In France, workers build a castle from scratch the 13th century way

Construction is afoot at Guédelon castle, in France's northern Burgundy region, where builders and crafts people are using tools and methods from the Middle Ages. (Cristina Baussan for NPR)

NORTHERN BURGUNDY, France — Deep in a forest of France's Burgundy region, a group of enthusiasts is building a medieval castle the old-fashioned way — that is, with tools and methods from the late 13th century.

Some of those working here are heritage trade craftspeople, others are ardent history buffs, but all say they share a deep respect for nature and the planet, and a desire to return to simpler times.