7 castles in the Périgord to visit in the Dordogne

The cultural heritage of the Dordogne is rich, especially at the historical and architectural level. Discover 7 of the most beautiful castles in the Périgord!

Do you know the Dordogne and the castles of the Périgord? In the historical region of France, the Perigord extends approximately on the territory of the present Dordogne. In the Middle Ages, it is Charlemagne which established it as a county in 778. Over the following centuries, the territory has suffered the ravages of time. Then, in the 14th century, the department passed under English sovereignty. A century later, Jean de Châtillon, vicomte de Limoges, finally bought this area. Thus, until the Revolution, it will then be the scene of county wars, and territorial disputes.

Still today, the Perigord is strong in the mythical vestiges of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Especially by its many castles. You pass through the Dordogne and want to visit all the places that have made the history of the department? So let's go meet 7 beautiful castles in the Périgord!

1. The castle of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

This medieval fortress is located in the eponymous city, at the confluence of the Dordogne and the Céou. Built in the 12th century before being unfortunately destroyed during the famous Crusade of the Albigeois, the castle is rebuilt almost a century later. Then under the sovereignty of the Duke of Aquitaine, he will pass under the English rule during the Hundred Years War. In 1442, the armies of the king of France took the castle, and it returned to the family of Caumont.

It was then renovated in the 1960s and is now a historic emblem of the Périgord. He is also one of the buildings most marked by the wars of the Middle Ages. With the other castles in Dordogne, it is proof of the legendary past of the region.

Today, the building is still in excellent condition. Thus, the masters of History can visit this extraordinary building and appreciate the vestiges of its golden age.

2. The castle of Milandes

This building dates from the 15th century and is also located in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle. The Château des Milandes was built by the Caumont family, which also owned other castles in the Périgord. But she wanted to live in a brighter and less austere building than their main property.

Thus, some renovations are carried out in this place over the years. Nevertheless, the building retains architectural elements of the Middle Ages such as turrets, gargoyles and visor stairs. The fortress is therefore an interesting mix between the vestiges of this period and the search for modernity. A mixture that makes the castle an iconic example of the Renaissance spirit, riding between History and Progress.

In the 1940s, the fortress also belonged to American actress and singer Joséphine Baker. Today it is part of the historical monuments of France and can be visited at any time.

3. The castle of Montaigne

This house was the residence of the philosopher of the same name, and is located in the commune of Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne. The castle was built in the 14th century, and was bought by the great grandfather of the thinker in 1477. The fortress overlooks the small and eponymous town on the border of the Perigord and Bordeaux.

The original building is neo-Renaissance style, but restorations date back to the 19th century. Also, as it is a private manned property, visitsu·rses must book in advance to visit the interior of the castle. However, they can access the bookshop Tower at any time. It was in this place that Montaigne found refuge and wrote his famous Essays. For this reason, the castle has been in the historical monuments of France since 1952.

The gardens of the building, if they can only visit the beautiful days, were drawn by the philosopher himself. Because of its atypical architecture and its legendary history, it attracts many tourists throughout the year. Among the many castles in Dordogne, that of Montaigne is undoubtedly one of the most incredible!

4. Biron Castle

The fortress of the Gontaut-Biron family was built in the 12th century. The castle is located in the Lède valley, and it is said that it dominates the landscape by its imposing architecture. For several centuries, the building was the seat of a barony in the region, with Mareuil, Beynac and Bourdeilles. It is one of the most beautiful castles in the Périgord region.

The castle has been deeply marked by each era since its construction. It has a medieval dungeon and a chapel dating from the 16th century. But also Renaissance-style apartments, as well as a courtyard that dates from the beginning of the 18th century. Biron is therefore a true emblem of history, and its architecture is unique in its kind! It is an integral part of the rich cultural heritage of the region, attracting visitors from all over Europe.

5. The castle of Hautefort

Most of the castles in the Dordogne were built in the Middle Ages, between the X and the 13th century. The one in Hautefort does not deviate from the rule, since its construction dates back to the year thousand AD. The legendary rivalry between France and England marked the history of the fortress. In the 12th century, Richard Cœur de Lion took the building, before moving again under French sovereignty in the 15th century. Also, the building mixes both British traditions and perigords.

Originally in medieval style, the Marquis de Hautefort decided to completely renovate it in the seventeenth century. Once again, the building still has a structure of the classical period. Like the other castles of the Perigord, it is an architectural jewel, shared between its various tedious eras, and the extraordinary influences of its owners.

This is certainly a must-see for history mordus for those who wish to discover this exceptional department.

6. The castle of Puyguilhem

The fortress of Puyguilhem is located in the town of Villars. In the same way as the majority of castles in the Dordogne, it ranks among the Historical Monuments of France. Built in the 16th century, this building is Renaissance, comparable to that of buildings of the Loire .

The initiative of this building is to Mondot de la Marthonie, a rich magistrate of the region. The house was to be the secondary residence of the family, as well as a hunting relay. Thus, it is emblematic of the style of life of a noble from the beginning of the Renaissance. But also a historical vestige of the region.

Unlike other castles in the Perigord, the fortress of Puyguilhem did not experience heavy damage during the world wars. Nevertheless, his last owner was expropriated in 1938 after leaving the building to deteriorate gradually. Therefore, the restoration of Puyguilhem lasted almost twenty years, before it opened again to the visitu·rs·ses.

Nowadays, the masters of history can admire at all times its splendid architecture. Vestige of a fascinating era, it will certainly please the young and the greatest!

7. The castle of Jumilhac

Like most castles in the Dordogne, the manor house of Jumilhac was preserved in its entirety. This building of the 13th century was thus able to keep its astonishing architecture over the centuries. It is located at the edges of the region and has long belonged to the vicomtes of Limoges. Over time, he also became the seat of the Chastellenia of Excideuil and his lords.

If it was renovated in the Renaissance, its medieval structure is almost intact. And that makes it a most unusual building. It is probably one of the special features of the castles of the Périgord. The fact that they have survived the times has allowed their owners to change them.

Over time, the Jumilhac building evolved from its medieval style to a more recent structure. Also, he always surprises the scholarly mix between his old architecture and his renovations of the classical era. For example, we think of its mythical Middle Age round paths, which overlook modern French gardens.

Whether you are a master of history or not, Jumilhac is an architectural and cultural treasure. This is a must-see stop when you visit the region!