© Chateau de Hautefort
Chateau de Hautefort, Hautefort
Majestic classical château in the north of the Dordogne
The first owner of this estate was Guy de Lastours around the year 1000. The medieval fortress, which is only known about through writings, then consisted of a keep and several towers linked by battlements.
The 16th and 17th centuries were the golden age of the Marquis de Hautefort and the fortress gradually turned into a place of leisure. Nicolas Rambourg and Jacques Maigret are the architects responsible for stripping the château of its defensive functions and creating the palatial château with its majestic and imposing 'classical' form. Badly damaged by fire in 1968, it has been immaculately reformed into one of the most prestigious monuments in the region. It also has fabulous formal landscaped gardens.
Worth knowing
Night visits are available on Wednesdays, in July and August. Go and explore the castle, at nightfall, in the company of Catherine de Hautefort, marquess Jacques François’s sister in 17th-century. An unusual visit for all the family…
Visitor comments
- "A well maintained property provided an interesting visit. Restoration following 1968 fire has been sensitively carried out and adequate artefacts add to the sites' credibility. Interesting historical and architectural snippets add to the experience." - Trip Advisor
- "One of the best day trips from the Dordogne. The grand scale of everything in this Chateau is lovely and beautiful. Do not miss walking thru the gardens." - Trip Advisor
- "We spent most of an afternoon wandering the grounds and the interior of the Chateau de Hautefort. The chateau itself has been recently rebuilt after a fire but they did a beautiful job reproducing the interior spaces. The gardens and view are quite lovely. I would recommend it highly. The surrounding village is also worth a visit." - Trip Advisor
When to come
March: 14:00 to 18:00 (weekends & bank holidays)
April: 10:00 to 12:30 & 14:00 to 18:30
May: 10:00 to 12:30 & 14:00 to 18:30
June: 09:30 to 19:00
July: 09:30 to 19:00
August: 09:30 to 19:00
September: 10:00 to 18:00
October: 14:00 to 18:00
1st to 11th November: 14:00 to 18:00 (weekends & bank holidays)
How to book
If you wish to visit the castle as part of a group then you must make a booking in advance, A group is considered to be a minimum of twenty people. Groups are accepted all year round, prior booking is essential.
How to get passes
You can purchase you ticket at the entrance desk on arrival. You should check the opening time in advance to avoid disappointment.
Child policy
There is a reduced entry rate for children, and children under the age of seven have free entry. There are several different events hosted specifically for children throughout the year. You can make an enquiry to find out more.
