With 1001 to choose from, how do you pick just five Dordogne chateaux to write about? Well, the Dordogne Valley is called the “Valley of the 5 Chateaux” due to five historical chateaux that gained prominence during the Hundred Years War.

As you explore the Dordogne region with its rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering rivers, you’ll understand why the area is such a big drawcard for tourists. These castles transport you back in time, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and drama of the medieval era.

For a history gal like me, it’s the perfect excuse to immerse myself in the romance and mystery of old-world France. From the imposing stone towers to the intricate carvings and tapestries, it’s like stepping into a real-life fairy tale.

How Many Castles Are There in the Dordogne?

The answer to that question depends on how you define a castle. The Dordogne region, often called the “Land of 1,001 Castles,” is home to an astonishing number of castles and châteaux, with estimates ranging from 600 to over 1,500.

Many of these castles were built during the Middle Ages as defensive fortresses during the turbulent Hundred Years’ War between England and France. Today, many are privately owned, restored, and open to the public.

5 Fascinating Dordogne Chateaux

No 1 Château de Beynac

Château de Beynac was constructed in the 12th century by the barons of Beynac, a powerful local family. The castle was strategically built on a limestone cliff overlooking the Dordogne River, providing a commanding view and a strong defensive position.

During the Middle Ages, Château de Beynac was a significant fortress in the region, particularly during the Hundred Years’ War. Initially controlled by the French, it was a critical defensive point against English forces. 

The fortress played a crucial role in the conflict, making its strategic location a vital asset. At one point, the English held the nearby Château de Castelnaud, located just across the river, leading to a tense standoff between the two castles.

Richard the Lionheart, King of England and the favorite son of Eleanor of Aquitaine, took control of the castle in the late 12th century. However, the French soon reclaimed it. The castle remained in the hands of the Beynac family for centuries, except for brief periods of occupation by rival forces.

In the 17th century, its military importance diminished, and it transitioned more into a noble residence. Despite this shift, the castle’s medieval architecture remains largely intact.

The Castle’s Interior and Exterior

Its imposing stone walls rise steeply from the cliffside with a series of crenellated battlements, providing a defensive advantage and a picturesque silhouette against the sky. 

The entrance to the château is fortified with a barbican, complete with a drawbridge that once protected the main gate. As you approach, you’ll notice the thick, solid walls designed to withstand sieges, with only narrow arrow slits allowing for defense. 

The castle’s keep, the tallest and most fortified part of the structure, dominates the exterior, offering commanding views of the surrounding landscape. The castle grounds include an open courtyard from which you can access various towers and outbuildings. In medieval times, it would have been bustling with people living in the castle, from kitchen maids to stable hands; it would have been the central point of the comings and goings.

Inside, Château de Beynac retains much of its medieval character, with stone walls, some of which are over a meter thick. Most of the rooms have large fireplaces, essential for heating the expansive rooms during the colder months, and vaulted ceilings that emphasize the castle’s grandeur.

One of the most notable rooms is the Great Hall, where the lords of Beynac would have held court and entertained guests. This room is adorned with tapestries and period furnishings, offering a glimpse into the nobility’s daily life. The walls are lined with ancient weapons and suits of armor, underscoring the château’s martial past.

The stone spiral staircases connect the different levels of the castle, leading to private chambers, a chapel, and the guardrooms. These rooms are sparsely decorated but provide insight into the castle’s defensive function. The chapel, with its simple altar and stained glass windows, served as a place of worship for the castle’s inhabitants.

Who Were the Beynac family?

During the Middle Ages, the Beynac family was one of the most influential and powerful noble families in the Périgord region. Château de Beynac served as the family’s ancestral seat.

The family was of noble lineage and played a crucial role in the region’s feudal system. They were vassals to the Counts of Périgord but maintained a considerable degree of independence due to their strategic holdings and military prowess.

The Beynac family’s influence peaked during the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453), a prolonged conflict between the Kingdoms of England and France. The Château de Beynac, under the family’s control, became a significant stronghold for the French. 

The family was loyal to the French Crown and defended their lands against English forces. They fought hard against their neighbours, the Castelnaud family, who sided with the English in the opposite castle, Château de Castelnaud, across the river. 

Over the centuries, the Beynac family’s power gradually waned, particularly after the Hundred Years’ War, as the feudal system declined. Despite this, they retained ownership of the Château de Beynac for many generations. 

The family’s fortunes fluctuated, with some members gaining distinction in military and political affairs while others faded into relative obscurity. In the 18th century, the last male heir of the Beynac family passed away, leading to the eventual sale of the château. 

For opening times and tickets, visit the official website >>>

No 2 Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle has a chequered history and has changed hands many times. Originally owned by Bernard de Casnac, a Cathar lord, the castle was seized in 1214 by Simon de Montfort, a key figure in the Albigensian Crusade. De Montfort was leading the Catholic forces against the Cathars, who were considered heretics by the Catholic Church. After taking the castle, he installed a garrison to secure it. 

