Château de Beynac — Attraction in Sarlat-la-Canéda

A beautiful chateau sat high above the Dordogne River. Beautifully restored with some work still ongoing.

The views are wonderful, and on a day like today are far reaching under a beautiful bright, crisp blue sky.

An interesting history, well with a visit and at just over £7.50 it's not going to break the bank either. The walk up to the chateau is a little treacherous, the stoney streets are shiny from years of tourists treading the path to the chateau. Heard someone take a fall today, turned to see him land heavily. So it's well worth making sure that you wear some suitable shoes with a good tread pattern. He looked in considerable pain and probably not the way he wanted to remember his day. There's plenty of parking, in the village next to the river, just above the village and then at the top, close to the entrance to the chateau. Parking is about four euros for four hours or two euros 30 cents...

Definitely worth a visit. Very dog friendly (all the way round, the village, inside the castle and in the grounds - even sitting in the restaurant nearby). We visited on a cloudy day in May but you wouldnt notice as there's so much to see. Key tip is dont panic about parking at the bottom as there's two good size car parks if you go up the hill (it looks like you're heading into narrow streets through the village). There's also a smaller car park at the top, which on the day we visited was half empty. Unless you park at the top there's a bit of a step climb to get up to the Chateau. The entry fee for adults is 11.5 euros each. Very worth it. The chateau dates back to 1100 (ish) and was the main residence for Eleanor of Aquitaine (Queen of France - and then Queen of England!) Also mother of Richard the LionHeart, who also lived at the Chateau for periods...

Ok, where to begin? If you like visiting medieval castles then Beynec castle is a must. So much to see and experience for a chateau that was never taken by the enemy, who were of the English speaking kind at the time of the hundred year war. The castle overlooks the Dordorgne valley and several other castles. It is a beautiful setting. Park your car below the castle walls and make our way up the winding streets to the majestic site. It isn't a difficult climb. Your entrance fee goes a long way in maintaining the site and is well spent. You can spend a good 2 hours exploring Beynec and on a fine day the views are exceptional. It's easy to understand why the castle stands where it does. My only disappointment was not being able to buy a book about the place as I went through the small shop at the exit. (Octobre 21) I was told that one is in...