The Château de Bridoire: The castle of games for the whole family

The Château de Bridoire is located in Périgord Pourpre, not far from Bergerac and the Bergerac vineyards. It is an ideal place for a day out with the family, between culture and fun activities. Penetrate with curiosity and astonishment in this life-size playground, a large park to initiate you to the traditional games of yesteryear, in wood and skill! We travel as much through the fun and educational activities and animations as through these walls which are charged with an absolutely incredible history. The Château de Bridoire has more than one trick up its sleeve, ahead for the adventure!

Photos and video of the report © Guide du Périgord

sponsored content

A castle that has caused a lot of ink to flow

Here we are in the vineyards of Monbazillac. In all seasons, it's magnificent: high up with a breathtaking panorama over the alluvial plain of the Dordogne, the view is sometimes unobstructed as far as Bergerac. Take a rural road and here you are in a small hamlet, until you discover the silhouette of the Château de Bridoire in the distance.

Before being a tourist site to visit and where to have fun, the Château de Bridoire (which is listed as an MH and dates from the ^12th to the ^15th century) suffered many unprecedented family, religious and media storms. From a peaceful co -lordship (a kind of collocation of lords…) it passed during the Hundred Years War, to the status of a den of bandits… Vandalized, looted, we do not reserve a fate for it that lives up to what it deserves, to say the least! It passes into the hands of Protestants, Catholics again, then it is rebuilt and besieged again... A major restoration takes place at the end of the ^19th century, then the castle and its lands are sold to a Swiss industrialist. This one will then retire in his native country in 1978 and offers the castle to the municipality for a symbolic franc. A castle ? It is a gift that may seem generous but requires considerable maintenance, it frightens the municipality which refuses.

The castle was then bought by a Senegalese company in connection with Jean-Bedel Bokassa, Emperor of the Central African Republic. With its owner thousands of kilometers away, the Château de Bridoire resumes its sad place as a free open-air flea market: it is again looted, vandalized, it is stripped of its most beautiful (remaining) assets, the floors are burnt in the chimneys and the enclosure and its walls become real " squat ". All this with impunity, since the authorities cannot intervene on this private site. Here is a case of "non-assistance to heritage in danger", an expression consecrated and chanted by the association carried by the municipality of Ribagnac and its inhabitants, who are indignant and act! From 1988 to 2011, incongruous, bouncy adventures, raising this affair to the high spheres of Matignon and television, agitated this peaceful corner of the Périgord Pourpre. It is thanks to the support of the locals, in love with their heritage and a family who rolled up their sleeves, that it is now open for our greatest pleasure.

Since 2011, the Château de Bridoire has new owners, the Guyot family, unconditional lovers, passionate about these old stones which have a soul to straighten out. The heritage has won, the Guyot family project, combines the competition of visitors who allow the progressive restoration of the castle thanks to the entrance fees, and also the locals and other volunteers who come to do renovation sites. Each year, festive events are organized, parties, new rooms are restored and the castle lives again and breathes each year a little more its prestige of yesteryear.

The Guyot family also owns the superb Château de Marzac , in Tursac in Périgord Noir. Read our article on the Château de Marzac and come and visit this sumptuous estate at the base of the Vézère Valley.

sponsored content

Visit the Château de Bridoire and discover more than 100 games of yesteryear

The Château de Bridoire is several experiences in one. Open from Easter to All Saints' Day, it's a place to spend a whole day without any problem. Take a picnic or take advantage of the restaurant on site (it's very good, don't miss the homemade ice cream!).

Games at the Château de Bridoire

In front of the castle is a very pretty park (the plain of the big games ) with venerable trees, which offer peaceful shelters in the shade where there are games to play with the family or outdoor lounges to rest. Everywhere on the lawn, games ! Children no longer know where to turn. Entertainments known or imagined in our wildest dreams, games of skill, power, balance, cunning, cooperatives, to be done alone or with others. There is something for everyone. The amusement centers are so numerous that there is room for everyone, even in the heart of summer. The games are quick to play and you will quickly turn from one to another, you never get bored, even children who like " things to move ".

Inside the castle, we continue. Passing through the prison, then going up from room to room, we visit the castle and discover board games and reflection, calligraphy workshops, medieval costumes, archery or sword games. crossbow. A real "kid's dream" ! The atmosphere is friendly and authentic, you feel good everywhere!

Games with challenges and riddles, Escapes Games

On certain dates, for example during the Easter holidays, the castle can be visited in the form of a puzzle game, like a large Escape Game that everyone can practice at the same time, whatever their age.

For the weekend of Easter or Halloween or other themed celebrations, there are specific activities ( see the Château de Bridoire website ).

In summer, nocturnal murder parties are organized at the castle. For Escape Game aficionados , it's a moment of grace, where you have the castle all to yourself, in a mysterious and bewitching atmosphere.

A few dates a year, the Olympiads of History take place, a series of tests to be done as a family, to confront other teams in joy and good humor.

Did you know? From June to September, it is possible to spend a night at the Château de Bridoire. An apartment is for rent in one of the towers of the castle. Meal in the courtyard, visit of the castle and access to the games, a great weekend or week of vacation in perspective...

The Labyrinth of the Mysterious Valley

Right next to the park, there is a labyrinth of several hectares ( separate ticket office, we haven't visited it yet ), you can embark on the adventure with your family, for 2 hours (on average) of tests.

The Château de Bridoire is a magical place that appeals to the whole family. Located in a magical and natural setting, it is a wonderful idea for a very original day and at the same time so Périgordine! Authenticity and unusual come together here... Don't forget to include it in your holidays in the Dordogne!

sponsored content

Back to "Culture and Heritage"