The Château de Hautefort: Visit a unique 17th century castle!

The sumptuous and elegant Château de Hautefort is delicately placed on a rocky outcrop, on the edge between the Périgord Noir and the Périgord Vert. It is a jewel, remodeled in the 17th century to give it this ceremonial look, then in the 19th to add an elegant French garden and a large English landscaped park. Dominating the surrounding countryside, the Château de Hautefort is a sentinel of the past, its heritage has been remarkably preserved and preserved, despite the vicissitudes of history and its history! We invite you to dive with us in the visit of this medieval fortress, unique in its kind. On the way !

Photos and video of the report: Guide du Périgord

Visit of a castle with medieval origins but with a classic look

The Château de Hautefort has several facets, the visit is very complete and interesting for the whole family. We recommend that you devote a real half-day to it, and even a whole day if you like strolling through beautiful gardens.

The first version of the castle dates from the 11th century. It is a medieval fortress with defensive appearances (a dungeon and its towers, surrounded by a rampart), but which also has a vocation as a dwelling. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the castle took on its present form as a pleasure residence. It still consists today of a spacious main building, two wings and two circular towers, giving it as much allure as living space. Its classical architecture reminiscent of the castles of the Loire is a real exception in Périgord! The Lords of Hautefort are of high rank and this ostentatious architecture is a reflection of their power. During the French Revolution, the castle was miraculously spared thanks in particular to the help of the inhabitants of the village who defended it. At the start of the 20th century, the Château was abandoned and looted for its furniture and woodwork… It was bought by the Baronne de Bastard and her husband, who completely renovated it. In 1968, the main building was set ablaze in flames which destroyed even the exterior walls. Having a lot of value for the local population as well as for the personalities of the time, thanks to the generosity and the entire heritage of the Baroness, it was restored a second time and opened to visitors in 1977.

The course of the house

The French Gardens

English park

The visit of the Château de Hautefort is free or in guided tours in season. On a free visit, a booklet with a plan will be given to you at reception and you will discover each of the rooms, as well as the underground passages, the chapel, the communal oven... Interpretation panels allow you to find out more about the use of the pieces and their history. 3 rooms are fitted out to recreate a film set and honor the many films and shootings that have taken place there. The guided tour is a privileged moment, the quality tour guides will offer you an immersive visit where you can ask questions.

The French Garden and the English Park of the castle

In the 19th century, French-style gardens were created and perfected the elegance of the chateau. More than 3 hectares of boxwood parterres, topiary (boxwood and pruned and sculpted yews) are arranged harmoniously on the terraces around the castle and the adjacent paths. Stroll through the alleys to enjoy the grandiose views of the castle and its facade, enhanced by the beauty of this plant ensemble. From the terrace of the courtyard of the Logis, the view is magnificent over the countryside and over these gardens.

A large English-style park, that is to say a landscaped park where nature is abundant and generous, left wild (but controlled!) extends over 30 hectares on your right at the entrance to the site. We recommend that you make time for at least one of the suggested walks. 4 loop paths are laid out in the middle of century-old trees, vegetation, breathtaking views of the castle in the distance and the surrounding countryside (small villages, cuckoo pond, meadows where cows graze, etc.).

The French gardens and the English park

Entertainment and nightlife at Château de Hautefort

The Château de Hautefort offers entertainment for the whole family. Come and meet the baker in the banal oven. It is a real period oven of an uncommon size with a double hearth, for baking the bread of the Lords and the villagers. Next to it is a remarkably well-preserved slow-cooking oven. A gigantic chimney in front allows the evacuation of smoke. The ovens are so powerful that they store heat without releasing it to nearby stones and elements, keeping food warm and cooking baked goods efficiently. You will be able to participate in a workshop for making walnut palets (nuts from the castle which has an orchard from which walnut oil also comes out!)

On Wednesday evenings during the summer, come and watch the Dames de Hautefort show, which features iconic female characters from the history of the château. With actors dressed in superb handmade costumes, it's an immersion, a real journey through time!

Inquire at the reception for the guided tours available in the summer, guided tours, visits to the gardens and film set studios.

Show The Ladies of Hautefort

The shop, the catering point of La Cour Carrée

You are hungry? The Château de Hautefort presents its delicious and cozy restaurant, La Cour Carrée! Installed at the end of the course of the house, sit down on the terrace or in the interior room. You will be offered small catering which has everything of a big restaurant. Quality, tasty pancakes and pancakes, daily suggestions, depending on the market and the mood of the Chef! Generous salads, gourmet croques, but also homemade ice cream and a selection of drinks and beers to cool off. Let yourself be tempted at lunchtime or for a snack break. The staff is smiling and welcoming, you feel good there and everything is homemade from a range of local, seasonal products and even from the castle's vegetable garden!

The Château shop follows the same precepts: many of the products offered, especially food, come from small, quality local producers, with special packaging. Perfect to offer or treat yourself with a gourmet souvenir, a book, a toy for children and other souvenirs marked with the name and identity of the castle.

The visit is coming to an end, we hope you will have a good time at the Château de Hautefort. Do not forget your camera !

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