La Borie des Combes offers you the following accommodation.

La Maison

This charming French Stone House dates back to medieval times and is set in the small village of Bezenac in the heart of the Aquitaine region in the fantastic Dordogne (dept 24). It sits on a hill overlooking the breathtaking Dordogne River. Bezenac was ground zero for the 1999 book by Michael Crichton “Timeline”, which is definitely recommended reading before or during your stay, as this immediate area was a hotbed of activity during the Hundred Years War and is chronicled in “Timeline” as well as many other books.
The house is situated in the quiet village of Bezenac, an easy 20 minute drive from Sarlat. This small village is not usually visited by tourists so a peaceful stay is the order of the day here if you wish, yet you are within a few kilometers of dozens of must see sites, super market, shops and places to eat that will make you wish you never had to leave. As close as we can trace the origins of this house, we’ve found out that it probably was built in stages, in the 13th or early 14th centuries. Many of the houses in France, and specifically in this area, date back to around the years 1100 and 1200 AD.
A lot of the original deeds for these houses in Dordogne were written in Latin. Most didn’t survive the ravages of time and war and the original dates of construction are often never known and can only be estimated buy examining the construction style and the materials used.

The meter thick stone walls in our house are more than simply an attractive building technique. The mass of the stone makes the house cool in the summer and stable in the colder months. Even in very hot weather with outside temperatures of 100° F, the interior of the house is rarely over 82° even with the doors and windows open. This, is with no air conditioning. In colder months, after the house is initially heated it retains the heat and is very cozy. There is a large gated, private courtyard with parking for two to three cars with additional parking at the back of the house if needed. A full laundry is available for your use.

The Studio

The studio has its own story to tell. There is a large semi-circular stone roofed bread oven or la borie at the far right end. This is where bread was baked not only for this house but for the entire hamlet. Back in medieval times and possibly into the ninetieth century, bread was baked right here, for the community. In those days every house didn’t have all of the conveniences that could provide the basic necessities so there were key house’s that had the necessary facilities to perform specific task’s. Our property was one of those key homes. The name of the Maison “La Borie des Combes” loosely means “the bread oven in the niche on the side of the hill”. Other houses in the area had similar specific distinction in regards to communal living. We were told the last time the oven was used was during WWII when the village baked bread here late at night to avoid the Nazi troops smelling and confiscating their bread. Today, unused, the bread oven is just part of the diverse history of the area and a distinguishing feature of the property to enjoy.

The studio sleeps two comfortably on a fold out couch that is made more like a bed than a couch, a cook top stove, sink and small fridge. It’s fully stocked with all of the necessities needed for simple cooking as well as all linens and towels. There is a table and three chairs for inside dining and if you wish, you may move these outdoors to dine in the courtyard or small side yard. It has a full private bath with shower. The fully equipped laundry is also available for your use.

The Studio Consists of:

• Fully self contained – sleeps two

• Private entrance

• Fold out couch bed

• Cook top, refrigerator, sink and food storage

• Full bath with shower

• Full Laundry facilities – Fully stocked with Linens, towels & Table cloths

• Free WiFi High Speed Internet

Chambre Gold

This beautiful bedroom suite is private, warm, cozy and comfortable. A golden glow permeates the air here and this suite is a joy and the perfect place to have a restful stay. It has a comfortable full size bed, love seat, comfy chair and a writing desk. It’s equipped with your own coffee maker and mini fridge, so if you want to have a leisurely morning you can take your time. It has its own private full bath fully stocked with towels and hair dryer. There is a private stone patio with a table and chairs if you’d like to sit privately outside. You also have full use of the laundry facilities. This room may also be linked with the loft above it. The stairway you see in the picture is secured for privacy when using this suite by itself and can be opened up for use as an additional bedroom when the loft is rented simultaneously.

Chambre Gold consists of:

• Beautiful fully private bedroom suite with full bath

• Private entrance

• Full bath with shower

• Love seat, two chairs and desk

• Mini Fridge & Coffee Maker

• Full Laundry facilities – Fully stocked with Linens & towels.

