Périgord castles: medieval treasures and Renaissance gems
Périgord, a land of history and legends, is one of France's richest regions in terms of castles. With over a thousand fortresses, manor houses and stately homes, the Dordogne is often referred to as "the land of a thousand châteaux". Each building tells a different story: battles in the Middle Ages, rivalries during the Hundred Years' War, the splendors of the Renaissance and the elegant homes of Périgord gentlemen.
Among the most famous, Château de Beynac dominates the Dordogne valley with its imposing medieval silhouette, while Château de Castelnaud, transformed into a museum of warfare in the Middle Ages, captivates with its authentic character. Further north, Château de Hautefort , with its formal gardens and Renaissance architecture, is a perfect illustration of the French art of living.
To visit these castles is to plunge into a veritable historical epic: impregnable ramparts, dungeons, weapon rooms, frescoes and unique collections immerse visitors in the heart of the past. But these monuments are also lively places, hosting festivals, night-time shows, exhibitions and historical re-enactments.
The Périgord is like a huge open book: every valley, every village hides a fortress, manor house or manor house. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of old stones or a traveler in search of exceptional panoramas, the castles of the Périgord will fill you with wonder.
In the list below, you'll find the most beautiful châteaux to visit in the Dordogne. Plan your itinerary and set off to discover this unique heritage!
Discover also remarkable gardens and religious monuments and priories...
Castelnaud Castle
Medieval castle, museum of medieval warfare in the Dordogne
Castelnaud Castle overlooks the Dordogne Valley and faces Beynac Castle, located on the other side of the river
Varaignes Castle, Weavers' Museum
Weavers' and Charentaise Museum and Workshop
Varaignes Castle was built in the 14th century and underwent numerous changes up through the 16th century. Left to fall into disrepair in a large…
Castle of Bourdeilles
A Journey Through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance
Overlooking the Dronne River, the Château de Bourdeilles comprises two exceptional residences: a 13th-century medieval fortress and an elegant 16th-century Renaissance château…
Château Le Paluel
Medieval and Renaissance castle
You may not be familiar with its name… but you’ve surely heard of it before… in fact, Château Le Paluel served as the setting for the movie…
Montreal Castle
Renaissance castle, historic landmark
Located 7 km from Mussidan, the elegant Château de Montréal overlooks the Crempse Valley. It is a Renaissance-style castle with a…
Château l'Evêque in Périgord
One of the thirty most beautiful castles in Périgord!
Château l’Evêque in Périgord served as a fortress as early as the 11th century; the current castle was built and then remodeled in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries, and is considered…
Marthonie Castle
Marthonie Castle
The earliest structures at the Château de la Marthonie date back to the 12th century; destroyed during the Hundred Years' War, it was rebuilt in the 15th century,…
Castle of Neuvic
Neuvic Castle and Its Botanical Garden
Join us for a guided tour and discover the Château de Neuvic, steeped in history and captivating stories. This 500-year-old Renaissance-style château…
Château des Milandes
The Former Home of Josephine Baker—A Show Featuring Birds of Prey
A must-see in the Dordogne Périgord! A visit to the Château des Milandes in Castelnaud offers a wonderful glimpse into life at the castle during the era of…
Commarque Castle
The Mysteries of the Forgotten Fortress
Overlooking the Beune Valley, the Château de Commarque was built to protect the Benedictine Abbey of Sarlat at the end of…
Gageac Castle
a listed castle, one of the most charming in the Bergerac region
In the 12th century, the Gageac stronghold—a watchtower under the jurisdiction of the Château de Duras—consisted of a single keep, the entrance to which is located…
Marzac Castle
The first giant "Castle Escape Game" set in a wild and majestic landscape
Step inside a completely private estate, open to the public for the first time in its history in the summer of 2020: the Château de Marzac
Losse Castle and Its Gardens
Losse Castle and Gardens: The Renaissance in Périgord
Overlooking the Vézère river, Château de Losse is a splendid plaisance residence built in the 16th century on the site of a medieval fortress.
Beynac Castle
An iconic medieval fortress in the Dordogne
Beynac Castle is one of the best-preserved and most famous castles in the Périgord. It was built in the 12th century by the…
Puymartin Castle
The Castle of the White Lady
Construction of the Château de Puymartin began in the 13th century. In 1357, the castle came under English control. The consuls of Sarlat bought back the estate…
Castle of Monbazillac
A must-see for wine tourism in the Dordogne!
Overlooking the Dordogne Valley, just 10 minutes from Bergerac, the Château de Monbazillac invites you to explore its new tour route.
Barrière Castle
A ruin in good condition
Barrière Castle dates back to 1312; it was built by the Barrière family in the 13th century and features a keep surrounded by a moat…
Bridoire, The Castle of Games
Bridoire, The Castle of Games
Authentically recreated games are available both inside and outside the Château de Bridoire.
Château des Bories
An exceptional setting with a warm, family-like welcome
The Château des Bories stands in the town ofAntonne-et-Trigonant , on the banks of the Isle River, on the eastern outskirts of Périgueux.
Herm Castle
An authentic site, a marvel of Flamboyant architecture
The Château de l’Herm, a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture built between 1500 and 1520 by Jean de Calvimont, was abandoned following a series of crimes.
Reignac Fortified House
"Cliff Castle"—a troglodytic structure unique in France, and a museum of torture
The fortified house in Reignac has been preserved in exceptional condition since the 14th century and is entirely original. Well known in the region, it is…
Biron Castle
An exceptional stone giant!
Ranked among the four great baronies of the Périgord, alongside Beynac, Bourdeilles , and Mareuil, the Château de Biron is a monumental architectural complex and…
Castle of Hautefort
Hautefort Castle—Experience its beauty!
Perched on a rocky outcrop, the Château de Hautefort is a former medieval fortress that was converted into a residence in the 17th century by the marquis of that name…
Miremont Fortress
Miremont: A Medieval Military Castle
The Miremont Fortress is in the tradition of the great medieval military castles, with its 12th-century Romanesque keep featuring flat buttresses, which was remodeled in…
Château de Park Campagne
Campagne Estate, Park, Arboretum, and Castle
The grounds of the Château de Campagne, located between Le Bugue, Saint Cyprien, and les Eyzies-de-Tayac, are open year-round and admission is free. (Closed from December through…
Marqueyssac Gardens
Romantic and picturesque gardens overlooking the Dordogne—a masterpiece of topiary art
The Marqueyssac Gardens, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Dordogne Valley, offer you one of the most beautiful panoramic views in this magical setting…
Jumilhac Castle
8 Centuries of History, Art, and Architecture in the Haut-Périgord
Just like Saint-Yrieix, 12 kilometers away, the Château de Jumilhac, situated on the border between Limousin and Périgord, served as a line of defense against incursions…
Fénelon Castle
Feudal fortress in the Périgord Noir
Set within a double wall, the Château de Fénelon, with its slate roof, casts its imposing silhouette over the valley of the…
Mareuil Castle
Seat of one of the four baronies of Périgord
Château de Mareuil is a medieval castle in the Périgord Vert region, high above the town of Mareuil.
Château Terre Vieille
Bergerac 's Wines, Pécharmant AOC
Gérome, Dolores Morand Monteil, and their children will welcome you to Château Terre Vieille to help you discover the charm of their family vineyard and their…