The Chateau de Lanquais is in the southern part of the Dordogne department (so south of the river). To reach the castle you can cross the river at St-Capraise-de-Lalinde or Couze-et-Saint-Front.
Explore the Château de Lanquais
France This Way review: the Chateau de Lanquais is less part of the tourist circuit than many of the castles along the Dordogne river, but is a castle with an interesting history and mix of architectural styles so merits a detour if you are nearby and want to visit a castle, although it is not restored to the standard of the more visited castles in the region.
The two parts of Chateau de Lanquais are quite different in appearance and can be clearly distinguished. (You can see this clearly in the photo below, with the clear transition between the medieval style on the left and the renaissance style on the right.)
The part of the building that was the original, defensive and fortified, castle dates from the 14th century, and mostly comprises the round tower and the adjoining hexagonal stair tower. The building was then much expanded in the latter part of the 16th century, to add parts that offered more comfortable living accommodation using the renaissance style - and in particular copying many features from the Louvre.
Because of this similarity with the architecture of the Louvre, the Chateau de Lanquais is sometimes referred to as the 'unfinished Louvre of Perigord', although that description might raise your expectations of a visit a bit too high...
Inside the chateau you can visit various salons, apartments and bedrooms as well as the kitchens and the storage caves below the castle. The interior is impressively furnished with magnificent chimney places and period furniture, although many parts can not be visited because they are rented out as holiday accommodation.
The castle is surrounded by park and trees rather than French style gardens, with glimpses through the trees down to the river and Lanquais plan d'eau (leisure area) below. It is possible to walk around the circumference of the Chateau de Lanquais by following a small track.
Attractions nearby
After visiting the castle you can pass a few minutes exploring the village of Lanquais, which has a sprinkling of interesting medieval buildings. Among these is a stone building with a very large roof between the castle and the village - this is an ancient barn now used for occasional concerts.
There are several villages with historic centres that you can visit near the Chateau de Lanquais, including Molieres and Issigeac, and the town of Bergerac is to the north-west of here.
See more castles in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Dordogne guide and the Aquitaine guide.
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Map of Chateau de Lanquais and places nearby
Visit near Chateau de Lanquais with France This Way reviews
Beaumont-du-Perigord
The traditional bastide town of Beaumont-du-Perigord is an interesting contrast to the nearby village of Monpazier
Beaumont-du-Perigord guide
Issigeac
The historic small town of Issigeac has many lovely old houses and the most famous Sunday market in the Dordogne
Issigeac guide
Molieres
Molieres is small but perhaps the best example of an unspoiled bastide town in the region.
Molieres guide
Saint-Avit-Senieur
Saint-Avit-Senieur is dominated by the substantial abbey ruins in the centre of the village
Saint-Avit-Senieur guide
Tremolat
Trémolat is a very small but attractive village, close to the scenic highlight at the Cingle de Tremolat which has far-reaching views across the river
Tremolat guide
Monbazillac
Monbazillac is home to the Chateau de Monbazillac, famous producer of sweet white wines
Monbazillac guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Dordogne
The French version of this page is at Chateau de Lanquais (Francais)