• Outdoor seating area on a stone patio.

• Free WiFi High Speed Internet

The Artists Loft

It is huge and is truly unique. With fourteen hundred square feet (130 sq meters) of living space, it’s a house of its own. We’re left the floor plan very open so as not to spoil the open feeling.

It will have a large double bed and enough floor space to house a small army. It also havs its own kitchen, full bath with tub/shower with all linens and towels provided. Plenty of shuttered windows, stone walls and two skylights that swing open to let in the fresh air. It features a large bar, CD player with a selection of great CD’s, a writing desk, large comfortable sofa and two overstuffed chairs. It also has private parking and entrance. If need be, this space can be linked to Chambre Gold for additional sleeping room and another full bathroom. You’ll also have full use of the laundry facilities and courtyard.

There is an outdoor table with umbrella that seats four with a view of the valley and outdoor lounge chairs.

Free WiFi High Speed Internet

Prices

More Info

Please visit our official website : www.francestonehouse.com

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Gite and B&B accommodation Les Papillons is ideally situated smack bang in the middle of ” Dordogne’s Golden Triangle ” surrounded by Dordogne’s most famous attractions such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Roque Gageac, Domme and lots more.
Here at Les Papillons, you can spend your day taking in all the beauty and spectaculer scenery this region has to offer, and in the evening you can sit back,  relax and enjoy a delicious  five course evening meal with wine.

Les Papillons is the choice of accommodation for anyone visiting the Dordogne and is open all year round .

For more info please visit: www.les-papillons-france.eu

Sarlat the geographical centre of Périgord-Quercy, is by far the most important tourist site in the region Over a million visitors discover or re discover this medieval jewel every year. This town of 10,000 inhabitants today occupies top spot in terms of tourists and culture. Although this is basically a cultural town, industry is also represented, mainly by food processing firms, many of which produce foie gras. This foie gras, one of the most highly rated in France has contributed to the great culinary reputation of the Périgord in general and the town in particular.

Although it has one of the largest medieval urban areas (13th to 16th centuries) in the world, Sarlat cannot claim a very distant past. The initial Sarlat abbey was most probably founded between 820 and 840 AD by Duke Pepin of Aquitaine. Saint Bernard stopped off in Sarlat in 1147 during his journey through the South of France to spread the gospel to the many Cathars. The plague was predominant at the time. He gave the sick consecrated bread to eat and healed them. This event, this miracle even was commemorated by the building of the strange graveyard lantern which, still today, remains one of the towns symbols.

Lost in the heart of the distant Périgord, Sarlat could have sunk into oblivion if it was not for the Malraux Act of 4th August 1962. Perhaps the minister of culture (Andre Malraux) recalled having taken to the macquis (The name given to some French Resistance groups during World War Two) in the heart of the Sarlat woodlands, when he signed the act of renovation and restoration. The works carried out from 1964 onward have revealed a veritable treasure trove of Medieval and Renaissance art to the public. Tourists and film directors then took charge of bringing this corner of the Earth “which is the closest things to heaven” according to Henry Miller, to the attention of the whole world. The 1978 film version of “Les Miserable” was filmed extensively in Sarlat, but also in nearby Domme, with the stunning Beynac Castle standing in for the famous Toulon Jail. Sarlat’s wonderful architecture and medieval style buildings and stone roofs have made a backdrop for a score of other top motion pictures since, which has added to it’s fame an it’s fortune.

A warren of alleyways, virtually unchanged since the middle ages, lined with warm ochre stone houses, each with its own distinctive facade and ornately sculptured window embrasures, set off by the stone roofs and turrets, make Sarlat a must for any tourist visiting the Dordogne. Sarlat’s Saturday market is excellent, teaming with life, an unforgetable experience from the street artists that throng there, to the wonderful fresh local produce. Sarlat comes to life in summer with its Drama Festival and Film Festival as well as non-stop street shows in the old quarter. Sarlat is an artists paradise with many small galeries including the famous “Herdin”, student of Salvador Dali. Out of season there is also a well packed programme of cultural events, concerts, drama, films (often in the original language), a visit at Christmas is like stepping into a Fairy Tale, with piped christmas carols and Santas scaling buildings everywhere, there truly is something for everyone.

