Castelnaud Castle Castelnaud Castle Castelnaud Castle Castelnaud Castle Castelnaud Castle

Castelnaud Castle

Medieval castle, museum of medieval warfare in the Dordogne

Château de Castelnaud la chapelle, museum of warfare in the Middle Ages

Castelnaud Castle dominates the Dordogne valley, facing Château de Beynac on the other side of the river.

Built on a rocky spur, it offers a magnificent panoramic view over the Dordogne valley.

The history of Château de Castelnaud:

Founded in the 12th century, it belonged to the Cathar lord Bernard de Casnac. In 1214, during the Albigensian Crusade, it was taken by Simon de Monfort and enlarged with a keep and curtain wall.

During the Hundred Years' War, it was regularly taken over by the English until 1442, when it was returned to its owners, the Caumonts. From then on, it was equipped with modern gunboats and artillery towers.

Entrusted to Captain Geoffroy de Vivans, a native of Castelnaud, the château was spared assault during the Wars of Religion.

During the 15th century, like many other Périgord castles, it was transformed to improve the comfort of its inhabitants. However, it was rarely occupied, as the Caumonts moved into their new home. château aux Milandes.

It was during the French Revolution that the château was totally abandoned, and it continued to deteriorate until 1968, when it was classified as a historic monument and major conservation and restoration work was undertaken.

Visits to Castelnaud castle

During your visit, you'll come across life-size reconstructions of medieval war machines (mangonel, trebuchet, pierrière, bricole) as well as an extensive collection of weapons and armor: Since 1985, Castelnaud castle has been home to the museum of war in the Middle Ages.

Self-guided tours:

The self-guided tour features a wealth of signage, interactive terminals and models. The evolution of fortification and siege techniques is also evoked by a slide show, films and video games.

Discover the life of the Lords of Castelnaud in the medieval-inspired garden and furnished keep.

Guided tours:

In summer, guided tours on the theme of warfare in the Middle Ages are offered in French, English and Dutch.

Entertainment:

Winter vacations :

  • Armor and chatelaine dress fittings for children aged 3 to 12 (from 09/02 to 08/03, daily).
  • Archery (from 10/02 to 06/03, except on weekends)

Spring vacations :

  • Crossbow shooting for children aged 7 to 14 (from 05/04 to 03/05, except Saturdays)
  • Face to face with a harquebusier from the Wars of Religion (from 05/04 to 02/05, except Saturday and Sunday mornings and 02/05)
  • Blacksmithing demonstration (from 06/04 to 02/05, except Sundays)

May/June :

  • Face to face with a harquebusier from the Wars of Religion (from 01/05 to 02/05, from 08/05 to 10/05, from 21/05 to 24/05 and from 03/05 to 01/06)
  • Day at the château (06/13 and 14)

Summer vacations :

  • Weapons show (06/07 to 28/08, except Saturdays)
  • Blacksmith demonstration (from 13/07 to 28/08, daily)
  • Night show (from 13/07 to 28/08, Monday to Thursday)
  • Trebuchet shooting demonstration (from 01/07 to 31/08, except Sundays)

All Saints' Day vacations :

  • Leisure and pleasure: in the time of the lords! (on 30 and 31/10)
  • Armor and chatelaine dress fittings for children aged 3 to 12 (from 18/10 to 31/10, daily).
  • Blacksmith demonstration (from 10/18 to 10/31, except 10/24)
  • Face to face with a harquebusier from the Wars of Religion (19/10 to 01/11, except 24, 30 and 31/10)

Christmas vacations :

  • Armor and chatelaine dress fittings for children aged 3 to 12 (from 26/12 to 01/01, daily).

Pricing details

Dates and times

Open every day, all year round.
February, March and Oct. to Nov. 12: 10 am to 6 pm - April, May, June and Sept.: 10 am to 7 pm
July, August: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nov. 13 to end of January: 2 to 5 p.m.
Christmas vacations: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Last admission 1 hour before closing
Self-guided tour lasts 1h to 1h30.

 

Address:

Castelnaud Castle, 24250 Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

Sector

Black Périgord

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