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...
Parc du Château de Campagne
Domaine de Campagne, park, arboretum and château
The park at Campagne, between Le Bugue, Saint Cyprien and les Eyzies-de-Tayac, is open all year round and free of charge (closed from...
Biron Castle
An exceptional stone giant!
Classified as one of the four great baronies of Périgord, alongside Beynac, Bourdeilles and Mareuil, Château de Biron offers a unique...
Castelnaud Castle
Medieval castle, museum of medieval warfare in the Dordogne
Château de Castelnaud dominates the Dordogne valley, facing Château de Beynac on the other side of the...
Château de l'Herm
An authentic site, a marvel of flamboyant architecture
Le château de l’Herm, chef-d’œuvre d’architecture gothique flamboyant édifié entre 1500 et 1520 par Jean de Calvimont sera abandonné...
Marqueyssac Gardens
Romantic, picturesque gardens overlooking the Dordogne - a masterpiece of topiary art
The gardens of Marqueyssac, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Dordogne valley, offer you one of the most beautiful...
Castle of Hautefort
Château de Hautefort, experience the beauty!
Set on a rocky spur, Hautefort is an ancient medieval fortress transformed in the 17th century by the Marquis du...
Château de Jumilhac
8 Centuries of History, Art and Architecture in Haut-Périgord
Just like Saint-Yrieix, 12 kilometers away, the Château de Jumilhac formed a defensive line on the Limousin-Périgord border during the...
Mareuil Castle
Seat of one of the four baronies of Périgord
Château de Mareuil is a medieval castle located in the Périgord Vert region, high above the town of Mareuil. Built in the Middle Ages,...
Barrière Castle
A ruin in good condition
Château de Barrière dates back to 1312, and was built by the de Barrière family in the 13th century, with a keep surrounded by a moat...
Miremont fortress
Miremont : Medieval military castle
The fortress of Miremont is one of the great military castles of the Middle Ages, with its Romanesque keep and flat buttresses dating from the...
Maison Forte de Reignac
Troglodytic "cliff castle" unique in France, torture museum
The fortified house of Reignac has been preserved in exceptional condition since the 14th century and is entirely period...
Château des Milandes
Josephine Baker's former home - Birds of prey show
A must-see in Dordogne Périgord! A visit to the Château des Milandes in Castelnaud is a marvellous immersion in castle life at...
Château de Losse and its gardens
Château et Jardins de Losse, Renaissance in Périgord
Château et Jardins de Losse - Renaissance in Périgord Overlooking the Vézère river, Château de Losse is a splendid residence dating from plaisance...
Castle ofExcideuil
Fortress guarding the passage from Périgord to Limousin
Château d'Excideuil is located in the north-east of the Dordogne department in the green Périgord region. It is a fortress castle...
Château l'Evêque in Périgord
One of the thirty most beautiful castles in Périgord!
Château l'Evêque in Périgord was a fortress from the 11th century onwards, and the present château was built and remodeled in the 14th, 15th and 16th...
Castle of Bourdeilles
Travelling through the Middle Ages and Renaissance
Overlooking the Dronne River, Château de Bourdeilles brings together two exceptional residences: a medieval fortress from the XIIIᵉ century and an elegant...
Château de Varaignes Musée des Tisserands
Weavers and Charentaise Workshop-Museum
Château de Varaignes was built in the 14th century and underwent many changes up to the 16th century. Left to its own devices, it...
Puymartin Castle
Le Chateau de la dame blanche
History of Puymartin castle Construction of Château de Puymartin began in the 13th century. In 1357, the castle came into the possession...
Château de Montreal
Renaissance castle, historic monument
Located 7 km from Mussidan, the elegant Château de Montréal overlooks the Crempse valley. It is a château from the...