Sarlat Tourist Office

3 Rue Tourny – BP 114
F-24203 Sarlat Cedex

Tél. 33 (0) 5.53.31.45.45
Fax. 33 (0) 5.53.59.19.44
Web http://www.-sarlat-tourisme.com
Email info@sarlat-tourisme.com

⇒To contact the services (direct phone line and e-mail)
General information – 33 (0) 5 53 31 45 45 – info
Holiday rentals booking service – 33 (0) 5 53 31 45 40 – locations
Individual packages booking service – 33 (0) 5 53 31 45 43 – sejoursindividuels
Group packages (seminars..) booking service – 33 (0) 5 53 31 45 42 – sejoursgroupes
Guided tours of the Medieval city ,conferences – 33 (0) 5 53 31 45 42 – visitesguidees
Walking paths – 33 (0) 5 53 31 45 45 – rando

Abjat Sur Bandiat Tourism Office: Le Bourg, 24300, Abjat Sur Bandiat
Tel: 05 53 56 80 08 Fax: 05 53 56 77 97

Beaumont Du Perigord Tourism Office: Place Centrale, 24440, Beaumont Du Perigord
Tel: 05 53 22 39 12 Fax: 05 53 22 05 35

Belves Tourism Office: 1 Rue des Filhols, 24170, Belves
Tel: 05 53 29 10 20

• Bergerac Tourism Office: 97 Rue Neuve d’Argenson, 24100, Bergerac
  Tel: 05 53 57 03 11 Fax: 05 53 61 11 04
  
• Beynac et Cazenac Tourism Office: La Balme, 24220, Beynac et Cazenac. Includes the communes Carsac-Aillac, La roque Cageac, St Andre–Atlas, St Vincent de Cosses, Vezac et Vitrac).
  Tel: 05 53 29 43 08 Fax: 05 53 29 43 08
  
• Bourdeilles Tourism Office: Place des Tilleuls, 24310, Bourdeilles
  Tel: 05 53 03 42 96 Fax: 05 53 54 56 27
  
• Brantome Tourism Office: Abbaye, 24310, Brantome
  Tel: 05 53 05 80 52 Fax: 05 53 05 80 52
  
• Canton de Mareuil Tourism Office: 12 rue Pierre Degail, 24340, Mareuil Sur Belle
  Tel: 05 53 60 99 85 Fax: 05 53 60 31 97
  
• Carlux et Fenelon Tourism Office: Rouffillac, 24370, Carlux
  Tel: 05 53 59 10 70 Fax: 05 53 59 10 70
  
• Creysse Tourism Office: Port de Creysse – Belle Riva, 24100, Creysse
  Tel: 05 53 23 20 45 Fax: 05 53 23 20 45
  
• Daglan Tourism Office: Le Bourg, 24250, Daglan
  Tel: 05 53 29 88 84 Fax: 05 53 29 88 84
  
• Domme Tourism Office: Plae de la Halle, 24250, Domme
  Tel: 05 53 31 71 00 Fax: 05 53 31 71 09
  
• Excideuil Tourism Office: 1 Place du Chateau, 24160, Excideuil
  Tel: 0872 689 556 Fax: 05 53 52 29 79
  
• Eymet Tourism Office: Place de la Bastide, 24500, Eymet.
  Tel: 05 53 23 74 95 Fax: 05 53 23 74 95
  
• Grolejac Tourism Office: Mairie, 24250, Grolejac
  Tel: 05 53 28 11 06 Fax: 05 53 29 39 74
  
• Hautefort Tourism Office: Place du Marquis, J.F. de Hautefort, 24390, Hautefort
  Tel: 05 53 50 40 27 Fax: 05 53 51 99 73
  
• Issigeac Tourism Office: Place du Chateau, 24560, Issigeac
  Tel: 05 53 58 79 62 Fax: 05 53 58 79 62
  
