Beynac

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Shortened history of the castle:

The origins of the castle date back to the twelfth century, when Maynard Beynac had built what was then a dungeon. Perched on a cliff side, 150 m above the Dordogne, Beynac certainly occupied an advantageous position, ideal sightseeing point across the valley.

In 1194, the knight Adhemar de Beynac dies and leaves no direct descendance. The castle falls into the hands of King Richard, in his capacity as Duke of Aquitaine. He leases the castle to his lieutenant Marchadier.

In 1199, King Richard is on the way to defend a restless vassal in Chalus. A tragedy then occurs : "6 April 1199, while besieging the Châlus, King Richard was killed by an arrow that surprised him" (Jean Favier, french historian)

In these troubled times, the castle is still in the hands of Simon de Montfort, in full crusade against the Cathars, in early 13th century.

Beynac will live from very close French-English conflicts, embodied in almost permanent confrontation between Castelnaud and Beynac. Moreover, their respective lords are themselves in competition and seek to assert their own power in the Perigord.

In this game, it Pons Beynac who wins because in 1442 he finaly takes the castle and defeats Castelnaud and the English troops (bringing the Hundred Years War to an end). Beynac becomes one of the four baronies of Périgord.

You will notice that Beynac, devoted entirely to its military function, is provided with thick, impressive walls. Pushing the logic to the defensive end, its architects did not build any window in these walls and were obsessed with digging series of trenches (which don not exist anymore today unfortunately). To hell with comfort, our ancestors were pragmatic people!

Opening times and additionnal information:

The castle is open everyday, all year long, from 10am to 5pm.
Adults: 7 Eur
Children (under 12): 3 Eur