Castles in Périgord

The Dordogne has the largest number of castles in France !

Château des Eyzies
crédits photos : Wikipedia Semhur

Château des Eyzies a castle in the rock

Although the platform on which the castle is situated has been occupied since the Magdalenian period, the original castle dates from the 13th century and was rebuilt in the 16th century after many vicissitudes during the Hundred Years’ War. Its originality lies in the fact that it is partly dug into the rock.

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Château de Beynac fortress of Richard the Lionheart

Situated between Bergerac and Sarlat, Beynac Castle (14th/16th century) is one of the best preserved in the region.
It benefits from an exceptional location on the heights of one of the most beautiful villages in France, overlooking the Dordogne valley, and its visit offers you a unique journey back to the Middle Ages and a dive into the heart of the 100 Years War.

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Château de Beynac

Château de Biron

Château de Biron classified Grand site d’Aquitaine

Situated on a rocky knoll overlooking the village of Biron, in the Purple Perigord, the original castle dates back to the 12th century and has undergone numerous alterations over the years.
This fortress is considered to be one of the jewels of the Périgord and has been used as a backdrop for many films, including Jacquou le Croquant, D’Artagnan’s Daughter and Le Pacte des Loups.

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Château de Castelnaud the perfect example of a medieval castle

Located in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, 9 km from Sarlat, on a rocky outcrop, this 12th century castle offers an exceptional panoramic view.
It is very well preserved and for children who love the era of knights and princesses, it is very interesting. Beautiful collection of weapons and armour.

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Château de Castelnaud

Château des Milandes

Château des Milandes in the footsteps of Josephine Baker

It was in Castelnaud that Joséphine set her sights on this magnificent 20th century residence and its sumptuous gardens.
This is an opportunity for an intimate look into the life of an extraordinary, committed and inspiring woman and her rainbow tribe.
Birds of prey show in summer.

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More about Josephine Baker

 

Château de Commarque the forgotten fortress

A former fortified castle, it was built in the 12th century to protect the Benedictine abbey of Sarlat.
Today, it is always with emotion that we rediscover what remains of this unique fortress overlooking the valley of the Beune, as if in levitation out of time and space.
Medieval Escape Game organised in summer.

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Château de Commarque
crédits photos : Flickr morio60

Château de Puymartin

Château de Puymartin the legend of the White Lady

Located in Marquay, between Les Eyzies and Sarlat.
Not much remains of the original castle, but the fortress, which has been remodelled several times, offers a fairy-tale setting.
Legend has it that Thérèse de Saint-Clar, who was locked up there for 16 years by a jealous husband, sometimes haunts the castle and its surroundings in the guise of a white lady.
It was used as an interior set for Ridley Scott’s film The Duelists.

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Château de Fénelon a place full of history

Home of the great writer Fénelon, with its majestic architecture, this imposing building with its lauze roofs was originally a feudal fortress which has undergone many vicissitudes.
A witness to 800 years of history, the castle houses a fine collection of medieval and Renaissance weapons and fully furnished rooms to discover the French art of living.
It is regularly used as a location for documentaries and films, the most recent being The Last Duel.

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Château de Fénelon
crédits photos : Wikipedia Père Igor

Château de Hautefort
crédits photos : Wikipedia Père Igor

Château de Hautefort a rare example of a classical building in the Dordogne

A former medieval fortress transformed into a holiday resort by the Marquis of Hautefort in the 17th century, the Château de Hautefort is distinguished by its sumptuous architecture, which evokes that of the châteaux of the Loire.
The French gardens and the landscaped park dating from the 19th century which surround it make it a unique castle.

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Château de Losse  “man does what he can, fortune what it will”

Traces of this castle date back to the 11th century, when the Losse family, from Flanders, entered the service of the Kings of France.
From the 16th century onwards, it was redesigned, in particular to face the attacks of the Emperor Charles V’s troops, and presents the civil and military architecture that we know today.
The gardens recreated in the 20th century and awarded the “Remarkable Gardens” label in 2004 give the ensemble a unique character and offer the visitor a very harmonious pathway conducive to meditation.

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Château de Losse

Château de Monbazillac

Château de Monbazillac the opportunity to taste the wine

Owned by the Monbazillac cooperative cellar since 1960, the Château de Monbazillac has an original architecture, mixing medieval defensive elements with elegant Renaissance decorations.
An interesting visit 10 minutes from Bergerac.
Tasting offered at the end of the visit and possibility to buy wine.

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