• Javerlhac La Chapelle Tourism Office: Mairie, 24300, Javerlhac La Chapelle
  Tel: 05 53 56 30 18
  
• La Roche Chalais Tourism Office: 9 Place du Puits qui Chante, 24490, La Roche Chalais
  Tel: 05 53 90 18 95
• La Roque Gageac Tourism Office: Le Bourg, 24250, La Roque Gageac
  Tel: 05 53 29 17 01
• Lalinde Tourism Office: Jardin Public, 24150, Lalinde
  Tel: 05 53 61 08 55 Fax: 05 53 61 00 64
• Lanouaille Tourism Office: Place Marechal Bugeaud, 24270, Lanouaille
  Tel: 05 53 62 17 82 Fax: 05 53 62 18 00
• Le Bugue Sur Vezere Tourism Office: Porte de la Vezere, 24260, Le Bugue Sur Vezere
  Tel: 05 53 07 20 48 Fax: 05 53 54 92 30
• Le Buisson De Cadouin Tourism Office: Pavillion de l’Office de Tourisme, Place du General de Galle, 24480, Le Buisson De Cadouin
  Tel: 05 53 22 06 09 Fax: 05 53 22 06 09
• Les Eyzies De Tayac Tourism Office: 19 Avenue de la Prehistoire, 24620, Les Eyzies De Tayac
  Tel: 05 53 06 90 79 Fax: 05 53 06 90 79
• Limeuil Tourism Office: Le Bourg, 24510, Limeuil
  Tel: 05 53 63 38 90 Fax: 05 53 63 30 31
• Monpazier Tourism Office: Place des Cornieres, 24540, Monpazier
  Tel: 05 53 22 68 59 Fax: 05 53 74 30 08
• Montagrier Tourism Office: Moulin du Pont, 24350, Montagrier
  Tel: 05 53 91 35 11 Fax: 05 53 91 35 11
• Montpon Menesterol Tourism Office: Place Clemenceau, 24700, Montpon Menesterol
  Tel: 05 53 82 23 77 Fax: 05 53 81 86 74
• Mussidan Tourism Office: Place de la Republique, 24400, Mussidan
  Tel: 05 53 81 73 87
• Neuvic Sur l’Isle Tourism Office: Place de la Mairie, 24190, Neuvic Sur l’Isle
  Tel: 05 53 81 52 11 Fax: 05 53 80 18 54
• Nontron Tourism Office: Chateau, Avenue du General Leclerc, 24300, Nontron
  Tel: 05 53 56 25 50 Fax: 05 53 60 34 13
• Pays de Jumilhac Tourism Office: Bd du Gal de Gaulles, 24630, Jumilhac le Grand.
  Tel: 05 53 52 55 43 Fax: 05 53 62 59 43
• Pays de Villamblard Tourism Office: Chateau Barriere, 24140, Villamblard
  Tel: 05 53 82 26 28 Fax: 05 53 82 26 28
• Perigueux Tourism Office: 26 Place Francheville, 24000, Perigueux.
  Tel: 05 53 53 10 63 Fax: 05 53 09 02 50
• Piegut Pluviers Tourism Office: 1 Place de l’Eglise, 24360, Piegut Pluviers.
  Tel: 05 53 60 74 75 Fax: 05 53 56 88 30
• Riberac Tourism Office: Place Charles de Gaulle, 24600, Riberac.
  Tel: 05 53 90 03 10 Fax: 05 53 91 35 13
• Rouffignac Tourism Office: Place de la Mairie, 24580, Rouffignac St Cernin de Reilhac.
  Tel: 05 53 05 39 03
• Salignac-Eyvigues Tourism Office: At 24590, Salignac-Eyvigues.
  Tel: 05 53 28 81 93 Fax: 05 53 28 85 26
