Castelnaud castle

Located in the commune of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Castelnaud castle is a medieval fortress. Built on a rocky spur in the 12th century, it was first owned by the Cathar lord Bernard de Casnac, then taken by Simon de Montfort in 1214 during the Albigensian Crusade. A new château was then built: the keep and curtain wall date from this period.

During the Hundred Years' War, Castelnaud castle was mainly in the hands of the English, but was finally conquered by the French in 1442. Once the war was over, the fortress was returned to the Caumonts, who had owned it since 1368, and reinforced the defensive system. The lower enclosure and the new barbican were equipped with gunboats, the artillery tower was built and new living quarters were added to improve comfort. The castle was subsequently entrusted to Geoffroy de Vivans, a feared warrior who was spared assault during the Wars of Religion.

During the 15th century, like many Périgord castles, it was transformed toimprove the comfort of its inhabitants. However, Castelnaud was rarely occupied, as the Caumonts left Castelnaud for their new castle in Les Milandes, and was totally abandoned during the French Revolution. It was even used as a stone quarry in the 19th century, and continued to deteriorate until 1966, when it was classified as a Historic Monument and underwentmajor restoration campaigns. These restoration campaigns had only one ambition: the Château de Castelnaud had to be reborn as it was.

Château de Castelnaud has been the scene of numerous conflicts and has thus had a particularly tumultuous history, filled with battles, sieges and other surrenders. The castle has resisted and adapted constantly, and to pay tribute to the tenacity of the fortress, the new owner has decided to install a museum dedicated to warfare in the Middle Ages.

Inaugurated in 1985, the museum's collections feature over 250 pieces of medieval artillery. Swords, crossbows, hast weapons, chain mail and even life-size siege weapons are on display in the fortress dwellings. Some fine pieces of furniture from the 14th and 15th centuries complete the ensemble.

Castelnaud castle can be seen from afar. Its massive silhouette, thick walls and arrogant square tower are as imposing as they were in the Middle Ages. From the road leading from Sarlat, the view of the castle is striking, the fortress perched atop its rocky spur intimidating.

Castelnaud castle can be reached directly by car, but it's much more pleasant to approach it on foot, through the lower part of the village, especially as Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is one of France's "Most Beautiful Villages". As a result, the climb up to the castle, between steep narrow streets and old Périgord houses, is very pleasant, and as you go up, Castelnaud castle reveals itself from different angles and finally opens its doors to you...

During your visit, you'll come across life-size reconstructions of medieval war machines such as mangonels, trebuchets and pierrières, as well as an extensive collection of weapons and armor. The tour is interspersed with signage, interactive terminals and models. The evolution of fortification and siege techniques is also illustrated by a slide show, films and video games.

The visit then continues outside, where a medieval-inspired garden provides an insight into the life of the lords of Castelnaud. Many events take place here, including medieval shows, blacksmithing demonstrations, nocturnal investigations, armor fittings, sword-fighting lessons and even days devoted to living history in collaboration with historical re-enactment troupes.

In summer, guided tours are offered in French, Dutch and English on the theme of warfare in the Middle Ages.

Château de Castelnaud is open all year round, every day:

• Mid-November to end of January: 2pm - 5pm
• February, March, October to mid-November: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• April, May, June and September: 10am - 7pm
• July and August: 9am - 8pm

Please note that last admission takes place 1 hour before closing time.

Prices range from €6 to €12.90, depending on your profile and the period of your visit. Admission is free for children under 10. Twin tickets are also available with the Jardins de Marqueyssac to discover all the riches of Périgord.

Group rates and annual passes are also available.

For more information, please visit the official website: https://castelnaud.com/