Château de Beynac-et-Cazenac

In the heart of the Périgord Noir, less than 7 km from ournature-oriented hotel in the Périgord NoiratSlow Village, discover theChâteau de Beynac—a designated historic monument—located in the town of Beynac-et-Cazenac.Beynac Castleis unique in that it isone of the fewmedieval castles in the Dordognethat is so well-preserved. Explore this castle, which seems to blend seamlessly with the limestone rock on which it stands and majestically overlooks the waters of the Dordogne, in which it is proudly reflected.

Thehistory of Château de Beynac

Beynac Castlewasbuilt by the Lord of Beynac in the 12th centuryon a rocky promontory overlooking the Dordogne Valley, in order to keep watch over the surrounding lands and the valley.

In 1194, Lord Ademar de Beynac died without a direct heir, and the castle passed to Richard the Lionheart, who was King of England, Duke of Normandy, and Duke of Aquitaine through his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine. He gave Beynac to one of his most loyal companions, the knight Mercadier—who would be assassinated in Bordeaux in 1200—and the castle subsequently returned to the Barons of Beynac.

The respite would be short-lived, for in 1214, Simon de Montfort—who was at war with the Cathars—seized the castle and thereby gained control of lands loyal to the Count of Toulouse, a defender of the Cathars. The lords of Beynac who followed one another then consolidated their influence over the region.

During the Hundred Years' War, Beynac castle played an important role and became one of France's strongholds.

In the 15th century, Beynac became a barony that prospered and expanded, but in the 16th century, during the Wars of Religion, Beynac became a reformist and experienced poverty, and the peasants, known as "croquants", revolted. In the 17th century, calm returned and the Barony became a Marquisate, by the will of the King of France.

At the beginning of the 18th century, famine and misery led to an unprecedented uprising of the peasants, which was bloodily suppressed, and the split between the lords of Beynac and the village population began. After the childless death of the last heiress of the lords and barons of Beynac, Marie-Claude, in 1811, the Beynac line died out, 800 years after its birth.

Thearchitecture of Château de Beynac

Château de Beynac is an austere medieval structure perched atop a limestone plateau. It takes the form of an irregular quadrilateral extended to the south by a bastion spur. Its cylindrical towers and ramparts offer panoramic views over the Dordogne River. Standing 152 meters high, it is a formidable and feared fortress, capable of withstanding multiple wars and invasions. Château de Beynac can be seen from other fortresses in the area, notably from Château de Castelnaud.

Preserving the Château de Beynac

Château de Beynac has undergone numerous restorations over the centuries to maintain its architectural and historical integrity. In 1961, Beynac was acquired by Lucien Grosso, a private collector with a passion for history. He embarked on a monumental restoration plan that would not be completed until 2060. Although he is no longer alive, his successor was obliged to continue the work in order to preserve this historic jewel for future generations, making it possible for tourists and history buffs alike to visit the site.
In fact, its preservation today makes it a popular movie set.

Visit Château de Beynac, room by room

To visit Château de Beynac is to cross 5 centuries of French history. Château de Beynac was built over several centuries, during which time elements were added, modified and improved to give it the appearance it has today.

The primitive keep

The keep is the oldest part of the castle, and the highest tower in a medieval fortified castle. Built in the 12th century, this military and defensive structure keeps watch over the surrounding land and valley.

La Salle des Gardes

The Salle des Gardes is the lower room of the seigneurial dwelling, which was added to the Keep at the end of the 12th century.

The Salle des Etats du Périgord

This room takes its name from the meetings held by the four Barons of Périgord in the 15th century.

The Oratory

The oratory, which opens onto the Salles des Etats, is entirely decorated with 15th-century frescoes, including a Pieta and a Last Supper.

The Renaissance staircase

This staircase dates back to the 17th century and was designed to serve the southern apartments, decorated in the same period.

The 17th-century wood-panelled lounges

The Salle des Armures is adorned with painted panelling, and the ceiling beams are particularly well decorated. These decorations date from the mid-17th century.

The spur terrace

This is the real treasure of Château de Beynac, offering a unique view over the Dordogne valley.

Rates, opening hours and practical information

TheChâteau de Beynacis open to visitorsevery day throughout the year, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Admission for adults is €11.50. The admission fee for children ages 11 to 16 is €7, and admission is free for children under 11. An audio guide or informational booklet is provided to help you explore the site on your own.