• Sarlat Tourism Office: Ancien Eveche, Rue Tournay, 24200, Sarlat la Caneda.
  Tel: 05 53 31 45 45 Fax: 05 53 59 19 44
• Saussignac Tourism Office: Le Chateau, 24240, Saussignac.
  Tel: 05 53 22 49 11
• Sigoules Tourism Office: Place de l’Eglise, 24240, Sigoules.
  Tel: 05 53 58 48 16 Fax: 05 53 73 02 39
• Siorac en Perigord: Mairie, Place de Siorac, 24270, Siorac en Perigord.
  Tel: 05 53 31 63 51
• Sorges Tourism Office: At Ecomusee de la Truffe, 24420, Sorges.
  Tel: 045 53 46 71 43 Fax: 05 53 46 71 43
• St Astier Tourism Office: Place de la Republique, 24110, Saint Astier.
  Tel: 05 53 54 13 85 Fax: 05 53 08 77 85
• St Aulaye Sur Dronne Tourism Office: Place Pasteur, 24410, Saint Aulaye.
  Tel: 05 53 90 63 74
• St Cyprien en Perigord Tourism Office: Place Charles de Gaulle, 24220, Saint Cyprien.
  Tel: 05 53 30 36 09 Fax: 05 53 28 55 05
• St Jean de Cole Tourism Office: Rue du Chateau, 24800, Saint Jean de Cole.
  Tel: 05 53 62 14 15 Fax: 05 53 62 14 15
• St Pardoux La Riviere Tourism Office: Rue Puits de la Barre, St Pardoux La Riviere.
  Tel: 05 53 56 79 30 / 05 53 56 70 22
• Ste Alvere Tourism Office: At Service Municipal du Tourisme Ste Alvere, 2 rue Jules Ferry, 24510, Ste Alvere.
  Tel: 05 53 73 55 85 Fax: 05 53 73 55 99
• Terrasson Lavilledieu Tourism Office: Rue Jean Rouby, 24120, Terrasson Lavilledieu.
  Tel: 05 53 50 37 56 Fax: 05 53 50 86 82
• Thenon Tourism Office: 27 Avenue de la IVe Republique, 24210, Thenon.
  Tel: 05 53 06 35 10
• Thiviers Tourism Office: Place du Marechal Foch, 24800, Thiviers.
  Tel: 05 53 55 12 50 Fax: 05 53 55 12 50
• Tocane St Apre: Tourist office at Tocane St Apre.
  Tel: 05 53 91 35 11
• Tremolat Tourism Office: Ilot St Nicholas Bourg, 24510, Tremolat.
  Tel: 05 53 22 89 33 Fax: 05 53 22 82 71
• Varaignes Tourism Office: Chateau de Varaignes, 24360, Varaignes.
  Tel: 05 53 56 35 76 Fax: 05 53 56 35 76
• Vergt Tourism Office: 17 Place Charles Mangold, 24380, Vergt.
  Tel: 05 53 03 45 10
• Verteillac Tourism Office: Avenue d’Aquitaine, 24320, Verteillac.
  Tel: 05 53 90 37 78
• Villars Tourism Office: At Bourg, 24530, Villars.
  Tel: 05 53 03 50 79 Fax: 05 53 03 50 79
• Villefranche de Lonchat Tourism Office: Le Bourg, 24610, Villefranche de Lonchat.
  Tel: 05 53 73 29 62 Fax: 05 53 73 29 62
• Villefranche du Perigord Tourism Office: Rue Notre Dame, 24550, Villefranche du Perigord.
  Tel: 05 53 29 98 37 Fax: 05 53 30 40 12
• Vitrac Tourism Office: At 24200, Vitrac.
  Tel: 05 53 28 57 80

