Château de Beynac

Welcome to Château de Beynac

Beynac Castle is one of the best preserved and most famous in Périgord.
It was built in the 12th century by the barons of Beynac, who controlled the road and waterways of the Dordogne from here. Transporters had to pay the Seigneur de Beynac a right-of-way fee, thus reinforcing the latter's economic power.

During the Hundred Years' War, it was used as a French stronghold, with the Dordogne serving as the border between France and England, and facing the Castelnaud castle taken by the English.

The château consists of a Romanesque square keep adjoining a dwelling. It was listed as a historic monument in 1944.

During your visit, you'll discover the guard room adjoining the keep, the Salle des Etats du Périgord, which served as a meeting room for the baronies (Bourdeille, Biron, Beynac and Mareuille), the terrace of the spur with its breathtaking view over the Dordogne valley, the kitchens with their imposing fireplace and the barbican, an advanced fortification designed to protect the fortress's main entrance and slow down enemies.