Location: Dordogne
Top Things to do in Dordogne
Top Hotels in Dordogne
Things to do in Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine: The Best Castles
Dordogne (French pronunciation: [dɔʁdɔɲ]; Occitan: Dordonha) is a department in southwestern France, with its prefecture in Périgueux. The department is located in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine between the Loire Valley and the Pyrenees, and is named after the Dordogne river that runs through it. It corresponds roughly with the ancient county of Périgord.
Restaurants in Dordogne
1. Chateau Belingard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
Situated on hillsides south of Bergerac, we produced both whites and reds wines, from the AOC Monbazillac and Bergerac. We offer all year long free tastings during our opening hours : from Mai to October, from monday to saturday, 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, from November to April, from monday to friday, 9.30 am to 5.00 pm. On appointment only on saturday.Guided tours from Mai to October(3E per adult) on Tuesday et Friday at 10.30 am in French and 3.00 pm in English.
Reviewed By ArneDebruyne - Leuven, Belgium
We came to the chateau without an appointment, but we were welcomed in the perfect way. Very friendly people, who immediately gave us a tablet and brochure with all the information we needed to do a tour in and around the chateau. In this tour, you can learn all about the chateau, the family and the process of winemaking. A beautiful place with a great history. After the tour, we were invited to do a lovely winetasting. Great wines and very reasonable prices. We will come back!
2. Chateau de Commarque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,049 reviews
Castle of Commarque, the adventure from Prehistory to the Middle Ages Once upon a time, in a legendary valley, there was a grandiose pile of stones where dungeons and fortified castle, troglodytes and prehistoric grotto were superimposed on a rocky outcrop in a breathtaking landscape. You will engrave the stone with Cro-Magnon, you will draw with the bow like a true knight, you will draw with the pen the poems of the courtly love. You will discover the mysteries of Commarque through games and workshops, medieval investigation but also with free tours, guided tours, exhibitions and 3D projections. Adventure awaits you at Commarque Castle! The ticket includes: free visit, games of yesteryear, exhibitions and 3D projections. During holidays and school holidays are included: guided tours and workshops (archery, stone sculpture, draw me a castle, parietal layout, medieval calligraphy). Medieval survey with small supplement
Reviewed By Marosja - Auderghem, Belgium
We found this place in the book and prospects. And also was close on our way. GPS worked and short walk from parking lot under the trees is great. Go in the morning to enjoy it more. It was a sunny day and when you see valley opened is amazing. No cars, no noise, just history and nature. Greatly recommended for those who love this combination. Real oasis for relax. Small info tables, kiosk to buy a ticket, get your written guide in english and go. Start with meadows, stream, caves under the rock and castle. And “english” private castle on the opposite side. Private, no access. Enjoy as much as possible and let enough time to walk around. Climb to keep to learn castle history since 13 century, with genealogy aa well. Admirable job done by the owner. My respect and all best wishes to continue. Years of precise reconstruction. Middle age games for young and adults. What an idea! Only thing I was missing was a book, booklet to buy and bring piece of it to home. But it remains in us and our pictures.
3. Chateau des Milandes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,634 reviews
Built in 1489, the stunning Chateau des Milandes in the heart of the Black Perigord on the south bank of the Dordogne became home to the black American singer and dancer Josephine Baker in 1947. Baker had become the toast of the Parisian cabaret scene in the ‘20s, being one of the most famous and highly paid entertainers of her day. A French citizen by marriage, during World War II, her status as an international star also enabled her to work covertly for the French Resistance, for which she received the Croix de Guerre. The castle is dedicated to Josephine Baker. In the grounds, bird of prey display with eagle owl and eagle; the garden is a lovely place. Brasserie is open april to first november.
Reviewed By Intlxpatr - Pensacola, United States
This chateau is beautiful. Just seeing it, and the grounds, and eating at the cafe is an enchanting and memorable experience. We toured the castle, but photos are forbidden and there are signs everywhere to remind you. So call me shallow, but I loved the gift shop and was able to find some really neat things for my grandchildren, unusual, lovely and well priced. There is a falconry exhibit throughout the day, There are self guided vox boxes that you are given, and places to hang them when you are about to leave.
