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    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

    France

    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

    VillageCulture

    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle in the Périgord Noir is known for its castle perched high above the Dordogne. The Château de Castelnaud was repeatedly held by the English during the Hundred Years' War, facing the French-held Château de Beynac.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. France
    7. Dordogne (Périgord)
    9. Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle in the Périgord Noir is known for its castle perched high above the Dordogne. The Château de Castelnaud was repeatedly held by the English during the Hundred Years' War, facing the French-held Château de Beynac. The complex, temporarily in ruins, was restored from the 1960s and now hosts the Musée de la Guerre au Moyen Âge with weapons, armour, and recreated siege engines. The village, with its stone houses and narrow alleys, nestles against the castle rock. It's best to combine your visit with Beynac on the opposite river bank. During the off-season, it is significantly quieter than in summer.

    Points of Interest

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Point de vue

    From the viewpoint at Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, behold the Dordogne Valley: Château de Castelnaud and, opposite, Château de Beynac. These two castles often clashed during the Hundred Years' War, a clear sign of the valley's strategic importance. Also visible: river bends and walnut groves. Our Tip: Morning and late afternoon light is best for beauty and quiet.
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    2Plage

    Below Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, on the riverbank of the Dordogne, you'll find gravel banks where you can rest and watch the canoes pass. This section is also a popular put-in and take-out point for canoe tours past castles and cliffs. The Dordogne sometimes has strong currents and fluctuating water levels; only swim at designated and, in summer, supervised spots. Our Tip: It's quietest here in the early morning and late afternoon; a picnic goes well with it.
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    3Plage

    The Plage in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is an idyllic river beach on the Dordogne, offering you welcome refreshment and relaxation. Here you'll find natural access to the river, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, surrounded by the picturesque landscape of the Périgord Noir. The region is known for its prehistoric sites and medieval castles, and this beach forms a tranquil contrast to your historical explorations. Here you can enjoy the gentle current of the Dordogne and let your gaze wander over the surrounding forested hills. Our Tip: Visit the Plage in the late afternoon to experience the golden hour, when the sun bathes the river landscape in warm light. For a more tranquil experience, we recommend weekdays outside of peak holiday seasons. Be aware of the pebbly ground and bring water shoes if necessary.
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    City walks in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Château & River Views: A Walk Through Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

    Discover the picturesque village of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle on a two-hour circular walk. From the banks of the Dordogne to the imposing medieval fortress, this tour offers fascinating insights into the history and the breathtaking beauty of the Périgord.

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    Stops (7)

    Food & Drink

    Le Melting Potes

    Bar in 2 Rue de la Laïcité.
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    Tout là ô

    Restaurant in 21 Rue Cap de Baïnac.
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    Au comptoir d’Olivier

    Restaurant in 71 Imp. du Martin Pêcheur.
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    Camping Dordogne Les Deux Vallées

    Campingplatz mit Zelt-/Wohnmobilplätzen, Mobilheimen, Pool, Wirtshaus, Lebensmittelgeschäft und Kinderspielen.
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    Foie Gras Lembert

    Restaurant in 1010 Rte des Gabarriers.
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    Dining & Drinks

    The village is small, with dining on the ascent to the castle and by the river below. Périgord cuisine is served.

    Duck Dishes

    Confit, Magret, and Foie Gras are on every menu. Potatoes are traditionally fried in duck fat with garlic and parsley.

    Walnuts and Walnut Cake

    From the surrounding groves comes one of France's most important walnut harvests. The gâteau aux noix is the typical dessert.

    Wines from Bergerac

    Downstream, the wine region starts with full-bodied red wines and the sweet wine Monbazillac, paired with Foie Gras.

    Riverside Picnic

    Unterhalb der Burg gibt es Kiesbänke am Wasser. Der Markt in Sarlat oder die Läden in La Roque-Gageac liefern die Grundlage.

    Culture, Art & History in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle in Périgord Noir is deeply rooted in the Middle Ages. The Château de Castelnaud, a 12th-century castle, dominated the Dordogne valley and changed hands multiple times between French and English forces during the Hundred Years' War.The complex showcases typical elements of medieval military architecture, including a keep, curtain walls, and a barbican, which were adapted over centuries to new defensive needs. After a long period of decay, it was restored starting in 1966. Today, it houses the Musée de la Guerre au Moyen Âge with weapons, armor, and siege engines.Beyond this, traditions such as the cuisine with Foie Gras, truffles, and walnuts shape the region. Markets and festivals keep local crafts alive.

    Local Experiences

    To explore Castelnaud-la-Chapelle and the Périgord Noir, a car is the most flexible choice; public transport is scarce. You can also reach the villages in the valley by bike, on foot, or by canoe on the Dordogne.

    Accommodations in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

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    Campgrounds in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

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    Nearby

    Domme

    Domme

    Domme, a 13th-century bastide, perches on a rocky plateau with expansive views over the Dordogne Valley. Its golden stone houses define the town's character, which you can explore through its narrow streets and the central Place de la Halle, where the Porte des Tours features historical Templar graffiti. A highlight is the Grottes de Domme, a cave system beneath the town, accessible by elevator. The Belvédère de la Barre offers panoramic views of the river's meanders and surrounding villages. Visit Domme in the early morning or late afternoon to savour its special atmosphere in peace.
    Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Sarlat-la-Canéda, the capital of the Périgord Noir, captivates with its exceptionally well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. Here you'll find an abundance of golden stone buildings, winding alleys, and charming squares that reflect the region's history. Highlights include the Place de la Liberté with its bustling market activity, especially on Saturdays, and the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos. Explore the narrow passages leading to hidden courtyards, and discover historic buildings such as the birthplace of Étienne de La Boétie. The city is also a hub for regional gastronomy, renowned for truffles, foie gras, and walnuts, which you can find in the local markets. To experience the authentic atmosphere without large crowds, a visit during the off-season is recommended, ideally in spring or autumn. For a comprehensive impression of the old town, you should take your time to appreciate the architectural details and sample the local specialties.
    Dordogne (Périgord)

    Dordogne (Périgord)

    The Dordogne, historically known as Périgord, is located in southwest France. The region is renowned for prehistoric cave art, medieval castles overlooking the river valley, villages of pale limestone, and a cuisine featuring duck, truffles, and walnuts.
    Montignac-Lascaux

    Montignac-Lascaux

    Montignac-Lascaux in the Périgord Noir is the gateway to the Lascaux cave art. Above the town, the Centre International de l'Art Pariétal, known as Lascaux IV, showcases a faithful replica of the cave discovered in 1940. The town itself lies on the Vézère and boasts narrow streets with stone and half-timbered houses, as well as a riverside promenade. It's best to book tickets for Lascaux IV online in advance; the early morning and late afternoon are quieter.
    Périgueux

    Périgueux

    Périgueux, the capital of Périgord, unites Roman history with medieval charm. Discover the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Front, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose Byzantine-inspired domes evoke Venice. The winding streets of the medieval old town reveal half-timbered houses and Renaissance palaces. Experience the city's Roman origins as Vesunna at the Musée Gallo-Romain de Vesunna, built around the remains of a Roman villa. The lively weekly markets (Wednesdays and Saturdays are best) are ideal for sampling regional specialties like truffles and foie gras. For a relaxed visit, spring or autumn is recommended to avoid the crowds.

    Sources & method

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