Castles: History made easy as pie

Summer outings: With kids out of school, complete farniente will remain wishful thinking over the next month. Place Gre’net is happily offering a few tips on fun family summer outings that may teach you a few things along the way.

Visite théâtralisée enfants château de Sassenage

Who said visiting castles wih kids was boring? © Patricia Cerinsek

It’s a promise; this summer break with the kids will also be educational!

Two months left to go back in history, indulge in local nature and wildlife, discover the heritage, take a peak into geology or get inspired by great artists…

While a dip in the pool might be the obvious activity on scorching summer days (yes, please), your family resolutions require further information.

Fairy tales in castles

Why not visit castles ? Sure, at this point, you might gather more frowning faces than outbursts of enthusiasm but don’t despair and please, don’t give up just yet!

At the castle of Sassenage, Mademoiselle Julie is chasing the ghost of Melusine. © Patricia Cerinsek

This summer, throughout Isere, 4 mighty castles are rising up to the challenge of presenting French history to the youngsters in a way that is both educational and fun.

The castles of Roussillon (northern Isere), Sassenage, Touvet (south Gresivaudan) and Virieu (Isere north) present an hour wonderland tour around the stunning castles, ending the visit with a sweet snack for kids between 3 and 12. All included for 5 euros (advanced booking recommended).

History unfolds with the tales of famous ancestors and local legends allowing the marveled visitors to follow the story piece by piece.

Penetrate the mysteries of each site

In Sassenage, the good water fairy Melusine returns to haunt the stories told by Mademoiselle Julie, sinking the listeners deep in the Age of Enlightenment.

Mademoiselle Julie, the maid of the Marquise de Sassenage, guides her young audience through the maze of the castle, encouraging the kids to participate in the visit. The result is a great success, both fun and educational, appealing to the most difficult crowds.

The connecting thread between the 4 castles is called Lise Soulbieu, a.k.a. Mademoiselle Julie. She created those playful family journeys in history with the intention of revealing a bit of the mystery of each site.

Let’s go on a key hunt at the Virieu castle, or save the shrinking castle in Roussillon, or help the young King find his magic parchment.

The concept originated at the castle of Arthaudiere in Chatte (a 1h15m visit for 2 euros) where 18th century coachman Ambroise will help newlyweds uncover the family treasure. Role-playing and treasure hunting give history lessons a delightful makeover.

By Patricia Cerinsek Translation by Cecile Boussier

For older audiences

Besides the traditional guided visits, the castle of Sassenage puts an emphasis on role playing by offering, for older audiences, a show around « the odd discovery of Dr. C. Rahminger » with company Un euro ne fait pas le printemps.
From august 7 to 14th at 5:00PM.

On august 19th, « One history, Two Ladies » at Sassenage offers to follow two guides in costumes and another musical set, from august 3 to 10th, at 5:00PM