Château l'Evêque in Périgord was a fortress as early as the 11th century, and the present château was built and remodeled in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. It is considered one of Périgueux's jewels, 7km from the town on the Brantôme-Angoulême road.
From the 16th century onwards, it became the favorite residence of the Bishops of Périgueux, who spent the summer months here before settling here permanently in the early 18th century, only to be driven out in 1793 by the revolutionaries.
In the Château Chapel, Saint Vincent de Paul was ordained by Monseigneur François de Bourdeille, Bishop of Périgueux, on September 13, 1600.
From 1923 to 1936, it was the summer residence of Jenny Sacerdote (born Jeanne Bernard in 1868 in Périgueux and died in Nice in 1962). A famous Parisian couturier of the interwar period, whose brand spread as far as the United States. Coco Chanel was her rival and eventually supplanted her. Jenny Sacerdote created a superb rose garden in Château l'Evêque, whose influence extended beyond the borders of Aquitaine. Sadly, it was destroyed at the end of the war in 1940.
Surrounded by a 17-hectare park, it offers visitors a restful, romantic break with its English park, Italian garden, 300-meter-long bridle path, wood and waterways.
Gérard de Colombières, the current owner, is working to restore it and its grounds, which in 2017 became a sanctuary for hydrangeas (from Pépinière de la Thyle in Court Saint-Etienne, south of Brussels). English roses from David Austin are gradually being planted.
Guided tours by the owner himself, who will tell you all about the history of this castle with its many adventures and moving anecdotes.
The 270m² salle des gardes is available to hire for weddings and seminars, and a number of guest rooms are planned, the first of which will open in 2020. It's a bedroom suite with a column bed (160cm), preceded by a salon with a 2-seater bed (120cm). It is located at the end of the Chemin de Ronde, in a 14th-century tower with a breathtaking view: for lovers of unusual places and unique experiences.
Château l’Evêque en Périgord was last modified: July 8th, 2024 by Gerard de Colombieres
It's always best to call ahead for better organization.
Dates and times
open April to November 1: July 1 to September 15, 1pm to 7pm, except Wednesdays. April, May, June, and mid-September to end of October only Sundays, 1pm to 7pm, or by appointment for groups. November 1 to March 30 for groups by appointment only. If you have difficulty accessing the château, please call us on arrival (06 21 55 23 06). Entrance rue du Château, wooden gate near the church. Please phone to make an appointment: Thank you.
