21 December 2023 | Tourism, Culture
Discovering the Châteaux of the Dordogne, the historical treasures
The Dordogne has many majestic castles, each one as beautiful as the next and witnesses to the history that spans the centuries. Each stone and each tower tells a story and offers visitors a captivating journey through time. Let's discover some emblematic castles of the Dordogne with a glorious past.
Château de Beynac: fortress perched on the cliff
Perched on the cliff overlooking the Dordogne valley, the Château de Beynac was built in the 12th century and played a crucial role during the Hundred Years' War. Visitors will be able to wander through the decorated rooms, contemplate the panoramic view from the ramparts and feel the history that permeates each stone. Many films have been filmed at the Château de Beynac: including the best known in France "The Visitors" where the castle served as a setting.
Château de Castelnaud: Guardian of Traditions
Not far from Beynac, the Château de Castelnaud stands proudly, witness to medieval battles. This castle has been restored to allow visitors a total immersion in the era of the knights. The collections of weapons and armor bring the region's military history to life, captivating history buffs. Château Castelnaud offers a panorama of the Dordogne valley, it is today the Museum of War in the Middle Ages and the most visited castle in the South West.
The Middle Ages War Museum
The Castle serves as the setting for the Middle Ages War Museum. Its collections consist of more than 250 pieces of ancient weapons and armor: swords, crossbows, polearms, chain mail, as well as some beautiful pieces of furniture from the 14th and 15th centuries. More information about the museum here: https://castelnaud.com/le-musee/
Château de Hautefort: at the heart of elegance
Nestled in the heart of the Périgord countryside, the Château de Hautefort seduces with its architectural elegance. Surrounded by French gardens and a landscaped park, the castle was transformed in the 17th century into a sumptuous residence. The decorated salons make the visit a refined place in the heart of the French aristocracy. It is a site in Périgord which combines the splendour of nature with the majesty of architecture, as well as the culture of refinement inherited and transmitted over time. This place steeped in history, preserved and restored by its various owners, can still be visited today.
This castle is the result of a family's strong commitment to a value: beauty.
The castle gardens
The Hautefort estate is more than 3 hectares of boxwood beds punctuated with topiaries in astonishing shapes, cut by hand twice a year.
Château de Losse: medieval charm by the water
Located on the banks of the Vézère, the Château de Losse offers a journey back in time to the heart of the Middle Ages. Its preserved architecture, its imposing towers and its picturesque moat, this castle will transport you to a bygone era. Visiting the gardens and rooms allows you to immerse yourself in past history. You can enjoy audio-guided tours, guided tours and treasure hunts. You will also find a program evolving before time, such as pony rides, rides in a 1944 Dodge, chivalry show and canoeing by the Vérèze.
Château de Monbazillac, between vineyard and history
The Château de Monbazillac combines medieval architecture with viticulture. 10 minutes from Bergerac, the Domaine du Château de Monbazillac invites you to discover its new tour route, where you will explore the precious wines of Monbazillac and the history of the castle in its Perigord context. The visit is dynamic, collaborative, immersive and fun thanks to videos, audio, light shows, puzzles, animations... The Château de Monbazillac offers a calm and peaceful environment which invites contemplation.
