![]() A walk through the village (or rather ‘up’ the village) isn’t for the faint-hearted as the village hugs the side of the cliff and is composed of rather steep alleys. The town of Beynac hugs the hillside under the chateau and is also located next to the river. > Check out this post for a comprehensive guide to the must-visit chateaux in the Dordogne! > Be sure to check our awesome guide to Sarlat if you’re planning on visiting this jewel in the Dordogne’s crown! > Check our awesome travel guide to visiting Sarlat – click here! << Beynac On arrival, the greenery clears to reveal the majestic sight of a honey coloured stone fortification perched high on a rocky hillside. Park up in the small car park (maybe use the toilets as there are none down at the castle), then venture down the tree lined 10-minute walk – it’s like a time tunnel to a different age. This spectacular site is much more than just a solitary castle, it’s the ruins of a small medieval village and some troglodyte caves thrown in for fun. ![]() We particularly love her stage show outfits, including her famous iconic banana skirt, and other clothes as well as learning about her incredible role within the French resistance. She lived there with her 12 strong rainbow tribe of adopted children for several years before she went bankrupt and sadly lost her beloved home. Many years later, Josephine Baker fell in love with this fairytale castle and bought it 1947. The origins of the castle date back to 1489 when Lord François de Caumont had it built for his wife who disliked the austere fortress-like feel of the Château de Castelnaud. This chateau is one of our favourites! It’s known both as the Josephine Baker Castle and the Château des Milandes (the name of the local town). Château des Milandes or Josephine Baker Castle You may also recognise it from the silver screen as it featured in a number of films including the hilarious The Visitors 2and The Joan of Arc Film. Richard Lionheart is said to have scaled the steep cliff from below and (briefly) conquered the château! In 1962, the castle went into private hands when it was bought and restored by Lucien Grosso. This domineering 12 th century fortress is one of the best preserved castles around and perches high on the rocky promontory above the Dordogne. On the opposite bank of the Dordogne river, you’ll find the Château de Beynac, ancient arch rival to the Château de Castelnaud during the Middle Ages. > Check out our top tips for visiting the Chateau de Castelnaud here! << Château de Beynac You’ll get some of the best views down the Dordogne valley. There are various workshops that take place during the school holidays if you have kids in tow. Following a 3 week siege in 1442, it eventually fell back into the hands of the French. It has a colourful history and was involved in a tug-of-war between the English and the French during the 100 year war. The stunning Château de Castelnaud, which stands proudly above the quaint village of Castelnaud, is of one of the best known and most visited châteaux in the region, if not in France. ![]() ![]() So here are some of the best ones that you should include in your Dordogne itinerary: Château de Castelnaud You can’t come to the Dordogne and not visit a chateau – it is the land of 1001 chateaux after all! I’ll never forget one of our first visits to the area when it seemed like a chateau popped up at every turn in the road. ![]()
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