The Chateau de Puymartin is between Sarlat and Les Eyzies in the centre of the Perigord Noir region of the Dordogne department.
Like many of the castles in the region, the chateau played its key role during the Hundred Years War, and then later in the Wars of Religion. A village once stood around the castle but is no longer in existence.
Discover Chateau de Puymartin
The castle at Puymartin was originally built in the late 13th century, although significant reconstruction work took place in the 15th century after the Hundred Years war and a long period of abandon had left the castle in poor condition.
After changing hands several times across the centuries, firstly between the English and the French, and later between the Protestants of Sarlat and the Catholics, the castle was again left damaged by the trials of the wars of Religion.
La Dame Blanche
Legend tells us that the ghost of a young lady dressed in white sometimes appears in the castle. She is the ghost of Thérèse de Saint-Clar, locked up in a small room in the castle for 15 years by her husband after he surprised her together with her lover (who was himself executed).
She was never to leave the room before her death, food being passed through a trapdoor in the ceiling until the end of her life.
The castle suffered its last great dispute in the 17th century - as part of a family disagreement over inheritance, when Jean de Saint-Clar and his sister Suzanne spent a mere 40 years arguing over whose castle it was - Suzanne eventually took control.
By the 18th century the castle was again abandoned and falling into disrepair. The family of the current owners took control of the castle in the 19th century and once again started the long process of restoration - a process that also included quite substantial modifications to the appearance of Chateau du Puymartin.
Visiting the Chateau de Puymartin
The first thing that strikes you about the castle when you visit is the impressive location - although quite hidden in the Perigordian forest, Puymartin is situated on a steep hill with commanding views over the countryside.
Despite the many changes made to the castle over the centuries, you still feel that you are in the presence of a medieval castle, with its towers, strong defensive walls and a substantial main building, around a central courtyard.
Inside Puymartin you will see some lovely rooms and furnishings - above all the spiral staircase, a bedroom decorated with several fine Aubusson tapestries, and the meditation room with its paintings (in black and white) of scenes from mythology, and painted in the middle of the 17th century.
The mythology theme is also continued in a large salon with large tapestries telling the story of Helen of Troy.
The castle is open for visits from April to November.
Attractions nearby
The principal attractions close to the Château de Puymartin include the Cabanes de Breuil, a village of reconstructed ancient stone shelters, and the beautiful ruins of the Château de Commarque.
There are also numerous prehistoric sites in the Vézère valley, an important settlement in prehistoric times.
See more Dordogne castles.
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 Puymartin and places nearby
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Cabanes du Breuil
The Cabanes du Breuil are ancient farm buildings made from dry stone in the heart of the Dordogne
Cabanes du Breuil guide
Chateau de Commarque
The Chateau de Commarque is an imposing ruined castle that was 'found' in the forest and has now been cleared and opened to the public.
Chateau de Commarque guide
Vezere Valley
The pretty valley of the Vézère is an important region for its well preserved prehistoric settlements
Vezere Valley guide
Sarlat
Sarlat is the historic capital of the region, and perhaps the most remarkable and intact historic town in France. Highly recommended!
Sarlat guide
Saint Vincent de Cosse
Saint Vincent de Cosse is a charming village with some beautiful houses and rural architecture.
Saint Vincent de Cosse guide
Chateau de Beynac
High on a clifftop and beautifully restored, the Chateau de Beynac is our favourite castle in the region
Chateau de Beynac guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Dordogne
The French version of this page is at Chateau de Puymartin (Francais)