Tour of the most beautiful castles in Périgord
The Dordogne is full of wonders, notably the famous castles of the Périgord. It is in fact one of the French departments with the largest number of listed historic monuments protected as part of the national heritage.
This is why it is often nicknamed the “department of 1,001 castles”.
Are you visiting the Dordogne and would like to discover the remains of medieval and Renaissance history? Discover the most beautiful castles of the Périgord and start planning your stay in the department. Whatever tourist area of the Dordogne you stay in, you will find exceptional castles in all four corners of the Périgord.
Castles of the Périgord Noir
As a reminder, the Périgord Noir lies in the south-east of the Dordogne department and is the area with the greatest number of castles to visit among the four territories of the region (the four colours of the Périgord).
The Château de Castelnaud
The Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is a medieval fortress that is an absolute must-see. Built in the 12th century, it has been listed as a historic monument since 1996. The castle played a key role under the reign of the Duke of Aquitaine during the Hundred Years’ War. It was later restored in 1960.
Today it stands as a historic emblem of the Périgord. Lovers of medieval history, warfare and knightly weapons will be delighted — it is a true museum of war!
The Château des Milandes
Located in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, the Château des Milandes dates from the 15th century and was built by the Caumont family. It has been renovated over the years to become a brighter and less austere building.
Nevertheless, it still retains medieval elements: gargoyles, dovecotes, spiral staircases, and more. You will discover an interesting blend of modern comfort and medieval remains. Beyond the visit itself, you can stroll through the gardens and enjoy the entertainment, including the bird of prey show in high season.
In 1940, the castle belonged to Josephine Baker. Her entry into the Panthéon in November 2021 increased tourist interest in the site, where some of her personal belongings are displayed.
The Château de Beynac: the authentic Périgord fortress
The Château de Beynac is located in Beynac-et-Cazenac on the banks of the Dordogne River. It is one of the best-preserved and most famous fortresses in the region. It was listed as a historic monument on 11 February 1944.
Dating from the 12th century, this former fortress of Richard the Lionheart overlooks the Dordogne Valley and offers exceptional views.
The Château de Fénelon: the feudal fortress of the Périgord Noir
The Château de Fénelon is a feudal fortress protected by three fortified enclosures that remain intact today. It stands on the heights of Sainte-Mondane, near Sarlat, with a breathtaking view over the Dordogne Valley.
François de Salignac de la Motte Fénelon, writer and Archbishop of Cambrai, was born here. The castle combines medieval defensive features with Renaissance elements. It is also one of the last castles in the Périgord to have preserved its original stone-laid roof.
The visit immerses you in medieval castle life (kitchens, rock-cut cellar, etc.). The castle was used as a filming location for certain scenes in Ridley Scott’s film The Last Duel.
The Château de Puymartin
The Château de Puymartin, often called a “fairy-tale castle”, lies 6 km from Sarlat-la-Canéda and 15 km from Les Eyzies. It is recognisable thanks to its two emblematic towers set within a wooded landscape.
Built in the Middle Ages (around 1269), it went through troubled periods (Hundred Years’ War, Wars of Religion). In the 17th century, decorative developments gave it its splendour: a room painted in grisaille depicting Greek mythology, listed in 1977, is one of the jewels of Périgord heritage.
Castles of the Périgord Blanc
The Périgord Blanc, in the centre of the Dordogne, also features several castles to visit.
The Château de Hautefort
The Château de Hautefort was built around the year 1000 and was marked by the rivalry between the French and the English. It fell under British sovereignty during the reign of Richard the Lionheart before returning to France.
Originally medieval in style, it was renovated in the 17th century and now displays a classical architectural style. Take a walk through the English-style park and the formal French gardens.
The Château des Bories
The Château des Bories is located in Antonne-et-Trigonant near Périgueux. It combines medieval and Renaissance architecture (15th–16th centuries).
Castles of the Périgord Vert
The Périgord Vert, in the north of the Dordogne, also offers several castles to discover.
The Château de Puyguilhem
The Puyguilhem fortress (16th century) is managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. It is one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in the Périgord.
The Château de Jumilhac
The Château de Jumilhac welcomes visitors all year round: guided tours, night visits and room hire (weddings, seminars, etc.). Built between the 13th and 17th centuries, it is listed as a historic monument and has belonged to the Marquises of Jumilhac since the 16th century. Its gardens have been restored around the themes of gold and alchemy.
The Château de Bourdeilles
The Château de Bourdeilles actually brings together two castles: a medieval fortress (13th century) and a Renaissance palace (16th century). The site is listed as a historic monument.
Castles of the Périgord Pourpre
The Périgord Pourpre lies in the south-west of the Dordogne and takes its name from the colour of its vineyards. It is also home to several beautiful castles.
The Château de Montaigne
The Montaigne tower is the remaining part of the Château de Montaigne (16th century), rebuilt after a fire in 1885. The visit also allows you to discover the wine estate, with tasting included depending on the ticket.
The Château de Montréal
Located 7 km from Mussidan, the elegant Château de Montréal overlooks the Crempse Valley. Renaissance in style, it is surrounded by ramparts dating from the 12th–13th centuries. Its gardens, both inside and outside the walls, have received the “Remarkable Garden” label.
The Château de Biron
The Château de Biron (belonging to the Gontraut-Biron family) was one of the four baronies of the Périgord. Its architecture reflects several periods: Renaissance apartments, medieval keep, 16th-century chapel and 17th-century courtyard.
In high season, various activities are organised: workshops for children, night markets, treasure hunts, theatrical tours and more.
With this list of Périgord castles, you should easily find the one (or several) that match your sightseeing wishes. Some are located close to our 3-star campsite in the heart of the Périgord Noir — book one of our accommodations and come discover the castles of the Périgord!