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France > France travel > Dordogne > Beynac

Beynac

Beynac ('most beautiful villages of the Dordogne') is on the Dordogne River, 8 km south-west of Sarlat la Canéda.

Tourist Information and places to visit

Beynac is more correctly called 'Beynac-et-Cazenac', Cazenac being its close neighbour.

The very attractive village of Beynac is spread along the northern bank of the Dordogne river, and then winds up the hill to the chateau perched above. The narrow lanes winding up through the traditional Dordogne honey-coloured buildings are lovely (and steep) - the main 'street' up the hill is the basket-makers path (Carnival del Panieraires).

The highlight of Beynac is the castle (Chateau de Beynac) set on top of a high cliff on a bend in the Dordogne River, and high above much of the little village of Beynac itself. The village as a whole is unmissable if you are in the Dordogne region, I believe it is one of the most impreeive sights in France, it's current tranquility standing in stark contrast to the turbulent battles it has known in the past.

Beynac Chateau was a French stronghold, while the English had to make do with the equally magnificent Chateau de Castelnaud on the other side of the river. The castle has a suitably colourful history, dating from the Hundred Years War and the Albigensian Crusade, and is a very interesting chateau to visit.

Even if you have no interest in the magnificent views across miles of beautiful countryside you will surely want to stand in the same spot as Richard the Lionheart, and admire the surrounding scenery!

There is also an interesting 'archaeology park' in Beynac, where typical 'neolithic France' buildings have been constructed.

Find time as well to visit neighbouring Cazenac, to see its little church and yet more magnificent views.

 

Nearby

The stretch of the Dordogne River containing Beynac has a very large number of interesting sights and villages, including for example Sarlat, La Roque-Gageac, Domme and Les Eyzies among many others.

Beynac is also a good starting point for many river activities e.g. canoeing and fishing, and activities such as walking and cycling in the Dordogne region.

Chateau de Montfort is east of the village.

Chateau des Milandes is to the west of Beynac.

Chateau de Castelnaud is to the south

Visit Beynac, France: travel, tourism, gites and hotels

Beynac and castle - most beautiful villages of France, aquitaine

Chateau Beynac
Visit Beynac

 

 

Map of Beynac, France
Travel, hotels and holiday gites, Beynac

See the Visit Beynac section above for gites and hotels local to the area. For more general French travel options, see the Gites in France listings, or French holidays for other holidays, and Travel to France for ferries, Beynac car-hire, eurotunnel, cheap flights etc.

 

Places to visit - Beynac

Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)

 

Information and photos of Beynac, France

This Beynac tourism guide, has information and holidays and photos when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.

 


 

 

Beynac : Dordogne

France