Beynac-et-Cazenac Towns, Villages and bastides in Beynac et Cazenac

A wonderful site, certainly one of the most remarkable in Périgord and one of the most beautiful villages in France !

A steep cliff, a strategic position, make this place occupied since the Bronze Age.

Discover its cobbled streets, a panorama extending from the castles of Marqueyssac and Milandes to that of Castelnaud.

It was in the Middle Ages with Biron, Bourdeilles, and Mareuil, one of the 4 baronies of Périgord. Owned by Richard Coeur de Lion, the castle was then entrusted to Mercadier, whose hordes plundered the region on behalf of England.

It is in 1214, that Simon de Montfort seizes the castle and begins its dismantling. The Lord of Beynac will rebuild the building more or less like what it is today.

At the 100 years war, Beynac was on the border of English and French influences, successively in the hands of the English in 1360 then the French in 1368, while Castelnaud was then under English domination.

Today and since this period, the fortress continues tirelessly to dominate the village and the Dordogne valley, visit of course the castle, where were recently shot by Jean Marie Poiré "Les Visitors 2" and its splendid panorama, but also the nearby archaeological park.

Guided tours of the village organized in high season.

Information from the Guided Tour service of the Sarlat Périgord Noir Tourist Office on 05 53 31 45 42 or by email at tours@sarlat-tourisme.com