Medieval Castles and Villages on the Dordogne

Périgord Top Attractions, Beynac, Castelnaud, La Roque-Gageac, Domme

Apr 10, 2009

Also called Périgord, the Dordogne is one of the most popular tourist areas in France, famed for its historical sites and lush scenery.

Tossed back and forth between England and France in the Middle-Ages, the Dordogne suffered a turbulent past, leaving a strong legacy of medieval castles and fortified villages. Beynac, La Roque-Gageac and Domme are listed among the most beautiful villages in France.

Périgord top attractions are mostly found along the meandering river Dordogne, in strategic and stunning locations. Perched on rocky promontories or tucked at the foot of towering cliffs, they are almost within sight of each other but deserve to be explored at leisure over several days. Hiring a car is the easiest way to travel. Taxis are plentiful but public transport is limited.

Traditional boats named gabarres offer daily river trips in season, a delightful way to complement any visit, enjoying alternative views and anecdotes from enthusiastic local guides.

Beynac Medieval Castle

Rising on the cliff top, a sheer 200 metres above the valley, Beynac medieval castle is awesome, especially seen from the river with its sturdy walls, turrets and keep mirrored in the water.

The arduous climb to the castle is rewarded with panoramic views and close-ups of its double fortifications. Built in the 12th century, Beynac was destroyed by crusaders for supporting the Cathars, then rebuilt and modified over time. Of particular interest are the 15th century frescoes in the State Hall and the keep, the oldest section.

Across the river, the 12th century castle of Castelnaud was frequently occupied by English troops spying on French held Beynac. It was returned to the French Crown in 1453 and after a long period of neglect, was extensively restored in recent decades.

Claiming to be the most visited castle in South West France, it is home to a unique Museum of Medieval Warfare displaying weapons and gruesome life-sized reconstructions of war machines, complete with audiovisual equipment and medieval re-enactments.

Once a bustling river port and country home of local bishops, La Roque-Gageac is a medieval village where humble cottages mingle with dwellings of the former gentry, squeezing between river and cliff. Stepped alleyways lead up to a small church with superb views of the river often dotted with canoes.

The village is at its best in the late afternoon when the crowds have left and stone walls glow honey-coloured in the setting sun.

On a rocky spur overlooking the river, the fortified village of Domme bore the brunt of the Hundred Years War and wars of religion. There’s a ruined medieval castle, ramparts and three town gates, best preserved the 13th century Porte des Tours, and several medieval buildings, including the Minter’s House and Town Hall.

The cliff side walk offers extensive views over the valley while on the tip of the promontory, the public gardens occupy the site of the former crusaders camp.

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