Everything French Travel Magazine November 2013 | Page 63

Chateaux of the Dordogne
Valley of the 5 Chateaux
Le Chateau de Castelnaud

Les Chateau Milandes

Chateau Castelnaud is the most visited chateau
in the South of France and dominates the
picturesque village of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle on
the left bank of the Dordogne River. During the
Middle-Ages, the mighty English chateau
commanded the strategic position at the meeting
of the Dordogne and the Céou Rivers, opposite
the rival French castle of Beynac. This castle is
truly magnificent and transport one back i time.

The castle was built in 1489 by François de

Chateau de Beynac

From the Revolution throughout the entire 19th
century, the castle was inhabited, though was
barely maintained, before it suffered a serious
fire.

This impressive chateau was destroyed and
rebuilt many times. It includes features of many
ages, including some rare frescoes of the 15th
century. It played a significant role in the 100
years war when the castle was in French hands
and battled the English across the river in their
strong hold of Chateau Castelnaud.
Chateau Monfort
This castle is privately owned and not open to the
public.
Chateau Fayac
This castle is privately owned and not open to the
public.

Caumont, Lord of Castelnaud at the request of
his wife, Claude de Cardaillac who wished to live
in a more comfortable castle than the feudal
castle of Castelnaud. He retained various
architectural elements from the Middle-Ages,
including turrets, newel staircases, and
gargoyles.

From 1900 to 19 08, a rich industrialist, Charles
de Claverie restored the castle.
Josephine Baker purchased Les Milandes in
1947 and transformed the interior of the castle,
adding all the contemporary comforts: central
heating, running water and electricity. Baker’s
massive expenses led her into bankruptcy and
the castle was sold in 1968 for a tenth of its
value.
The gardens of the chateau are beautiful and well
worth a visit.

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