4. Chateau de Puyguilhem
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Puyguilhem is a delightful Renaissance Château lying at the heart of a wooded valley near Brantôme in Périgord. It features all the charming architectural and decorative elements that are so typical of the period including large mullioned windows, two staircase towers to the main building, and an upper section ornamented with a balustrade of sculpted shells, foliage and medallions. Inside, the remarkable vaulted main staircase leads to the great hall and its fireplace illustrating Hercules' Labours. Today the Château features an impressive collection of 17th and 18th century furniture and tapestries. Open: > 2nd May to 31st August: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 1st September to 30th April: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Last admission 45 minutes before closing time. Closed: > Mondays and Tuesdays from 1st October to 31st March. > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 5,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By Made-In-Mars - Marseille, France
At first we wanted to visit a cave but the queue was so long we decided to visit this castle. And I still thank the queue! The place is located in a little village and very easy to find and to park.The long drive to the castle is extremely pleasant and the fee is quite cheap. The guide only speaks French but can answer in English. There are a lot of pieces of furniture, tapestry, carpets and anecdotes in this renaissance castle. The right wing is dedicated to some exhibitions which worth the look. The front garden is a French one while at the back there's an English garden. We all had great time there and I strongly advise it.
5. Chateau de Castelnaud
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,573 reviews
Reviewed By phillipgodfreyv
Thoroughly enjoyed the walk around and through the chateau rooms, we were there for quite a few hours as there is so much to see and do and also fantastic views across the Dordogne Valley.
6. Chateau de Beynac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,352 reviews
Beynac, the most authentic Feudal Fortress of the Perigord. Visitor, welcome to the Feudal Fortress of Beynac. Here, between sky ans earth, time has stopped. Perched high on a cliff at breath-taking heights, the Castle of Beynac acts as a stone sentinel, which for nine centuries, has watched over the Dordogne. Château de Beynac is the most authentic Castle of the Périgord and one of the highlights of the Dordogne. Visiting Château de Beynac is an absolutlely unique and unforgetable experience, a never ending journey of discovery. Open all year, every day. From april until october, guided visit (in French) included in the ticket price. Departures every 30 minutes from 10 AM to 12 AM and from 2 PM to 6:30 PM Last departure 6:30 PM. Enjoy your visit at Beynac, the most emblematic Fortress of the Perigord!
Reviewed By docko1 - Chicago, United States
Unlike, say, Commarque, which is still only partially standing, Beynac is intact and well cared for. This fortified chateau is beautifully situated above the river, with spectacular views, even on to other such wonderful buildings. We spend two great hours there and learned a lot. Also, I'm devoted to small Romanesque churches, and the one at Beynac, perched on the edge of a precipice, is terrific.
7. The Maison Forte de Reignac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,128 reviews
Reviewed By Richlma
Had an excellent visit to the castle set in the rock side, Guide book in English given to us which was very informative. The have done an excellent job renovating the castle, and I am sure parents and children will thoroughly enjoy the experience. No cafe on site however, just back down the road Les Eyzies de Tayac , had several cafes and bars. An excellent day out.
8. Le Chateau de Fenelon
9. Chateau de Bourdeilles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 381 reviews
Built on a rocky outcrop, the Château de Bourdeilles is actually two truly exceptional edifices. A medieval fortress dating from the 13th century flanked by an impressive fortified tower and an elegant Renaissance dwelling which boasts one of the most extensive furniture collections in the Aquitaine region of France
Reviewed By Happy_exchanger - Vancouver, Canada
We saw the signs for the chateau while travelling between Perigueux and Angouleme, and decided on a while to stop in for a visit. So glad we did!! The chateaux (there are actually 2 on the property are well worth a visit. We walked around the renaissance chateau on our own - lots of beautiful tapestries and furnishings collected there - and then the guided tour (included in the entry fee) of the medieval chateau/dungeon. Juliette was an extremely interesting tour guide with lots of info on the chateau over the ages. She dispelled a few of the myths about the Middle Ages, and explained a lot about the defences. She was very alert to the needs of everyone in the group as we climbed 122 steps up the tower. The view is beautiful!! They also have workshops on heraldry for kids (and big kids). Nice little gift shop.
10. Chateau de Bridoire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 766 reviews
Reviewed By richarde616 - London, United Kingdom
A really lovely family day out. The chateau was recently rescued from extreme dilapidation by the Guyot family, who have created a fascinating and entertaining attraction over the last 6/7 years. The building has been lovingly restored and filled with a whole variety of room re-creations. Of particular joy is the informal nature of the chateau. You are free to wander pretty much everywhere and in several rooms old-fashioned games are laid out for the children (and adults!) to enjoy. You can also try on some armour and chain mail. But that’s not all, the grounds are also filled with medieval type games to pass the time. Chuck in some horses, an ice cream and a cave to explore, we loved it :-)
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