Château de Castelnaud
Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
France · Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine · Near Sarlat-la-Canéda
Built 1214 · Medieval Périgord
This page is part of an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Château de Castelnaud.
© Unsplash
Quick Facts
- Hours
- Daily 10:00–19:00
- Entry from
- €10
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Best time
- April to October
- Nearest city
- Sarlat-la-Canéda
Highlights
- ✦Outstanding Museum of Medieval Warfare inside the castle
- ✦Authentic trebuchets and siege engines on display
- ✦Panoramic views over the Dordogne and Céou valleys
- ✦Face-to-face with Château de Beynac across the river
- ✦One of the most visited castles in the Périgord Noir
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Skip-the-line tickets & expert guides
Perched above the village of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Château de Castelnaud is one of the most complete and visited medieval fortresses in France. Its position overlooking the confluence of the Dordogne and Céou rivers made it a strategic prize contested throughout the Hundred Years' War, when it served as an English stronghold facing French-held Beynac across the valley. Today the castle houses a superb Museum of Medieval Warfare, displaying original weapons, armour, and authentic reconstructed siege engines including full-scale trebuchets. The panoramic views from the battlements take in the Dordogne valley and the rival silhouette of Beynac in the distance.
History
The castle was built in the early 13th century and fell under English control during the Hundred Years' War, changing hands multiple times before France finally claimed it permanently in 1442. It fell into ruin after the Renaissance but was classified as a historic monument in 1966 and underwent thorough restoration. The Museum of Medieval Warfare opened within its walls to great success, making Castelnaud one of the top heritage attractions in southwest France.
How to Visit
Getting there: Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is 11 km southwest of Sarlat-la-Canéda; drive and park at the base of the hill — no direct public transport from Sarlat. A short, steep walk leads to the castle entrance.
Tickets: Adults €10, children €5; no advance booking required. The GYG admission ticket (t1079053, from €17, 4.7★/4 reviews) covers castle entry and the Museum of Medieval Warfare.
Practical tips: The Museum of Medieval Warfare is the main draw — allow 1.5 hours for the full exhibition including the full-scale trebuchets and siege weapons. Canoe tours on the Dordogne pass below both Castelnaud and Beynac; the river-level view of the two rival cliff castles is one of the most dramatic in the Périgord.
Combine with: [Château de Beynac](/castles/france/chateau-de-beynac) (6 km away — the French-held rival clearly visible from Castelnaud's battlements) and [Château de Salignac](/castles/france/chateau-de-salignac) for a full Périgord Noir castle day.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a permanent exhibition inside the castle displaying weapons, armour, manuscripts, and reconstructed siege engines including trebuchets and mangonels.
Location
Le Bourg, 24250 Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, France
Nearby Castles
Tours & Tickets
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Entry from
€10/ adult