Chateau de Castelnaud

In the heart of the Périgord Noir region, the Château de Castelnaud, built on a rocky spur, offers a magnificent panorama of the Dordogne Valley. Founded in the 12th century, it is a perfect example of medieval fortification. Today, it houses an important collection of arms and armor. On the bastion, the most powerful siege engines of the Middle Ages are reconstructed in attack positions. Castelnaud, or rather Castelnau, the new castle, was founded in the 12th century. Owned by the Cathar lord Bernard de Casnac at the beginning of the 13th century, it was captured by Simon de Montfort in 1214 during the Albigensian Crusade. A new castle was then rebuilt. The keep and the curtain wall date from this period. During the Hundred Years' War, the castle was often in the English camp. After a siege ordered by King Charles VII in 1442, the French finally prevailed. With the conflict over, the castle was returned to the Caumont family, who had owned it since 1368. They reinforced the defensive system: the lower enclosure and the new barbican were equipped with gun ports, and then the artillery tower was built. During the Wars of Religion, the castle was entrusted to Captain Geoffroy de Vivans, born in Castelnaud. Nicknamed "the Battler," he was feared throughout Périgord. This reputation kept attackers away from the castle during this period. In the 15th century, new residential buildings were added to improve the comfort of the medieval fortress. Nevertheless, the Caumont family left Castelnaud to live in their new castle at Les Milandes. In the 17th century, the castle was rarely occupied. Abandoned during the Revolution, it steadily deteriorated and even served as a stone quarry in the 19th century. Classified as a Historical Monument in 1966, it has since been the subject of spectacular restoration campaigns, and since 1985 has housed "the Museum of War in the Middle Ages".