Beynac

Visit Beynac, Aquitaine

Beynac is a small village on the Dordogne River, 8 km south-west of Sarlat in the Dordogne department. (Note that Beynac is more correctly called 'Beynac-et-Cazenac', Cazenac being its close neighbour, although the full name is not used very often).

This very attractive village is spread along the northern bank of the river, and then continues up the hill to the chateau perched above. Beynac is listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'.

The village is unmissable if you are in the Dordogne region, and personally I believe it is one of the most impressive sights in France. Of course the current tranquility of Beynac standing in stark contrast to the turbulent battles it has known during the course of the last few centuries...

Exploring Beynac

Start your visit with a stroll along the riverside to appreciate the setting. Walk a little way to the east of the village for a stunning view across the village with the castle perched on the cliff above.

Back in the village centre take the main street that climbs the hill - this steep street up the hill is called the basket-makers path (Carnival del Panieraires). Exploring Beynac is easy as you simply follow this narrow lane as it winds its way up through the lovely traditional Dordogne honey-coloured buildings, taking occasional detours into narrow alleys and side-streets.

Along the way up the hill you will pass the Church of Sainte-Marie, once the chapel for the castle.

Eventually you reach the highlight in Beynac, the castle set on top of a high cliff looking down on a bend in the Dordogne River and high above much of the little village of Beynac itself.

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. See Chateau de Beynac for more details.

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.

Local highlights

The stretch of the Dordogne River either side of Beynac has a very large number of interesting sights and villages, including for example Sarlat, perhaps the most impressive historic town in France, and the villages of La Roque-Gageac and Domme - both (like Beynac itself) classified among the 'most beautiful villages in France'.

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.

Other Dordogne castles nearby include the Chateau des Milandes to the south-west of Beynac and Chateau de Castelnaud across the river to the south, while the gardens at Marqueyssac are another very popular attraction.

See Aquitaine and Dordogne (the region and department for Beynac) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Beynac: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Photos of Beynac

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Suggested places to visit near Beynac, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Domme 7km; Chateau de Puymartin 8km; Sarlat 8km; Saint-Cyprien 8km; Chateau de Montfort 12km; Belves 13km; Font-de-Gaume 14km; Les Eyzies 15km; Chateau de Commarque 16km; La-Roque-Saint-Christophe 18km; Le Bugue 19km;

Beynac tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Jardins de Marqueyssac - remarkable garden (2km) : Jardins de l'Albarède - remarkable garden (6km) : Jardins du château de Caudon - remarkable garden (7km) : Eglise notre-Dame de Nativité (Cenac-et-Saint-Julien) - religious monument (7km) : Cathédrale Saint-Sardos (Sarlat) - religious monument (8km) : Jardin de Conty - remarkable garden (8km) : Eglise Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Belves) - religious monument (13km) : Grotte du Grand Roc - site of natural beauty (15km) :

See more places and a map at places near Beynac