The Château de Castelnaud

A towering stone giant

With its rich history, fascinating museum exhibits and scenic location, the Château de Castelnaud remains one of the most iconic and well-preserved castles in the Dordogne Valley.

A castle and a museum

Perched high above the Dordogne River, the Château de Castelnaud stands as a formidable symbol of medieval power and strategy.

Located just 9 kilometers from Sarlat in the heart of Périgord Noir, this iconic 12th-century fortress is a fascinating journey back in time with breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape.

Now home to the Museum of Warfare in the Middle Ages, the château invites visitors to explore its rich history and impressive collection of medieval weaponry and siege machines.

A Castle Built for War

Founded in the 12th century, the Château de Castelnaud exemplifies medieval fortification at its finest. Strategically situated on a rocky spur 150 meters above the Dordogne River, the castle was designed to dominate both the valley and any approaching potential enemies.

Its very name, Castelnaud, meaning New Castle in the Occitan language, reflects its initial purpose as a military stronghold. This medieval war machine has seen many battles and changed hands several times throughout its tumultuous history.

In 1214, the fortress was seized by Simon de Montfort, who led a crusade against the Cathars. However, it was short-lived; the following year, the castle was burned down. It didn’t take long for Castelnaud to rise from the ashes, and it was quickly rebuilt. By the mid-13th century, the fortress had become one of the most powerful in the Périgord region.

The Hundred Years’ War and Castelnaud’s Changing Allegiances

One of the most significant chapters in the castle’s history occurred during the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453), a conflict that pitted England against France for control of the French throne. Like many fortresses in the region, Castelnaud found itself on the frontline of this extended struggle for dominance. During the war, the castle aligned with the English, solidifying its reputation as a major military stronghold.

However, in 1442, French forces besieged the castle under the orders of French King Charles VII. After three weeks of intense conflict, the defenders of Castelnaud surrendered for a sum of 400 gold crowns. The victory marked the end of English occupation, and the fortress was returned to the French, who went on to win the Hundred Years’ War 11 years later. Following the conflict, the castle was returned to the Caumont family, who had owned it since 1368.

Improvements in the Post-War Era

With peace restored, the Caumonts set about reinforcing the castle’s defenses. Although the major conflicts were over, they sought to fortify the structure against future threats. The lower enclosure and a new barbican were fitted with guns, an artillery tower was added, and new living quarters were built to enhance the comfort of its inhabitants.

Despite these improvements, the castle was rarely occupied after the conflict. By the 15th century, the Caumont family had shifted their residence to the more comfortable Château des Milandes, leaving Castelnaud largely abandoned. It fell into further disrepair during the French Revolution, and by the 19th century, it had become a stone quarry, with locals dismantling parts of the fortress for building materials.

Restoration and the Museum of War in the Middle Ages

After years of neglect, the Château de Castelnaud was finally listed as a Historic Monument in 1966. A major restoration project was undertaken to return the castle to its former glory, culminating in the opening of the Museum of War in the Middle Ages in 1985. Today, Castelnaud is not only a restored symbol of medieval warfare but also one of the most visited fortresses in the Dordogne Valley.

The museum houses an extensive collection of medieval weapons and armors, including swords, daggers, hast weapons, and artillery pieces. Visitors can also explore life-size reconstructions of some of the most powerful siege machines of the time, including fearsome trebuchets and catapults. These towering machines of destruction, painstakingly recreated using medieval drawings, offer a fascinating glimpse into the brutal nature of medieval warfare.

The museum frequently holds live demonstrations of these full-scale trebuchets, allowing visitors to witness firsthand how these colossal machines once hurled projectiles great distances, designed to breach castle walls.

A Unique Visitor Experience

A visit to Château de Castelnaud offers more than just a tour of a historic castle.
The self-guided tour is designed to be an immersive and educational experience, with extensive signposting and interactive exhibits. Visitors are invited to explore not only the military aspects of the fortress but also the daily life of the medieval lords who once inhabited it. The furnished keep and medieval-inspired garden help bring the history of Castelnaud to life in vivid detail.

For those visiting during the summer months, the château offers a range of guided tours available in French, English and Dutch. Additionally, during school holidays, the château hosts special activities such as trebuchet firing demonstrations.

The château also features medieval shows that explore different aspects of life during the Middle Ages. These performances often include knights demonstrating combat techniques, the art of sword fighting and displays of medieval armor and weapons.

For those interested in the everyday lives of the castle’s inhabitants, other demonstrations focus on medieval crafts, food preparation, and the roles of different people within the castle community. During the summer months, night shows transform the castle into a magical setting with illuminated performances that create a dramatic atmosphere under the stars.

Castelnaud_la_chapelle_©Luc.Fauret.photographe

Planning Your Visit

The Château de Castelnaud is open to visitors year-round, with varying hours depending on the season.

The tour typically lasts one-and-a-half hours, and no reservation is required.

Two parking options are available: a municipal car park located just a three-minute walk from the château (chargeable) and a free car park by the banks of the Dordogne River, which is a 15-minute walk away.

For those looking to explore more of the region, a twin ticket can be purchased for both Château de Castelnaud and the Gardens of Marqueyssac, offering a cost-effective way to experience two of the Dordogne Valley’s most iconic attractions.