Castelnaud castle

In the heart of the Périgord Noir, 3.6 km from our Slow Village Saint-Cybranetdiscover one of the Dordogne's most famous castles: Château de Castelnaud.

Château de Castelnaud is a fortified castle, listed as a Monument Historique in 1966, built on a rocky spur with a magnificent panoramic view over the Dordogne valley. It faces the château de Beynac, its rival during the Hundred Years' War, on the other side of the river. Castelnaud is also famous for its museum of warfare in the Middle Ages.

Thehistory of Château de Castelnaud

Located in the commune of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Castelnaud castle is a medieval fortress. Built on a rocky spur in the 12th century, it was first owned by the Cathar lord Bernard de Casnac, then taken by Simon de Montfort in 1214 during the Albigensian Crusade.

A new castle was then built: the keep and curtain wall date from this period.During the Hundred Years' War, Castelnaud castle was mainly in the hands of the English, but was finally conquered by the French in 1442. Once the conflict was over, the fortress was returned to the Caumonts, who had owned it since 1368, and reinforced the defensive system. The lower enclosure and the new barbican were equipped with gunboats, the artillery tower was built and new living quarters were added to improve comfort. The castle was subsequently entrusted to Geoffroy de Vivans, a feared warrior who was spared assault during the Wars of Religion.

During the 15th century, like many Périgord castles, it was transformed toimprove the comfort of its inhabitants. However, Castelnaud was rarely occupied, as the Caumonts left Castelnaud for their new castle in Les Milandes, and was totally abandoned during the French Revolution. It was even used as a stone quarry in the 19th century, and continued to deteriorate until 1966, when it was classified as a Historic Monument and underwentmajor restoration campaigns. These restoration campaigns had only one ambition: the Château de Castelnaud had to be reborn as it was.

The museum of war in the Middle Ages

Château de Castelnaud has been the scene of numerous conflicts and has thus had a particularly tumultuous history, filled with battles, sieges and other surrenders. The castle has resisted and adapted constantly, and to pay tribute to the tenacity of the fortress, the new owner has decided to install a museum dedicated to warfare in the Middle Ages.

Inaugurated in 1985, the museum's collections feature over 250 pieces of medieval artillery. Swords, crossbows, hast weapons, chain mail and even life-size siege weapons are on display in the fortress dwellings. Some fine pieces of furniture from the 14th and 15th centuries complete the ensemble.

Château de Castelnaud, an impressive castle

Castelnaud castle can be seen from afar. Its massive silhouette, thick walls and arrogant square tower are as imposing as they were in the Middle Ages. From the road leading from Sarlat, the view of the castle is striking, the fortress perched atop its rocky spur intimidating.

Castelnaud castle can be reached directly by car, but the approach on foot, through the lower part of the village, is much more pleasant, especially as the small village of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is one of France's most beautiful villages. As a result, between the steep streets and the old houses old Périgord housesthe climb up to the castle is very pleasant, and as you ascend, Castelnaud castle reveals itself from different angles and finally opens its doors to you...

A visit to Castelnaud castle and its activities

During your visit, you'll come across life-size reconstructions of medieval war machines such as mangonels, trebuchets and pierrières, as well as an extensive collection of weapons and armor. The tour is interspersed with signage, interactive terminals and models. The evolution of fortification and siege techniques is also illustrated by a slide show, films and video games.

The visit then continues outside, where a medieval-inspired garden to discover the life of the Lords of Castelnaud. Indeed, there are numerous events such as medieval shows, blacksmithing demonstrations, nocturnal investigations, armor fittings, sword-fighting lessons and even days devoted to living history in collaboration with historical re-enactment troupes.

In summer guided tours in French, Dutch and English on the theme of war in the Middle Ages.

Rates, opening hours and practical information

Château de Castelnaud is open all year round, every day:

• Mid-November to end of January: 2pm - 5pm
• February, March, October to mid-November: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• April, May, June and September: 10am - 7pm
• July and August: 9am - 8pm

Please note that last admission takes place 1 hour before closing time.

Prices range from €6 to €12.90, depending on your profile and the period of your visit. Admission is free for children under 10. Twin tickets are also available with the Jardins de Marqueyssac to discover all the riches of Périgord.

Group rates and annual passes are also available.