Discover trebuchet shooting in the heart of a real medieval castle (July and August)

Looking for an original family activity near Rochefort? Step back into the Middle Ages at Château de Saint-Jean-d’Angle in Charente-Maritime and discover the impressive siege engines once used to attack fortified castles.

During the summer season, particularly in July and August, the siege camp around the castle offers visitors the opportunity to discover a real trebuchet and other medieval war machines, including throwing machines, a siege mantelet and a battering ram.

It is a fun and immersive experience for both children and adults, set within the exceptional surroundings of a 12th-century medieval castle.

The castle acquired a fully operational trebuchet from Renaud Beffeyte, a craftsman and medieval enthusiast, as well as a renowned specialist in civil and military machines from the period.

The military camp set up around the castle allows visitors to discover a variety of siege engines, a mantelet (a large shield or portable shelter used for protection in medieval warfare), and a battering ram (designed to break down the gates of a besieged castle).

Discover the medieval castle and its medieval leisure park.

A medieval activity just a short distance from Rochefort

Located in Saint-Jean-d’Angle, the castle is easily accessible from Rochefort, as well as from Marennes, Royan, Fouras and the surrounding areas of Île d’Oléron.

Trebuchet shooting is just one part of a much larger experience. Château de Saint-Jean-d’Angle is both a medieval castle, a historic monument and a family leisure park.

During your visit, you can explore the fortress, cross its bridge, walk along the medieval walls and discover a range of activities dedicated to medieval life, history and techniques.

Discover all the activities at our medieval theme park.

A medieval leisure park for the whole family

A visit to the castle is about much more than trebuchet shooting. A wide range of activities allows children and adults to discover the Middle Ages in a fun and interactive way.

Activities include :

✔ medieval treasure hunts and riddles;
✔ traditional wooden games;
✔ archery;
✔ medieval siege engines;
✔ a medieval garden;
✔ farmyard animals;
✔ sensory trails;
✔ a barefoot trail;
✔ a musical forest;
✔ a large corn maze, depending on the season.

Families can enjoy several hours of activities in a unique historical and natural setting covering 15 hectares.

To extend your adventure, you can also discover our medieval escape games and try to solve the castle’s mysteries.

Discover medieval siege engines

The trebuchet is one of the most impressive machines in the siege camp. This huge throwing machine provides a fascinating insight into the military techniques used during the Middle Ages to besiege fortified castles.

At Saint-Jean-d’Angle, this experience takes on a special meaning because visitors are immersed directly in the world of a genuine medieval fortress.

It is a great opportunity to learn more about medieval siege engines, castle sieges and the techniques used by attackers in their attempts to breach a fortress.

A perfect family activity near Rochefort

Château de Saint-Jean-d’Angle offers an experience particularly well suited to families. Children can explore the castle through a medieval riddle game, while adults can also take part in a quiz designed to accompany the visit.

Between the medieval walls, siege engines, traditional games, archery, gardens and natural areas, the whole family can take part in the adventure.

To make the most of your day, picnic areas are available on site. A snack bar is also open during July and August.

Check our admission prices and opening times before your visit.