A Week Château Hopping in Dordogne

To arrive at Sarlat-la-Canéda you can either arrive at Bergerac or Brive-la-Gaillarde airport and then pick up a rental car and drive to the city or you can directly arrive at Sarlat-la-Canéda by train. Once you’ve settled in a little, head out and explore the town in the evening. Take a stroll through the town centre in the charming streets of Sarlat-la-Canéda and enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Where are you checking into?

For a week getaway, we thought it would be perfect to base yourself in one city and then drive from there to your chateau hopping activity. That means you’ll be staying 6 nights at the same hotel. We really love Sarlat for what it has to offer, its well preserved medieval streets and atmosphere and its renowned food scene!

We recommend staying at the “Petit Manoir”. This hotel located in the heart of Sarlat’ historic centre offers incredible amenities with access to free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, a bar and room service to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. Its prime location makes it one of the most appreciated hotels in the city.

Only twenty minutes away  from Sarlat lies one of the most emblematic feudal fortresses in the region. From the top of its 14th-century keep, the 152-metre sheer drop over the Dordogne offers an unforgettable view of the magnificent Dordogne valley, a panorama that is rated 3 stars in the Michelin Green Guide. Beynac Castle is a must see of the region and an unmissable local gem. Click here to read more about opening times and ticket prices at the castle.

In the afternoon, why not simply enjoy the town of Beynac-et-Cazenac, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. The village that stands between the stunning Dordogne river and Beynac Castle offers beautiful 360 panoramas of the Perigord. As you explore the village, let yourself be transported back to medieval times and have a full immersion in this era. The small village built on a rocky escarpment offers charming streets and beautiful architecture. When your tour of this small town is done you can head back to your hotel in Sarlat and relax!

A short twenty five minutes drive from Sarlat awaits the beautiful Castelnaud Castle. It is a must see in the region. This 12th century old castle offers an authentic feeling of medieval time through its spectacular fortifications. The castle also houses the museum of War in the Middle Ages that has a major collection of weapons and an impressive armoury. To provide an authentic experience for visitors the most powerful siege engines of the Middle Ages are reconstituted in their attack positions. You can purchase tickets online or directly buy them at the desk to access the castle. The castle is open all year round, daily. Last admission is one hour before closing time.

After visiting the Castle and learning about War in the Middle Ages and the Castle’ history, you can leave the Castle and head to the beautiful town of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle. Visiting one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France again during your trip you will discover a different atmosphere from the Beynac-et-Cazenac visit. A must see of the town is the Church of Saint-Michel-Archange.The church is devoted to Saint-Michel, renowned for banishing the angel Lucifer and defeating the Apocalypse's Dragon. These references found within the church make it a truly exceptional destination for exploration.

Thirty minutes away from Sarlat lies the former house of the international celebrity Josephine Baker. Under the Ministry of Culture of the French government the castle was awarded the Maison des Illustres label in 2012 and therefore has dedicated its rooms to Josephine Baker. Now turned into a museum about her life, career, and accomplishments. This castle still is a beautiful building full of history and fantastic stories. More than the castle in itself, you can enjoy the beautiful garden attached to the Castle listed as a Historic Monument. And enjoy a birds of prey show that is put on regularly by trained professionals. To enjoy the castle’ visit it takes at least half a day to fully discover the castle and all the wonders attached to it. You can have lunch inside the castle since the castle has a restaurant which is exclusively reserved for its visitors. 

Click here to read more about opening times and ticket prices at the castle.

Thirty five minutes away from Sarlat by car you can visit the former house of Fenelon, a trusted advisor of the royal court under Louis XIV and a member of the “Académie Française”. Visiting this castle is exploring an 800 years old historic monument. The tour of the castle gives you access to the exterior and furnished interior of the château, as well as an exhibition on the writer Fénelon. Translations are available in English, Spanish, Dutch, German and Italian. Fenelon Castle is a gem when it comes to the representation of the French “art de vivre” throughout the centuries. The visit lasts around one hour and a half or two hours, but be sure to enjoy and feel the atmosphere of this castle during your visit before heading back to your hotel in Sarlat. 

Click here to read more about opening times and ticket prices at the castle.

Marqueyssac Castle is only a twenty minute drive from Sarlat? This magnificent 17th-century old castle is located near the village of Vézac, overlooking the Dordogne River. The castle is mostly renowned for its spectacular gardens, which are considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in France. These gardens consist of meticulously manicured gardens, sculpted hedges, and more than 150,000 boxwood trees. Aside from the gardens, Marqueyssac Castle in itself is an elegant structure built in the traditional Périgord style. Although the castle is not open to the public, visitors can explore the exterior and admire its picturesque architecture. Marqueyssac Castle and its gardens attract numerous visitors each year who come to appreciate its natural beauty, stroll through the scenic pathways, and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings. The castle often hosts cultural events, including art exhibitions, music concerts, and candlelit evening walks, adding to its allure as a cultural and natural landmark. Click here to read more about opening times and ticket prices and events in the gardens.

Commarque Castle is a medieval fortress renowned for its historical significance and picturesque setting.The castle dates back to the 12th century and was originally built on a rocky outcrop to serve as a defensive stronghold. Over the centuries, the castle evolved and expanded, eventually becoming a fortified village. It consists of multiple structures, including a keep, a chapel, residential buildings, and defensive walls.Commarque Castle played a significant role during the Hundred Years' War, it was occupied by various noble families and underwent several transformations, reflecting the architectural styles of different periods.

Today, Commarque Castle stands as a captivating ruin, showcasing a mix of architectural styles ranging from Romanesque to Gothic. Visitors can explore the site and wander through the remains of the castle, including its towers, walls, and the ruins of the chapel. The castle offers a glimpse into medieval life and architecture. The surrounding landscape of Commarque Castle is equally enchanting. It is nestled amidst lush greenery, with the Vézère River flowing nearby. 

Commarque Castle is open to the public, and guided tours are available to provide insights into its history and architecture. The site offers a unique experience, blending medieval history, natural beauty, and archaeological wonders. Click here to read more about opening times and ticket prices at the castle. 

For your departure, do your check out of the hotel before leaving to go explore the Commarque Castle. After your visit return your rental car at the airport, or the closest car rental drop off and say goodbye to this small beautiful region of France: Dordorgne.