The Périgord region is home to numerous châteaux, each more magnificent than the last.  Most of the fortified castles like Biron and Castelnaud... were built during the Hundred Year War between the French and English whilst the other châteaux (Hautefort, Jumihiac...) were built by rich local families.

To see : Château de Losse, Château de Bourdeilles, Château de Hautefort, Château de Jumilhac, Château de Puyguilhem, Château de L'herm, Château de Puymartin (the famous legend of the White Lady), Château de Castelnaud, Château de Beynac, Château de Bridoire, Château de Commarque, Château des Milandes…
 

Château de Beynac

Château de Beynac located approximately ten kilometres from Sarlat is one of the most magnificent castles in the region.  Perched on a cliff, this fortress dominates the Dordogne river and offers a breathtaking view over the "lauze" stone slab roofed houses and creamy façades of Beynac-et-Cazenac, one of the "most beautiful villages in France".

During your visit, discover the history of this fortress built by Adhémar de Beynac in the 12th century, a favourite destination with people such as Aliénor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart... 

From the top of the château's tower you can admire the stunning view of the landscapes, the Dordogne river and another of Périgord noir's castles, Castelnaud. 

Château de Castelnaud : medieval fortress devoted entirely to the war 

The Périgord noir region is brimming with must-sees and the Château de Castelnaud is no exception.  This ancient medieval city founded in the 12th century is perched on a rocky spur.  It dominates the Dordogne valley and faces its rival, the Château de Beynac.

To see and do : visit the museum on the wars in the Middle Ages, the château and gardens, take a stroll around the well-conserved cobbled paths.

Photo credit : Wikimedia commons - Le château de Beynac by Gentil Hibou CC BY-SA 3.0 

Le Château de Castelnaud  by Sémhur - CC BY-SA 4.0-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0