Château de Castelnaud is a 13th Century medieval fortress in the commune of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle in the beautiful Dordogne. This impressive building overlooks the Dordogne River in a commanding position in Périgord, southern France. The castle was constructed to face the rival fortress of Château de Beynac in the days when many different factions controlled different areas of Southern France.
During the Hundred Years War, the castle was often in the possession of the English. Following a siege ordered by the French king Charles VII in 1442, the French army recaptured it definitively. With the conflict drawn to a close, the castle was returned to the Caumont family, the owners since 1368. They reinforced the castle’s defences: the lower wall and new barbican were equipped with cannon ports and the artillery tower was built.
Our Visit
We visited the castle on a really hot day in May while we were Eurocamping in nearby Le Bugue. Parking at the bottom (in the village) the castle looked a long way up. However, my advice is NOT to park at the bottom! You can – if you want – but it’s quite a walk up steep roads and paths. For us it was best to drive up through the picturesque village and park in the large carpark at the very top. Dogs are welcome into the castle grounds – and in the castle itself – which is a rarity. Obviously they must be on leads at all times, but Izzy and Jack got to climb stone spiral staircases and see the armoury for the first time ever!
The walk from the car to the castle entrance is lovely (albeit undulating). There are some great coffee shops and souvenir shops – one had a knight guarding it! Toby, of course, went in and was soon engaged in a sword fight, some crossbow practice and dressing up as a French knight 🙂
We did buy some souvenirs on the way out, which were good quality and not that expensive.
The Castle
It was refreshing to be able to do the full castle tour as a family of four. Usually one has to miss out and look after the dogs. There were many exhibits of mediaeval weaponry, armour and even a museum of siege weapons showing catapults, mangonneaux, and trebuchets. The tour started off with a display of tapestry and model horses with armour; there were then many rooms with different weapons and armour throughout the ages.
The castle has a unique private collection of arms and armour, as well as furniture from the period.
Further up in the castle was a video presentation showing the history of the castle and how siege engines were built and used.
The castle tour took us right up on the battlements and around the walls facing the river. There was a fantastic view across the Dordogne valley showing the châteaux of Beynac and Marqueyssac and the medieval village of La Roque-Gageac.
We also met some of the local wildlife, sunbathing!
There were also several pleasant shaded areas, particularly around the castle vegetable and herb garden.
The day was very hot but we saw everything around the castle, even the original walls and ramparts. There were also models and displays, explaining a medieval château’s different methods of attack and defence.
Tips for your Visit
If you are travelling with children, definitely park at the car park at the top of the village. As you drive through Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, passing the lower carpark on your left, you’ll see a small sign to the castle pointing up hill – turn up here. Follow the signs to the top – it gets steep in places. You’ll also pass the Ecomusee de la Noix (well worth a visit after the castle).
The car park is pay and display – can’t remember the cost, but it was inexpensive. Give yourself 2-3 hours to get around, especially if you plan on stopping for lunch or a drink in one of the several cafes and restaurants.
There are lots of spiral staircases in the castle, obviously not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. However the grounds have well maintained wide paths. There are several (accessible) terraces where you can get the most amazing views – it’s worth visiting just for these.
For more information please visit the castle’s website here.
That’s great you could take your dogs in do you could all enjoy the visit without one missing out. The views looked fantastic!
Beautiful views – could have sat and stared out at it for hours!
This looks so fun and what amazing views! Great that you could take the dogs along, too.
I think the dogs enjoyed themselves 🙂
It looks an exciting visit for the children. We had a holiday a few years ago staying in Bergerac and love the region and the food.
Bergerac – we went there for the day and did the town trail
Oh I love the Dordogne! We have had some amazing holidays here over the years!
Have you been to this castle while there? You should add it to your list – it’s a good one! And just down the road is the walnut grove, where they have a lovely peaceful wildlife walk
Wow, those views are amazing! My eldest son absolutely loves castles, I’m sure he’d love it there!
He definitely would x
This looks right up my street and like something I would really like to explore! Lovely pictures – you really drew me in and made me want to visit!
Aw thank you (I was trying out my new camera!)
What beautiful views when you get to the top! My son loves castles and history so this would tick his boxes!
Oh definitely – it’s a great castle for children. Not TOO big to be too tiring – just the right number of staircases and suits of armour/weapons to keep them interested
I am really impressed that you got to visit the castle with your pooch and it’s a great tip about where to park. We would hate to be caught out like this and we would definitely have grumpy kids if they walked from the bottom. Looks like a great castle to visit too
Yes! We actually parked at the bottom initially, and were close to not visiting the castle because of the steep walk. But I googled it and read that there’s a carpark at the top. The road signs don’t make it crystal clear.
Good you did the full castle tour as a family. Looks like a great castle.
It’s quite rare for all 4 of us to visit attractions together, as usually someone has to stay outside with the dogs. So that made this visit extra special
What an amazing place to visit! Love that you get the opportunity to see all their private collections x
Yes – with two dogs with us too! Still cannot believe we climbed a castle with two dogs!
What a stunning castle and those views are just amazing!! I would love to visit this place
The views were incredible. We were lucky as we visited between showers and when the sun came out all the clouds disappeared so we could see so far from the top. It is a lovely castle