chateau de beynac

Lovely to find Beynac open in January as most is shut and it was a dream to visit without any other visitors and without the heat. Truly a remarkable building and the views are just incredible. Highly recommended particularly out of season. Cheaper too!

A wonderful attraction for anyone with an interest in Chateaux that go back further than the 18th and 19th Centuries. In January we were quite literally the only people there so had the perfect opportunity to fully absorb the atmosphere and sunning views of the Dordogne from its clifftop location. Don't go with any expectation of a chateau crammed with artifacts and adornments because you won't find them. Artifacts are minimal in all rooms except for the 12th C. kitchen and a few of the rooms, but the atmosphere is wonderful. There are some lovely frescoes and hangings. Having visited in the middle of winter I cannot vouch for higher tourist seasons, but the parking was more than adequate and access well signposted. Charming and helpful woman in the ticket office and there was a very simple, informative English printed guide available. Personally I loved the fact that it wasn't overly organised or health-and-safety besotted! Views of the chateau itself and the from the chateau are exceptional.The surroundings are well worth a ramble (and at times a puff because of the slopes), with some fascinating buildings and stunning views. One word of advice is to make sure that you have a spare memory card and well-charged cameras batteries. There is an oo, ah or wow! at every turn. It would be worth having a look at the website before you visit as their visiting times vary depending on the time of year and they do have special activities in the height of the season.Although the grounds and lower floors are accessible for disabled visitors, it's not ideal as there are very steep slopes and lots of cobbles. Nearby are a souvenir shop and restaurant, both of which were closed out of season and whilst picnicking is not allowed within the Chateaux, there are some lovely locations in the surrounding areas. A few (not many) restaurants elsewhere in the village were open out of season.

Great chateau with wonderful views of the whole area. Beautifully maintained, really felt like I'd stepped back in time as I walked through each of the rooms.

I have recently visited this château and for any enthusiast of history and the medieval history of Europe, it is a must see. We went in late autumn on a beautiful day, so whilst there was not much open for the shopping enthusiast there were no crowds and all the time in the world to take in the views.for photos visit my blog at glendon1954.wordpress.com

The Chateau de Beynac is an imposing castle/fortress that dominates the Beynac-et-Cazenac region of the Dordogne region of the Southern France. It is imposing because it is a huge structure built right on the edge of an escarpment overlooking the Dordogne river. If you have a car, skip the tours and drive up the Chateau. There is ample parking on site, although we visited in late fall so the crowds were small. Perhaps in the peak season parking could be an issue. Also, skip the tour of the Chateau itself. Its pricey and from all indications not that interesting. You can stroll around the periphery of the Chateau where you are treated to some stunning views of the Dordogne valley and river. This, in my opinion is worth more than spending a lot of Euros walking around inside the Chateau. The grounds are equally spectacular with beautiful vistas around every corner, most of which include stunning views of the Chateau itself. Well worth the visit. Highly recommended.

This chateau is located above Beynac and is visible from miles around it is a piece of living history. What i could not get over was how complete and intact this fortress actually is a formidable structure even after centuries have passed. The entrance is from the main road running alongside the river upwards, there are car parks on a lower and upper level as it was late September and quite we parked in the higher one with just a short walk. There are some shops and a cafe by the entrance.Well worth a visit so nice to see a complete piece of history and not a ruin.

You can hear the hoof beats on the cobblestones & the sound of armour on the soldiers! Such history! A real must see!

This 12th century chateau is built atop a mountain overlooking the Dordoigne River and valley, and is quite impressive to visit. It's extremely well preserved, both the rugged exterior walls and multitude of rooms. Standing at the top of the keep or the ramparts gives a fantastic view; keep little ones close by though as being exposed it does get very windy. Together with it's nearby historical rival Chateau de Castelnaud, this is well worth a Dordoigne day trip.

This amazing medieval Chateau was a very nice surprise as we made a chance visit. So Glad we did and can highly recommend. We went in the afternoon and found the ancient castle most empty.

Yes! and it was a good visit. It is not furnished throughout but still worth seeing. The smaller church outside the Chateau is still used for services.

A nice short visit - wouldn't take more than about an hour. Not a huge amount in it but views absolutely spectacular

If Camelot is wired hard into your DNA, then this splendid chateau will go part of the way in satisfying your needs. Its an amazing 'find' in the heart of the "black" Perigord, towering 150 m above the Dordogne, this village is literally pinned to a rock face dotted with caves. It stands, unchanging watching over the quiet valley, as i am sure, it has always done. Dominated by the chateau, an austere-looking medieval pile and one of the best preserved and most famous castles in the region, the village offers breathtaking views of the river below. We took a chug in a traditional boat called a gabarres, to explore the river's green and shady banks with the awesome views of of the imposing fortress above. Its easy to understand why the cliff face was enough to discourage attackers from the river. Its all here: ramparts, battlement, a double moat and a pair of barbicans guarding a large square keep. there are wonderful examples of 16th-17th century buildings and there would have been more, i am informed by a lovely lady, a local, that if Richard the Lion-heart had not laid waste to the area before himself dying at a nearby castle. From the town's cobbled lanes to the vast panorama over the valley of the Dordogne, the whole site is simply breathtaking. Steep lanes bordered by houses of honey-coloured stone facades bear roofs with schist tiles. on our trips up and down, our minds keep drifting back to the days of yore, when peasants, weavers, basket makers, fishermen and gabarre boat pilots would have filled the country-side with hustle and bustle. Its easy to see why the film Joan of Arc used this medieval gem of a village in its shoots. we stopped to sample a serving of a Perigord speciality made of bread, eggs, flour, and oil soaked in vegetable stock, consumed piping hot. For us, this place offers a little piece of heaven and a living testimonial to a village that propels you back to the Middle Ages.

Want to visit a quaint French village? this is it. Cobblestones and alleyways leading up to the hilltop chateau. Valley views and nearby chateaus in all directions.

This was our first of many chateau that we visited in France so perhaps that is partly why we were so taken with it, but then again it has much to offer. The views as many have said are quite spectacular, the rooms are fabulous to explore, we particularly enjoyed the way this chateau has been restored just enough so it still feels very very old. There was also a great guide written in English which really enhanced our enjoyment. There is enough story here to interest adults and children alike. Our 11 year old son particularly enjoyed exploring this chateau with us, moreso than others that are too tizzed up that they lose some of their authentic feel.

although it was mostly empty, I really enjoyed exploring this chateau. The views of the Dordogne River valley were gorgeous, especially late in the day. I'd definitely make time for seeing this chateau.