However, Bernard de Casnac retook the fortress shortly after, and, in a brutal act of revenge, he executed the garrison left by Simon de Montfort by hanging them. The Archbishop of Bordeaux subsequently burned the castle, which had to be rebuilt in the 13th century.

The Château de Castelnaud became a strategic stronghold during the Hundred Years’ War. It fell into the hands of the Caumont family, who allied themselves with the English Plantagenets. This allegiance placed the castle in direct opposition to the French-controlled Château de Beynac, located across the Dordogne River. The castle changed hands multiple times throughout the conflict, reflecting the shifting allegiances and fortunes of the time.

The castle’s strategic importance continued into the French Wars of Religion in the 16th century. The Caumont family, now Protestant, fortified the castle further, making it nearly impregnable, which deterred attacks despite the religious turmoil.

After centuries of neglect following the French Revolution, during which it was used as a stone quarry, Château de Castelnaud was eventually restored in the 20th century.

The Museum of Medieval Warfare

The museum was established in the mid-20th century as part of the restoration efforts to preserve and share the castle’s military history. It features over 250 medieval weapons, armor, and military equipment. These items range from swords, crossbows, and axes to more complex siege engines like trebuchets and mangonneaux. 

One of the museum’s highlights is the full-scale reconstruction of the siege engines, displayed in the castle’s courtyard and surrounding areas. These reconstructions, based on historical designs, give visitors a vivid sense of how medieval warfare was conducted.

Inside the castle, the exhibits reflect the different aspects of military life during the Middle Ages. The armory room showcases various types of armor and weapons that knights and soldiers would have used, while other rooms focus on the tactics and strategies employed during sieges. 

It’s absolutely fascinating and well worth a visit.

Who Were the Caumont family, the Last Chateau Owners?

The Caumont family rose to prominence in the 13th century and became significant landowners in the Périgord region by the 14th century. Through strategic marriages and military alliances, they expanded their influence. The family’s acquisition of Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle came through the marriage of Magne de Castelnaud, the heiress of the Castelnaud estate, to Nompar de Caumont. This union brought the castle into the Caumont family’s possession, aligning them with the English crown during the Hundred Years’ War.

After the conclusion of the Hundred Years’ War, the Caumont family continued to wield significant influence in the region. They undertook extensive renovations and expansions of their properties, including Château de Castelnaud, adapting it to more peaceful times by adding residential spaces and improving the living conditions.

However, by the 15th century, the family shifted their primary residence to the Château des Milandes, which they built to be more comfortable and reflective of Renaissance tastes. This move began Castelnaud’s decline as a residential castle, although it remained an important symbol of the family’s legacy.

During the French Wars of Religion in the late 16th century, the Caumont family, like many other noble families, became embroiled in the conflict. They were staunch Protestants, and their castle, Castelnaud, was a bastion of Huguenot (French Protestant) resistance. 

The family’s military reputation and the castle’s formidable defenses made them a feared and respected force in the region. Despite the religious and political turmoil, the Caumont family maintained their holdings and remained a significant regional power.

In the centuries following the Wars of Religion, the Caumont family’s influence waned as France centralized under the monarchy and the feudal system declined. By the French Revolution, the family had abandoned Château de Castelnaud, which fell into disrepair. The Caumont family itself, like many other noble families, faced the loss of their titles and lands during the revolution, marking the end of their prominence.

For opening times and tickets, visit the official website >>>

No 3 Château des Milandes

Château des Milandes was built in 1489 by François de Caumont, who owned Château de Castelnaud. As mentioned above, he moved his family here for a comfortable lifestyle.

Unlike the medieval fortresses common in the region, Château des Milandes was designed as a more comfortable and elegant residence, reflecting the transition from the defensive architecture of the Middle Ages to the more refined and luxurious styles of the Renaissance.

The château features classic Renaissance architectural elements, including large windows, elaborate stone carvings, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The château’s interior is equally impressive, with richly decorated rooms, intricate woodwork, and period furnishings that transport visitors back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

Josephine Baker and Château des Milandes

The château is most famously associated with Josephine Baker, an American-born French entertainer who purchased the property in 1947. Baker fell in love with the château and made it her home, where she lived with her large adopted family, known as the “Rainbow Tribe.” She adopted twelve children from different ethnic backgrounds with the vision of creating a model of racial harmony.

While at Château des Milandes, she transformed the estate into a tourist attraction, hosting visitors and performances that showcased her talents and promoted her ideals of equality and unity. 

She also used the château as a base for her activities during World War II, where she worked as a spy and resistance fighter for the French Resistance, smuggling intelligence and supporting the fight against Nazi occupation.

Decline and Restoration

Despite her success as an entertainer, Baker struggled financially to maintain the château, and in 1969, she was forced to leave when the property was seized to pay off her debts. After her departure, the château changed hands several times and fell into disrepair. However, it was restored in the late 20th century and is now open to the public.

