Château de Castelnaud tour

A closer look at the Château de Castelnaud

The Château de Castelnaud is a fortified castle which is classified as a Monument Historique (historical monument) in France. It is located in the town of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, in the Dordogne department and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

Built in the 12th century, the château belonged to Bernard de Casnac, the Cathar Lord and Vassal of the Count of Toulouse. The medieval fortress burnt down in 1215 and was rebuilt before the Hundred Years’ War.

During this conflict, the Château de Castelnaud passed into the hands of the Caumont family, following the marriage of Magne de Castelnaud to the English-supporting Nompar de Caumont. In just over a century, the Château’s allegiance changed numerous times between French and English supporters.

In 1442, the war ended in victory for the French. The Caumont family took the Château back and rebuilt it, strengthening its defences… An artillery tower, a drawbridge and a new barbican were built, symbolising the château’s power. In spite of all this, the Caumonts decided to leave the Château de Castelnaud and move to the new château they had built nearby, the Château des Milandes.

The Château de Castelnaud was then occupied by soldiers and their captain. It became increasingly neglected and was completely abandoned during the French Revolution. The Château de Castelnaud was used as a stone quarry, becoming increasingly overgrown with vegetation. Having completely deteriorated, it was classified as a Monument Historique in 1968. Since then, significant work has been undertaken to protect and restore the structure.

The château is now home to a medieval warfare museum. Numerous restoration campaigns have been carried out. Today, the restoration is complete but the site is still under development. Almost 235,000 visitors come to admire the château every year.

Activities

During your tour of the Château de Castelnaud, you can admire incredible life-sized reconstructions of medieval war machines. Since 1985, the Château de Castelnaud has housed a medieval warfare museum. The museum’s collection includes over 250 weapons and pieces of ancient armour, such as swords, crossbows, and even chain mail… You’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in time to the Middle Ages.

The château offers various tour options. On the self-guided tour, you’ll find interactive terminals and models. These allow visitors to learn about the development of the château’s defence system. This is also illustrated through a slideshow, films and video games. If you’d rather see what life was like for the lords of the Château, you can visit the medieval-inspired gardens and the furnished keep.

Guided tours on medieval warfare are available in English, French and Dutch. If you’d like to learn about the culinary and medicinal plants that were used in foods and medicines, try the themed tour entitled “From the Garden to the Kitchen”.

Or if you’d prefer to discover the secrets behind the construction of powerful châteaux and war machines, opt for the “Artisan Builders of Fortresses and Siege Engines” tour.

Events are also scheduled throughout the year: opportunities to try on armour and robes worn by château inhabitants, crossbow shooting, blacksmith demonstrations, evening entertainment… There’s something for visitors of all ages.

All tours and events are led by guides in medieval costume, some representing real historical figures. A unique way to discover what life was like during the Middle Ages.