Knights’ workshops (primary level)

These modules are supervised by equitation professionals and experts in the history of medieval chivalry.

• The squire’s career
Discover the importance of the horse in the Middle Ages – principal means of transport and source of economic development. Introduction to a squire’s training on a pony.

• Heraldry
With the aid of the pony and its harness, children will learn the art of heraldry and the colours of the great families of Baux-de-Provence. They will put this to practical use by creating their personalised coat of arms.

• Medieval dress
Presentation of the costumes of the different medieval orders. Costumed role play, with the children interpreting the life of the knights and the Baux court through the scenes.

Craftsmen’s workshops (secondary level)

These modules, led by cultural mediators specialising in the medieval period, draw on school curricula. They have been designed around 3 themes:

• Manufacturing of arrows
Presentation of the different models used for various weapons and in different eras. Creation of arrows for longbows and crossbows. Demonstration of shooting by the Castle archer.

• The war forge
A vital tool for all good armies, it allowed all pieces of armour to be produced, particularly the shield. With the aid of the smith, children will make shields.

• History of chivalry
Presentation of the harness, from the birnie to plate armour by way of the coat of chain mail. Presentation of different weapons and their handling, together with combat methods.

Organisation

After participating in the workshops, pupils can follow the audio guided tour of the Château des Baux and discover the film. The workshops take place over half a day and can accommodate up to 60 pupils. Over a whole day, they can accommodate up to 120 pupils.

An information kit

An information pack is also available.
It enables the class to prepare for its visit to the monument and consists of:

• A reference book: Jhen at the Château des Baux-de-Provence.
This comic strip presents the history of the monument with the aid of multiple illustrations.
• Educational notes for the teacher.
• 1 “mystery treasure hunt” booklet per group of 3 pupils
• A diploma for the team that wins the “mystery treasure hunt”.

The educational guided visit

A professional educational guide accompanies the group for an instructive and fascinating exploration of the Château des Baux.