Today, it’s a museum dedicated to Josephine Baker’s life and a historical site that celebrates the history of the Dordogne region. The museum includes exhibits on Baker’s extraordinary life, her contributions to the arts, her work during the war, and her vision of a world without racism.

When you visit, you can explore the beautifully restored rooms, the expansive gardens, and the museum dedicated to Josephine Baker. The estate also hosts regular events, including bird of prey shows, which are popular visitor attractions.

For opening times and tickets, visit the official website >>>

No 4 Château de Montfort

The first mention of Montfort dates back to 866, under the name “Castrum de Monte Forti.” Located in the commune of Vitrac in the Dordogne, it’s a castle with a long and tumultuous history that reflects the broader conflicts of medieval France.

It sits dramatically perched on a promontory overlooking the Dordogne River and has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to its strategic importance. ​​Throughout its history, the castle was a site of frequent conflict, beginning in 1214 when Simon de Montfort, a leader in the Albigensian Crusade, captured and burnt it to the ground.

Bernard de Casnac of Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle briefly recaptured it, only for forces loyal to the Catholic Church to destroy it again shortly after. During the Hundred Years’ War, Château de Montfort changed hands numerous times as it was a critical stronghold in the Périgord region. 

Various noble families, including the de Pons family, owned the castle during the late medieval period. The castle was again destroyed during this time and subsequently rebuilt, reflecting the ongoing power struggles of the era.

René of Savoy transformed the castle into a grand hunting lodge in the Renaissance. Renaissance influences are still visible today in the architecture, particularly in the decorative elements added during this period, including a grand hall with timbered ceilings.

Who was René of Savoy-Villars?

René of Savoy-Villars was a significant figure during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He was born around 1473 as the illegitimate son of Philip II, Duke of Savoy, which earned him the moniker “The Great Bastard of Savoy.” 

Despite his illegitimacy, René held considerable power and influence, largely due to his close ties to the French royal family and his military and administrative abilities.

René was recognized by the French crown and held several important titles throughout his life. In 1515, he was appointed the Grand Seneschal of Provence, a role that made him one of the most powerful men in the region. In 1519, he was also made the Grand Master of France, a prestigious title that further solidified his standing at the French court.

René’s marriage to Anne Lascaris, a wealthy heiress, significantly increased his wealth and landholdings. Through this marriage, he acquired several properties, including the Château de Montfort. He transformed this château into a grand hunting lodge, incorporating Renaissance architectural elements and adding luxurious features such as a “Hall of Honour” with timbered ceilings and a grand fireplace.

He was historical proof of the complex relationships between nobility and royalty in Renaissance France, where even those of illegitimate birth could rise to significant power and influence through loyalty, marriage, and service to the crown​.

The chateau is a private residence and not open to the public.

No 5 Château de Fayrac

Château de Fayrac is another castle involved in the Hundred Years’ War. It played a strategic role as an English outpost positioned directly opposite the French-held Château de Beynac. 

The château underwent significant changes and expansions over the centuries, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries. These renovations introduced more refined architectural elements, blending the château’s military origins with the elegance typical of later French château designs.

In the 19th century, Château de Fayrac came under the ownership of Fernand de La Tombelle, a French composer and organist whose family had deep ties to the château. De La Tombelle, a significant cultural figure, contributed to the château’s legacy by associating it with the arts and music.

Who was Fernand de La Tombelle?

As a fellow musician, I was interested in learning about Fernand de La Tombelle. Born in 1854, he was a French composer, organist, and music educator. He was born in Paris into a cultured family; his mother, Louise Farrenc, was a renowned pianist and composer, greatly influencing his musical upbringing.

He received his initial musical education from his mother and continued his studies at the Paris Conservatoire. There, he was taught by César Franck, one of the most prominent organists and composers of the time, who significantly shaped his musical style. La Tombelle became known for his organ, piano, and choral compositions, which reflected his era’s romantic and post-romantic styles.

Château de Fayrac wasn’t just his home but a cultural hub where he hosted numerous artists and musicians. It was a place of artistic creation and intellectual exchange, reflecting his passion for both the arts and the natural beauty of the Dordogne.

Although Fernand de La Tombelle’s music is not as frequently performed today, music historians recognize his contributions to French music during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His compositions, particularly for the organ, continue to be appreciated by organ enthusiasts. 

The chateau is a private residence and not open to the public.

FAQS About Chateaux in the Dordogne

Final Thoughts On the Dordogne Chateaux

The Dordogne region is full of beautiful medieval villages, and with so much to see and do, it’s impossible to cover everything in one trip. Sarlat is probably one of my favorite villages in the Dordogne. It’s famous for its truffles and half-timbered houses and is near the valley.

Brantome, with its old monastery and caves, is another stunning town you won’t want to miss. There is also the fascinating town of Bergerac, where they celebrate the musketeer and poet Cyrano de Bergerac.

Hopefully, now you know the history of the “Valley of the 5 Chateaux,” you’ll add it to your French travel bucket list.

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