Deep in the forests of central France, an unusual archeological and historical experiment is taking place.
There is no electricity or cranes here.
Construction finally began in 1997.
The castle consists of four towers connected by high curtain walls with an inner courtyard and living quarters.
The year of construction was taken as being 1228.
The castle is more than halfway complete.
The castle should be finished within another decade or less.
The hands-on experience has enabled academics to rediscover forgotten building techniques and test models, hypotheses, and theories.
Many unsolved questions regarding 13th-century castle construction has been answered through experimentation.
The site also attracts more than 300,000 visitors each year.
