Everything French Travel Magazine November 2013 | Page 33

Castelnaud-la-Chapelle | Beautiful Village of France
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is a picturesque medieval
village that sits on a rocky promontory where the
Dordogne and Cerou rivers meet.
It is dominated by the Chateau Castelnaud which
rises up over the small village.
The chateau offers stunning views of the
Dordogne river and across the valley to the once
arch enemy Chateau de Beynac.
History
Its rich past goes back to the 12th century and
while the feudal fortress was considered
impregnable, it was conquered by Simon de
Montfort in 1214, during the crusade against the
Albigensiens.

remained loyal to the king of France during the
100 years war.
Considered as the strongest rampart of Perigord
Chateau Castelnaud was involved in all of the
religious battles.
From the 17th century on however this austere
citadel was abandoned in favour of more
welcoming dwellings and gradually fell to ruin. It
is presently being restored.
Nearby there is a small river beach from which
you can swim. There are also canoes that can be
hired just by the bridge.

Situated