Château de Castelnaud

Chateau de Castelnaud La Chapelle, War Museum in the Middle Ages

The Castle of Castelnaud Dominates the valley of the Dordogne, it faces the castle of Beynac located on the other side of the river

Built on a rocky spur it offers a magnificent panorama over the Dordogne Valley.

The history of the Château de Castelnaud:

Founded in the 12th century, it is the possession of the Cathar Lord Bernard de Casnac, in 1214 during the Albigeois crusade, it is taken by Simon de Monfort and enlarges with a dungeon and a courtship.

During the hundred-year war, he passed regularly to the English camp until 1442 when he was returned to their owners the Caumonts. From then on it is equipped with modern defensive equipment gunboats and artillery towers.

The castle entrusted to Captain Geoffroy de vans, a native of Castelnaud, will be spared the attacks during the wars of religion.

During the 15th century, like many of the castles of Périgord, transformations will be aimed at improving the comfort of these inhabitants, however, it will nevertheless be more and more seldom occupied, the Caumont having moved into their new Chateau aux Milandes.

It was at the French Revolution that the castle was completely abandoned and was not going to stop deteriorating until 1968 where it was classified as a historical monument and were undertook important works of safeguarding and restoration.

Visits to the Château de Castelnaud

During your visit, you will encounter the life-size reenactments of Medieval war machines (Mangonel, trebuchet, Pierrière, tinkering) as well as an important collection of weapons and armour: The Château de Castelnaud has since 1985 the War Museum in the Middle Ages.

Free Visits:

The free tour circuit is littered with a rich signage, interactive kiosks and models. The evolution of fortification and siege techniques is also evoked by a slideshow, films and video games.

You will discover the life of the Lords of Castelnaud with the medieval-inspired garden and the furnished dungeon.

Guided tours:

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

Animations:

Winter Holidays :

• Fitting of armour and castelaine dress for children from 3 to 12 years old (from 09/02 to 08/03, every day)
• Archery (from 10/02 to 06/03, except WE)

Spring break :

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

May / June :

• Face to face with a harquebusier of 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 castle (13 and 14/06)

Summer holidays :

• Weapons handling show (from 06/07 to 28/08, except Saturdays)
• Forge demonstration (from 13/07 to 28/08, every day)
• 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 Holidays:

• Leisure and pleasures: in the time of the lords! (the 30 and 31/10)
• Fitting of armour and castelaine dress for children from 3 to 12 years old (from 18/10 to 31/10, every day)
• Forging demonstration (from 18/10 to 31/10, except 24/10)
• Face to face with a harquebusier from the Wars of Religion (from 19/10 to 01/11, except on 24, 30 and 31/10)

Christmas Holidays :

• Fitting of armour and castelaine dress for children from 3 to 12 years old (from 26/12 to 01/01, every day)