Sights in Beynac-et-Cazenac — 5 of Our Favourites

Despite such heavy fortifications, it was taken and held by Richard the Lionheart for 10 years in the late 12th century. The keep is the oldest remaining element and inside, impressive tapestries line the walls. Its current excellent state is thanks to a huge restoration project which is scheduled over a 100 year period. 

Beware - the short walk up to the chateaux can be steep! But at least you can get a cup of tea at the top. There is very little within the actual castle but exploring all the rooms, nooks and crannies can be rewarding in itself - especially for the little ones.

The château isn't open to the public, but your real reason for visiting here is its incredible gardens. It has been designed to walk around, with extensive pathways over six kilometres in length, pretty staircases, rock benches and a rotunda. At a height of 130 metres above the river, the Belvedere balcony offers an exceptional panorama. For those with a head for heights, try the via ferrata where you climb around the sheer face of the rock with a vertical drop below.

Deliciously shaded and dominated by a panoramic view of the valley, you will find the castle arbour, the ideal place to come for refreshment while visiting the park. In the tea-room you will find light meals are available, prepared by the chef from “the Relais des 5 châteaux” in Vézac. The charm, the style and the friendliness of the welcome are exceptional. This is a popular place for many people from the Périgord are to come and meet and chat.

This one-time fortress is now given over entirely to displaying the art of warfare in the Middle Ages. Inside, it has a unique private collection of arms and armour, as well as furniture from the period. Outside, you will find reconstructions of war machines, such as siege catapults and giant crossbows, in actual size. These are reinforced by models and videos, explaining a medieval château's different methods of attack and defence.

Guided tours are available in French, English and Spanish. These are aimed at adults and last around 45 minutes.

The site of “La Malartrie“ dates back to the 12th-century and was once a leper hospital. The chateau as we see it today in the Renaissance style, was built at the end of the 19th-century by the Count de Saint Aulaire, Ambassador of France in the UK.

The chateau is not open to the public, you can however rent the entire property for a holiday stay between mid-April and mid-October.

When the entertainer, Josephine Baker visited in the 1940s, it had been well-restored, and she was charmed, buying the château and hamlet in 1947. She made it one of the most luxurious residences around, installing a heating system, six new bathrooms and an American fridge in the huge kitchen. She also created an amusement park with mini-golf, a J-shaped swimming pool, a restaurant and many theatres. This avant-garde effort was opened to the public attracting thousands of visitors.

Today, there are a few of her costumes still remaining on display. The château also holds falconry displays and has a pleasant restaurant