Dordogne Valley: 100 Years' War & Medieval Castles Tour
Step into the "Golden Triangle" of the Dordogne, a landscape where history isn't just told—it’s felt. This curated two-day itinerary invites you to explore the frontline of the 100 Years' War, where the river served as a natural border between the French and English crowns. Begin your adventure at the formidable Castelnaud Castle, a masterpiece of medieval warfare, before crossing the valley to its legendary rival, Beynac. You’ll transition from military might to the artistic soul of the Château des Milandes, once home to the iconic Josephine Baker. To crown your journey, wander through the world-famous boxwood labyrinths of the Marqueyssac Gardens, offering breathtaking views of the "Valley of the Five Châteaux." Perfect for history buffs and photography lovers alike, this tour blends medieval grandeur with the exquisite flavors of Perigord’s gastronomy. Discover a land where stone, river, and legend converge in one spectacular weekend.
Interactive Map By chateaux-en-france.com
1 Day 1 :
In the morning
Your epic begins at Castelnaud Castle, the most formidable fortress in the Perigord Noir. An English stronghold during the Hundred Years' War, it now houses the Museum of Medieval Warfare. Discover an exceptional collection of weapons, armor, and life-sized reconstructions of siege engines like the trebuchet. It’s a brutal and fascinating immersion into the daily lives of medieval soldiers.
For lunch
Walk down to the foot of the castle to stroll through the streets of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, ranked among the "Most Beautiful Villages in France." For lunch, enjoy a terrace with views over the confluence of the Dordogne and Céou rivers. On the menu: local specialties featuring Perigord walnuts and duck magret.
The afternoon
Just a 10-minute drive away, switch sides and visit Beynac Castle. Perched on a sheer cliff, this stone giant was the stronghold of the French kings. Its state of preservation is outstanding: explore the Hall of the States of Perigord and the medieval kitchens. The view from the keep of its English rival, Castelnaud, is simply breathtaking.
In the evening
End the day in Sarlat-la-Canéda, a jewel of golden-stone architecture. In the evening, the town is gas-lit, creating a mysterious and romantic atmosphere. It is the perfect place for a night in a charming hotel in the heart of the protected historic district.
2 Day 2
In the morning
Head to Château des Milandes. Once the home of the famous Josephine Baker, this Renaissance castle offers a more intimate and moving atmosphere. Don’t miss the bird of prey show in the park: falcons and owls fly remarkably close to the audience in an impressive aerial ballet, honoring the valley's biodiversity.
For lunch
For your lunch break on day two, you have two wonderful options depending on your preference. At the Château des Milandes, the on-site brasserie offers generous, family-style cuisine highlighting foie gras and duck confit—perfect for staying within the estate's magical atmosphere. Halfway through your drive (5 min away), the village of Allas-les-Mines features traditional inns where local flavors are served with true authenticity. If you prefer dining with one of France’s most stunning views, head straight to the Marqueyssac Gardens: their tea room/restaurant serves gourmet platters on a terrace perched high above the valley. For a rustic experience, look for nearby "Fermes-Auberges" specializing in local goose and duck. A quick tip: aim for a lighter lunch to save your energy for exploring the 4 miles of winding paths through Marqueyssac’s famous boxwoods.
The afternoon
Conclude your journey at the Marqueyssac Gardens. Wander among 150,000 hand-pruned century-old boxwoods, forming surreal green waves. The path leads to the belvedere, offering the finest 360° panorama of the Dordogne Valley and the castles visited the day before.
Where to sleep?
AU GRAND HOTEL DE SARLAT
Stay at Au Grand Hôtel de Sarlat ****. Spa, pool, and private parking in the heart of the medieval city. The perfect luxury base for your Dordogne castle tour.
From 130.00 € See info
HOTEL L'ABBAYE
Stay at Hotel L'Abbaye in Saint-Cyprien. Authentic charm, pool, and tranquility in Perigord Noir. Perfectly located to explore Dordogne’s medieval castles.
From 135.00 € See info
CHATEAU DE MARAVAL
Stay at Château de Maraval! Experience luxury guest rooms in a 15th-century castle in Dordogne, featuring a premium spa, heated pool, and peaceful forest surroundings.
From 0.00 € See info
This course is offered to you by http://www.chateaux-en-france.com