Castles

Also in the direct area of this campsite the true lovers will be satisfied. Through experience we know that also the children love it. They can feel knight and lady of the castle.

Most of the time they are build on strategic places, like rocks or just situated somewhere in the country. But most of all they are impressive.
From the 11th till the 15th century the Dordogne was dominated by wars between France and England, a battle which last for 3 centuries, but carries the name Hundred Years War. This history is reflected in the castles.
  Just a few which are worth to see:
 
 
 
 
Château de Beynac

This castle is build on a 150 meters high rock and took from the 13th till the 16th century time to build.
It is especially also nice for a walk in its village around with small streets..

The castle contains beautiful (renovated) chambres and we have a splendid view over the river the Dordogne. The castle served as a film location to the film The Messenger and The Story of Joan of Arc.
     

Castelnaud

Situated opposite of Beynac. It is a middle ages castle and now contains a museum in which we can find lots of aspects of war in the middle-ages, like real catapults, swords and armors.
It is recommanded to do with our children.
  During the hundred years war the lords of Castelnaud choose the side of England, as the castle of Beynac was in that time french territory. Because of its strategic location we have a wonderful view over the two vallees. We can see Beynac, Marqueyssac and La Roque-Gageac from here.
 
 
 
Milandes
Just outside Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, at route D53, on the southside of the Dordogne between Beynac and St-Cyprien, we can find a lovely 15-century castle. It used to be the house of the American dancer, singer and actress Josephine Baker
 

Hautefort A proud and stylish castle and nominated on a list of monuments protected. Originally it was a middle-aged castle (for protection). Beautifull terraces with flowers around and inside you will find beautifull furniture from the 17th and 18th century. The french gardens and its classic architecture make a wonderful complex. It is possible to do a walk.
 

Puymartin
In the area of Les Eyzies, the castle is situated, and was complety destroyed in the 12th century during the hundred years war, but later around 1450 again rebuild. The furniture, carpets and painting we’ll find there, are mostly original, wich is rare in this region.
 

Montfort
This castle is build on a rock and is destoyed by Simon van Montfort in 1214. He conquered also the castle of Castelnaud. Several times after, the castle was destroyed again, and again rebuild.

The buildings we can find now a days are dated 14th and 16th century and renovated in the 19th century. The legend tells that the spirit of the daughter of Bernard de Casnac, who was burned alive during the destruction, as been told, still wanders in the castle.
 

Commarques
Because this ruin is not far situated from this campsite, I decided to give it a place on this website. We have to tell you it concerns only a ruin of a castle and its village, and is to be seen in Les Eyzies. It was hidden in the ground for 350 years. So different opinions about if its worth a visit, because, like I said it concerns just a ruin without any explanation or whatever.