19
June
2025

Go back to the Middle Ages at Castelnaud Castle

Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, a small village nestled in the Périgord Noir, is one of those places where history comes to life at every corner. Ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Castelnaud takes visitors on a fascinating journey into the heart of the Middle Ages. This charming village, on the banks of the Dordogne, is overlooked by its imposing castle, a sentinel of the past that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The Castle of Castelnaud la Chapelle: A journey to the heart of medieval battles

The castle of Castelnaud la Chapelle, built in the 12th century, has had a turbulent history, marked by the struggles between local lords and the incessant conflicts between French and English during the Hundred Years' War. At each stone, in each room, centuries of history are revealed, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of medieval times. Over the centuries, The castle has been carefully restored, allowing today's visitors to discover this unique heritage in ideal conditions.

The castle walls now house a museum dedicated to the art of war in the Middle Ages. There is an impressive collection of weapons and armors, as well as models and reconstructions of siege engines. Among the treasures in this collection, you can admire swords, shields, armors, but also fearsome devices such as the trebuchet, the triggerfish or the mangoneau. This dive into medieval weaponry allows us to better understand the military strategies of the time and to appreciate the complexity of the battles that shaped the history of the region.

Relive the Middle Ages at Castelnaud la Chapelle Castle

In season, the castle also offers numerous activities that make the visit even more immersive. Trebuchet fire demonstrations, for example, impress with their power and the precision of these fearsome war machines. Seeing these machines in action makes it possible to realize the extent of the means deployed to defend or besiege fortresses at the time. Visitors can also watch medieval fencing demonstrations, where fighters in period costumes compete using authentic techniques. These captivating shows allow you to relive the duels of the Middle Ages, where skill and courage were essential to triumph.

The castle of Castelnaud la Chapelle is not only a place of historical discovery, but also an educational space, where young and old can learn about medieval history in a fun way. Sword training workshops are offered for children, who can imagine themselves as knights, wearing costumes and trying to wield a sword safely under the watchful eye of qualified instructors. These animations bring history to life and allow visitors to learn while having fun, creating unforgettable memories.

Between medieval heritage and exceptional landscapes

In addition to the castle, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle offers an exceptional setting for walking and admiring the magnificent landscapes of the Dordogne. The village, with its paved streets, stone houses and slate roofs, exudes authenticity and invites you to stroll. A stroll through the streets allows you to discover breathtaking panoramas of the valley and the meanders of the river, reminding us why this place is so popular with visitors.

Finally, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, with its exceptional heritage and captivating activities, is an ideal destination for history lovers, families and anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a fascinating past. A visit to the castle is a true immersion in the Middle Ages, where everyone can let their imagination run wild and rediscover the legends and heritage of a bygone era, but never forgotten.

Take advantage of your stay at Domaine de Monrecour to plan your visit. Located only ten minutes away, the Domaine de Monrecour will offer you charm and elegance for your getaway in Dordogne, as well as a culinary escape at the gourmet restaurant The Monrecour Table. The Domaine de Monrecour is close to many castles in the region such as the Milandes Castle And the Beynac Castle.

Contact us directly at the Domaine de Monrecour to dive into the history and beauty of the region's castles.

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