Château de Beynac

In the footsteps of Richard the Lionheart

One of the most imposing castles of the Dordogne Valley, the formidable fortress of Beynac has stood the test of time, towering above the scenic landscape for centuries. Once home to the legendary English king Richard the Lionheart, it’s a captivating experience that blends history, architecture, and breathtaking views.

Two kingdoms at war

Perched high on the cliffs overlooking the Dordogne River, the Château de Beynac stands as a testament to nearly nine centuries of turbulent and fascinating history.

Its imposing walls, thick with the memory of past events, have witnessed royal claims, and echoed with the footsteps of figures like Richard the Lionheart and Simon de Montfort.

Nestled above one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, this fortress offers visitors an authentic experience of the Middle Ages. A journey to Beynac is more than a simple visit—it’s an immersion into a time of knights, lords, and legendary battles.

The History of Château de Beynac

The Château de Beynac was first constructed in the 12th century by the Lords of Beynac , strategically situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Dordogne Valley. Its initial purpose was clear: to keep a vigilant watch over the valley below and defend against potential invaders. The castle’s strategic importance was recognised early on, particularly during the Hundred Years’ War when it became one of the strongholds for the French troops.

In 1194, the original lord Adhémar de Beynac died without an heir, leading to a significant change in the castle’s ownership. Richard the Lionheart, then King of England, seized the opportunity to claim Beynac. Through his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, King Richard had ties to the region and subsequently gifted the castle to his trusted ally, the knight Mercadier. However, this was short-lived; Mercadier met a tragic end when he was assassinated in Bordeaux in 1200. The castle then reverted to the Beynac family.

The castle’s importance grew in the 13th century when Simon de Montfort, during his crusade against the Cathars, captured it.

By the 15th century, Beynac became a barony and continued to thrive until the Wars of Religion in the 16th century, when it suffered great hardship. The people, impoverished by war, revolted, and the castle entered a period of decline.

The 17th century saw the elevation of the Barony to a Marquisate, but the peasant revolts of the 18th century marked the beginning of a rift between the lords and the village population. By 1811, with the death of the last heiress, Marie-Claude de Beynac, the noble lineage came to an end after 800 years of history.

A castle on the Dordogne

High above the Dordogne River, the Château de Beynac stands in an idyllic location, where nearly a millennium of history is woven into the very landscape. The Dordogne River, with its meandering curves and navigable waters, has long been a vital artery for trade. In the autumn and spring, the river would swell, allowing flat-bottomed boats known as gabarres to transport essential goods like walnuts, chestnuts, salt and wine.

These goods passed under the shadow of Beynac, and each boat paid a toll to the Lord of Beynac for passage along the river. By the 13th century, the castle’s control of the waterway brought wealth and power, particularly through its fisheries, renowned for their salmon.

The control of both land and waterways positioned Beynac as a dominant force, further solidifying its economic and military power.

The Keep: The Heart of Beynac

The keep of Château de Beynac is the oldest part of the fortress and stands as a symbol of its medieval heritage. This towering structure was built in the 12th century to serve both military and defensive functions. With its thick walls and narrow windows, the keep was designed to withstand sieges and protect its inhabitants.

Interestingly, the keep’s base had no entrance, and access was only possible via a retractable ladder leading to the first floor—a clever defense mechanism in times of conflict.

In times of peace, life in the keep was less fortified. The original wooden living quarters were later replaced with a stone building that still houses the Salle des Gardes and the Salle des Etats du Périgord.

The Terrace of the Spur

One of the most stunning features of the Château de Beynac is certainly its terrace, offering an unrivaled view over the Dordogne Valley. This vantage point not only provided a breathtaking panorama but also a strategic advantage. The commanding view of the surrounding landscape helped make Beynac one of the most formidable and influential fortresses in Périgord.

The Castle of Richard the Lionheart

Perhaps one of the most intriguing chapters in the history of the Château de Beynac is its association with Richard the Lionheart.

After the death of Adhémar de Beynac in 1194, Richard, as both King of England and Duke of Aquitaine, claimed the castle and gifted it to Mercadier, his trusted knight. Richard’s ties to the region were deep-rooted; his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, had inherited the Duchy of Aquitaine, which included the Périgord.

However, Mercadier’s time at Beynac was brief. Following Richard’s death in 1199, the knight was murdered in Bordeaux, and the castle returned to the Beynac family, with Pons de Beynac, Adhémar’s brother, assuming control.

A couple of centuries later, during the Hundred Years’ War, the fortress of Beynac was under French control. The Dordogne marked the tense frontier between France and England. Just across the river, the Château de Castelnaud was held by the English, creating a symbolic and strategic divide.

The Dordogne region became a battleground for power and influence, with constant rivalries and periodic clashes between English and French forces, as both sought dominance over the land.

Cinema in Beynac

The allure of the Château de Beynac has not gone unnoticed by filmmakers.

Its medieval setting has made it a popular choice for movies, including Luc Besson’s Joan of Arc and more recently, Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel starring Matt Damon. The grandeur of the castle on film mirrors its historical significance in real life.

Visiting the Château de Beynac

Visitors to Château de Beynac are welcome to explore this historic castle all year round, with the last admission granted up to one hour before closing time. Whether you come in the bustling summer months or during the quieter off-season, the allure of the castle remains unchanged.

Children under 10 enjoy free admission, making it a perfect family-friendly destination. Adults are charged €11.50, while young people aged 11-16 are charged €7.

You can purchase tickets on-site, or conveniently book online via the official website.

Access to the Château

Accessing the Château de Beynac is fairly straightforward, with multiple parking options to cater to all visitors. If you are driving, there is a parking lot just one minute’s walk from the castle’s entrance. Additionally, there are spaces reserved for buses and cars at the top of the village.

For those looking for a more scenic approach, parking is also available at the bottom of the village, with a 15-minute walk up medieval cobblestone streets to reach the castle. Although the climb is a bit steep and can be slippery in rainy weather, the panoramic view awaiting you at the top is more than worth the effort.