Chateau de Beynac

Visit Chateau de Beynac, Aquitaine

Chateau de Beynac sits high above the Dordogne river, in the village of Beynac. One of the most impressive castles in the Dordogne region, a simple glance at the clifftop position is sufficient to understand the naturally defensive position occupied by the castle.

History of Chateau de Beynac

Although the position as occupied even earlier, the castle we see today dates from the 12th century and is a very good example of medieval military architecture. Naturally defended by the cliffs towards the south, the other sides of the castle are defended by ramparts and a deep moat.

As part of its long and eventful history, Chateau de Beynac played an important role in the Hundred Years War at which time it was in French owned territory but on the border with Aquitaine, at that time owned by the English. Indeed, Chateau de Castelnaud that you can see the other side of the river was an 'English' castle at this time.

Of course, with the end of the Hundred Years War the castle reverted to French ownership.

Visiting Chateau de Beynac

Chateau Beynac is also a fascinating castle to visit and explore. You can see the large 12th century keep and living accommodation, a further large building when the castle was expanded in the 14th century, several terraces and yet more rooms added during the 17th century.

You will also see several of the ancient rooms - dungeons, kitchens, living quarters etc - in the castle, as well as the various open courtyards. One of the rooms contains some interesting medieval frescoes and several have been furnished in a style appropriate to the period. Overall the renovations and furnishings in the castle have been carried out to an exceptionally high standard.

Another of the highlights of a visit is, not surprisingly, the views across the miles of surrounding Dordogne countryside from within the castle. Remember to look across to the other side of the river to see the equally impressive castle at Chateau Castelnaud.

Visitor information

Chateau de Beynac is open all year round.

The castle is best reached by parking at the bottom of the village and facing the stiff 15 minute walk up through the village, although there is also parking at the top of the hill near the castle itself.

Note: it is when canoeing down the river that you have one of the most impressive view of Chateau de Beynac, sitting high on a rocky outcrop above the houses in the village, as well as many of the villages along the rivern and we highly recommend it!

See more Dordogne castles.

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

Photos of Chateau de Beynac

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Suggested places to visit near Chateau de Beynac, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Domme 7km; Chateau de Puymartin 8km; Sarlat 8km; Saint-Cyprien 9km; Chateau de Montfort 11km; Belves 13km; Font-de-Gaume 14km; Les Eyzies 15km; Chateau de Commarque 16km; La-Roque-Saint-Christophe 18km; Gourdon (Lot) 19km;

Chateau de 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) : Jardin de Conty - remarkable garden (8km) : Cathédrale Saint-Sardos (Sarlat) - religious monument (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 Chateau de Beynac