Perigord, country of a 1001 castles!
There would have been a thousand and one castles in Dordogne, and while their exact numbers are difficult to evaluate, they are certainly an impressive testimony to the turbulent history of our region.
From the fortified castle to the Renaissance castle, through to the fortified house, the gentleman’s residence or the manor house, this exceptional Perigordian architectural heritage is well worth discovering. You will need time to visit everything!
Discover some of our favourites.
Biron was the seat of one of the four baronies of the Perigord.
The Château de Biron was strategically located on the edge of the Perigord and Agenais, a few leagues from Monpazier bastide. Today the property of the Dordogne department, this château is recognized as a Major Site of Aquitaine and classified as a Historic Monument.
Between the 12th and 18th centuries, each century left its mark. From this incredible juxtaposition of buildings results an exceptional architectural ensemble, with a very particular kind of attraction.
This magnificent castle is located +/- 30 km south of our village.
Located in the heart of the Monbazillac vineyards, 12 km from Bergerac and 4 km from the prestigious Château de Monbazillac, this medieval 15th century castle was restored and opened to the public in 2012, after 22 years of looting.
Besides visiting the castle itself, which is certainly worthwhile, Bridoire also has 40 life-size traditional games. In the courtyard of the castle and in front of its walls, you can spend a convivial moment with your family or friends testing your ability (or clumsiness) at the games.
In the former castle park, you can go on an adventure and try to solve the mysteries of the castle and its valley. In the “Labyrinthe de la Vallée Mystérieuse”, you will be confronted with tests and riddles in a park of several hectares, dotted with rivers, springs, ruins and rock shelters. Will you find your way back?
So if you have teenagers who don’t like visits, Bridoire will make them change their minds!
The “Château de Bridoire” is located +/-40 km west of Molières.
Perched on a rocky peak, in a verdant setting, this exceptional site tracks the progress of humans who have succeeded each other over 15,000 years. Thanks to the excavations, the works and the scientific research still in progress, the cultural offering of this magnificent Dordogne castle is enriched from year to year.
The car park is 500 m from the castle. A short walk in the woods will take you to this magical site. Its “not quite finished” side encourages you to explore and especially appeals to the children … as well as the big kids that we are! This is really one of our favourites!
You will find the Château de Commarque between Les Eyzies and Sarlat, 40 km north-east of our village .
The “Château de Beynac”, the most emblematic medieval fortress in France and, like Biron, home to one of the four baronies of the Perigord, is located on the road to Sarlat, 35 km east of Molières.
Standing on top of a vertiginous cliff, it is a stone sentinel that has been watching over the Dordogne for over 9 centuries. From the top of its 14th century keep, the 152 metres of steep cliffs overlooking the Dordogne will offer you an unforgettable view of the magnificent valley of the 5 castles.
On the other bank of the Dordogne, just a few kilometers further on, you will find the “Château de Castelnaud” which faces that of Beynac.
This castle has hosted the “Museum of War in the Middle Ages” since 1985. During your visit, you will encounter life-size reconstructions of medieval war machines (mangonel, trebuchet, pier, tinker) as well as a large collection of weapons and armour. The evolution of fortification and siege techniques is also evoked by a slide show, models, films and video games.
Children will particularly appreciate all these visual tools that will help them in understanding the site and its history.
Your turn now ! Discover the thousand and one castles of the Perigord.
Destination : Dordogne !
Charming villages
Come and stroll through the streets of the many picturesque villages of the Dordogne.
Prehistory
Experience prehistory in the Périgord, the cradle of mankind.
Some must-sees!
We take you to some charming and unusual places.
