Châteaude Bridoire: History, fun and games galore Château de Bridoire |

A Castle Steeped in 900 Years of History

The origins of Bridoire

The Château de Bridoire, located just 15 km from Bergerac, has stood for centuries as a testament to medieval architecture and French history. Its origins date back to the late 12th century, and it has undergone significant transformations over the following centuries.

A Roman oppidum once stood where Bridoire now stands, marking its ancient roots in the region. The castle has witnessed many turbulent times, from the Hundred Years’ War to the Wars of Religion, reflecting the tumultuous history of France.

A Fortress in the Hundred Years’ War

During the Hundred Years’ War, the Château de Bridoire became a pivotal battleground between English and French armies. This era of conflict left its mark on the castle, resulting in considerable damage to its original structure.

However, the architecture of Bridoire was rebuilt and modified in the 15th and 16thcenturies. It served as a Catholic stronghold during the Wars of Religion, defying its nearby Protestant counterpart, the Château de Monbazillac. The castle’s walls still bear the scars of these battles, a reminder of its past role as a military fortress.

A Royal Visitor

Among Bridoire’s notable moments in history was a royal visit in 1576, when Henri of Navarre, who later became King Henri IV of France, stopped at the castle for dinner with his friend Blaise de Pardaillan.

This brief moment of peace in Bridoire’s otherwise tumultuous history was celebrated, and the castle became known for its connection to the future French monarch.

The Restoration and Revival of Château de Bridoire

The 19th Century Renaissance

Bridoire entered a new phase in the 19th century when the Marquis de Foucauld undertook a significant restoration project. The damaged towers from earlier centuries were rebuilt, and the château was redesigned to reflect a romanticised medieval style.

The Marquis also added large dormer windows, a winter garden, and a terrace to enhance the castle’s appearance. Inside, the ground-floor reception rooms were decorated in the ‘troubadour’ style, a popular aesthetic of the time that evoked medieval romance and chivalry. A chapel was added to the east tower, further solidifying Bridoire as a grand residence.

A Period of Decline: 1978 to 2011

Despite its grandeur, Bridoire faced near ruin in the late 20th century. Abandoned and neglected after it was sold in the 1930s, the castle fell into severe disrepair by the 1980s.

With no caretaker and its doors left unsecured, Bridoire became a victim of looters. For nearly 30 years, the château was ransacked, and its valuable artifacts were stolen or destroyed, leaving it in a perilous state.

The Guyot Family’s Rescue Mission

The fate of Bridoire took a turn for the better in 2011 when the Guyot family, moved by the château’s tragic decline, purchased it from the French state. Catherine and Jacques Guyot spearheaded an intensive six-month restoration campaign with the help of local craftsmen and volunteers.

Their efforts culminated in the castle reopening to the public in July 2012. The success was immediate—over 40,000 visitors flocked to Bridoire in its first season alone, and subsequent years have seen the number of visitors grow to more than 70,000 annually. The funds from these visitors have allowed for ongoing preservation and restoration work, ensuring Bridoire’s continued legacy.

A Living Castle: Explore Bridoire Today

Today, Château de Bridoire is fully restored and inhabited year-round by the Guyot family.

Visitors can explore more than 15 fully furnished rooms, offering a glimpse into life within a historic French château.

Highlights include the vaulted kitchen with its collection of copperware, the elegant dining room, a cozy sitting room, a billiard room, and an arms room.

Bedrooms, underground cellars, and the stables, which house horses and ponies, are also open to the public.

The Castle of 100 Games

Bridoire has earned the nickname “Château des Jeux” (Castle of Games) due to its wide array of interactive experiences. With more than 100 games, both inside and outside, Bridoire offers fun for all ages.

From traditional board games and strategy challenges to giant outdoor wooden games, visitors can immerse themselves in playful activities that evoke a sense of nostalgia and adventure.

In addition to these games, Bridoire offers skill games includingarchery, crossbow shooting, and a medieval combat course.

For thrill-seekers, the castle features a 20-metre double zip line. Visitors can also experience the Medieval Camp, where activities allow you to step back in time and engage in knightly skills.

Inside the castle, games are available in various rooms, such as the Guard Room, the games attic, and the library. Outside, the playground features grass skiing, beam games, tug-of-war, life-size board games, and more.

To add to the family-friendly atmosphere, Bridoire also boasts a petting zoo, where guests can interact with a variety of farm animals such as horses, ponies, giant rabbits, hens, geese and sheep.

Summer Evenings at Bridoire

During the summer months, Bridoire offers a series of exciting evening events that bring the château to life.

“Haunted Nights” take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, offering a spooky adventure for visitors.

On Thursday evenings, guests can enjoy “Aperitif at the Château,” where live music, games, and local food create a festive atmosphere.

Fireworks, equestrian shows, and games light up the night, making these events unforgettable for all ages.

Labyrinths of La Vallée Mystérieuse

For those seeking an additional challenge, the grounds of Bridoire feature the labyrinthine trails of La Vallée Mystérieuse.

This wooded adventure offers two levels of difficulty and tests participants with puzzles, riddles, and hidden clues. Families with young children can enjoy the easier trail, while older visitors can take on the more challenging course.

Other popular attractions, especially for kids during the school holidays, are themed treasure hunts like “The Legend of Alice in Wonderland” and “Mysteries at the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

On-Site Accommodation and Dining

Stay in a Château Tower

Visitors looking to extend their stay can enjoy a unique overnight experience in one of the château’s two charming tower apartments.

The loft accommodates two people, while the larger apartment can host up to six guests, offering a taste of life in a historic French castle.

Seasonal Dining

In July and August, Bridoire offers on-site dining with local specialties. Enjoy quiches, cakes, and drinks made with organic ingredients and fresh produce from nearby farms, served in the picturesque inner courtyard.

Whether you’re savoring a meal under the shade of an arbour or enjoying a picnic in the castle’s grounds, it’s a delightful way to relax after a day of exploration.