Beynac-et-Cazenac, Perigord Noir
Beautiful village close to the eastern border of Dordogne and the Lot
The village of Beynac-et-Cazenac is thought to date back to the 12th century when its imposing cliff top château was constructed.
Strategically located on the Dordogne river, and held by Richard the Lionheart, Château de Beynac is a classic fortified example of medieval architecture.
The pretty cobbled streets have been immaculately restored to retain its typical honey-coloured stone walls and slate roofs. The narrow streets lead upwards to the château and the walk certainly works up an appetite - more for an ice cream thank anything else and luckily there is a little garden terrace café half way up, one more after that and yet another opposite the castle entrance. Good for staying hydrated as you climb the steep streets in the summer heat.
The approach by river is truly impressive and this is another place where gabare tours are popular. Relaxing on a boat trip certainly makes a nice change from the walk uphill! Lasse Hallström's film, Chocolat, was filmed here and you can certainly imagine the dreamy country life that they enjoyed.
History & Culture in Beynac-et-Cazenac
Much of the history centres around the château at its summit and can be discovered in the château itself. The area has been populated since the Bronze age and was much sought after due to its 'naturally' protected location and the claim to it has created many pages in the history books.
Hélie de Beynac, the first known and recorded lord, installed the first fortified presence (Castrum) in 1050. After eight centuries of history, many battles, sieges and rulers through the ages, the line of the Beynacs disappeared in 1811. The last heiress, Marie-Claude, married Christophe de Beaumont in 1761 and upon her death in 1811 all that was left was the village and its château.
Sights & Attractions in Beynac-et-Cazenac
The town of Beynac-et-Cazenac is a sight in itself, a beautiful example of a medieval town with cobbled streets and stunning architecture. Part of the Valley of five Chateaux the castle, Chateau de Beynac, is the crowning glory and sits high on the cliff above the town and the river. Part of the ramparts here are being renovated so it will be great to be able walk around them once this work is complete.
Sights in Beynac-et-Cazenac
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Jardins de Marqueyssac, Vezac
Located in Beynac-et-Cazenac
This château is a luxury 18th-century residence built around the time of the French Revolution. Sitting in a magnificent spot, with views over the Dordogne valley, its brickwork is the classical limestone slabs, or lauze, with stone roof tiles.
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Chateau de Castelnaud, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
Located in Beynac-et-Cazenac
The 12th century Château de Castelnaud stands high over the Dordogne valley, with magnificent views of the Châteaux of Beynac, Jardins de Marqueyssac and the medieval village of La Roque-Gageac.
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Chateau de Beynac, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Located in Beynac-et-Cazenac
This fabulously preserved cliff top château overlooks the town of Beynac and the river Dordogne. It was built as a fortress in the 12th century with the cliff on one side and double walls and moats on the other.
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Chateau de la Malartrie, La Roque-Gageac
Located in Beynac-et-Cazenac
This chateau and family home is perfectly situated at one end of the village of La Roque Gageac and overlooks the Dordogne river.
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Chateau des Milandes, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
Located in Beynac-et-Cazenac
This captivating château was built in 1489 in a Renaissance style with magnificent Gothic elements. It has classical turrets, a newel staircase and protruding gargoyle sculptures and large windows decorated with splendid stained glass.
Things to do in Beynac-et-Cazenac
There are plenty of activities in the area including those on land, on the water and even in the air. This is a beautiful part of the country to explore and taking a leisurely canoe down the river is perhaps one of the best. But if you fancy an extra special treat then a sunrise ride in a hot air balloon is hard to beat!
Things To Do in Beynac-et-Cazenac
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Montgolfiere et Chateaux, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Located in Beynac-et-Cazenac
Shortly before sunset, or at dawn, following the preparation of the flight you can take off with Lionel, a professional balloonist and paraglider who has been working as a guide in Dordogne for more than 15 years.
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Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Located in Domme
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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Perigord Dordogne Montgolfieres, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Located in Beynac-et-Cazenac
Come fly over the Dordogne, Perigord, castles, manors, fortresses, the valleys of the Dordogne and Vézère, discover it in all its charm.
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Traditional Barge Boat Trip, La Roque-Gageac
Located in Beynac-et-Cazenac
This traditional wooden barge will take you on a picturesque cruise down the river Dordogne from La Roque-Gageac to the Castelnaud bridge.
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Canoe Dordogne
Located in Domme
Hire a canoe or kayak from this company and you can enjoy a gentle river cruise and the chance to explore the wonderful Dordogne river and its banks.
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Traditional Barge Boat Trip, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Located in Beynac-et-Cazenac
Passing under the limestones cliff of Beynac you will travel along the Dordogne valley to Marqueyssac and the hanging gardens, Chateau de Fayrac and Chateau de Castelnaud.
Where to stay in Beynac-et-Cazenac
This is a small village with tight narrow streets that wind ever skywards, so you will find that there aren't too many hotels to choose from. For the full Dordogne experience you might want to consider a rather charming B&B and there are a few of these tucked away in the forest.
How to get to Beynac-et-Cazenac
Situated in the heart of the Perigord Noir and part of the Valley of Five Châteaux, Beynac is situated on the banks of the Dordogne not far from La Roque-Gageac and only a 10-15 minute drive from Sarlat-la-Caneda.