Atelier Musee des Tisserands et de la Charentaise
Contained within the Castle of Varaignes, this working weaving museum and the museum of the Bandiat – Tardoire valleys offers a glimpse of local life in the 19th century. Located at Varaignes.Tel: 05 53 56 35 76

Ateliers Musee
A mineral and gem stone museum found at the foot of the Castelnaud Castle. Located in Vezac.
Tel: 05 53 28 35 78

• Chateau de Beynac et Cazenac
  The Beynac and Cazenac Castle occupies a dominant position on the rocky cliffs overlooking the Dordogne river. Reconstructed by Lord Beynac it’s architecture dates from the 13th century.
  Tel: 05 53 29 50 40
• Chateau de Biron
  The Biron Castle dates from the 12th century. It was one of the 4 Perigord baronies and owned by the Gontaut-Biron family for 8 centuries. Located in Biron near Monpazier.
  Tel: 05 53 63 13 39
• Chateau de Bourdeilles
  Features a fortress from the 13th – 15th centuries. Offers an interesting collection of cupboards, carpets, wardrobes from the 16th and 17th centuries. Open throughout the year. Located near Brantome.
  Tel: 05 53 03 73 36
• Chateau de Bruzac
  The ruins of the Bruzac Castle can be found between st Pierre de Cole and St Jean
  Tel: 05 53 03 70 74
• Chateau de Castelnaud
  This reconstructed castle overlooks the Dordogne and faces the Chateau Marqueyssac. Built in the 12th century the Castle experienced British rule from 1259 -1273. See website for more details (in French).
  Tel: 05 53 31 30 00
  
• Chateau de Chabans
  The Chabans Castle has been owned by some of the most prominent families of Dordogne. The castle dates back to the 15th century. It played a role in the Resistance movement when Jacques Chaban-Delmas took his “nom de guerre” from the castle.
  Tel: 05 53 51 70 60
• Chateau de Duras
  Castle dated from the middle age offers an architecture mixing middle-age and the 18th century. Located in Duras, Lot et Garonne (47).
  Tel: 05 53 83 77 32
• Chateau de Fenelon
  At Ste. Mondain between Sarlat and Soillac (24). An opportunity to visit a furnished Chateaux with it’s antique furniture and historical architecture. Pets are not permitted.
  Tel: 05 53 29 81 45 Fax: 05 53 29 88 99
• Chateau de Fratteau
  The Fratteau Castle dominates domain of the new prison. Built in the 12th and 17th century it has preserved chimneys from the 15th and 16th century. Now also home to potters. Located at the exit of Neuvic sur l’Isle.
  Tel: 05 53 81 11 02
• Chateau de Hautefort
  A classical castle built in the 9th century on a rocky spur. It once belonged to the viscounts of Limoges and features the Long Tower, The Palm Tower and The Prison Tower. Located in Hautefort. See website for more details.
  Tel: 05 53 50 51 23
• Chateau de Jumilhac le Grand
  The castle was originally built in the 13th century and used to act as a line of defence during many incursions. Well known for its unique roofs that were built around the 1600’s. Located at Jumilhac Le Grand.
  Tel: 05 53 52 42 97
• Chateau de L’Herm
  The Herm Castle was built at the end of the 15th century but was abandoned. Today it is going through a period of restauration. See website for details. Located at Rouffignac Saint Cernin de Reilhac.
  Tel: 05 53 05 46 61
• Chateau de Lanquis
  A combination of architectural styles from palatial renaissance to a medieval fort created this elegant chateau. Well know for its chimneys. Open all year except from 15 January to 15 February.
  Tel: 05 53 63 65 00
• Chateau de Mareuil
  The Mareuil Castle formed one of the four baronies of Perigord. Owned by the Talleyrand family, it comprised an effective defensive system. A visit to the castle takes one back to the 100 year war and is an excellent tribute to Napoleon. At Mareuil.
  Tel: 05 53 60 99 85
• Chateau de Monbazillac
  This 26th century chateau is home to a museum dedicated to wine-making, arts and local traditions, 17th century perigord furniture and protestanism. The 4 ha parc is open to the public. Open throughout the year. Call for times.
  Tel: 05 53 63 65 00
• Chateau de Montfort
  The Montfort castle has been razed to the ground 4 times. Once in 1254 by Simon of Montfort, once during the 100 year war, once under Louis the 11th and finally under Henry the 4th. Restauration work has been underway since the 19th century.
  Tel: 05 53 28 57 80
• Chateau de Neuvic
  The Neuvic Castle was built in 1520 along the banks of the Isle. The architecture shows the transiton from Medieval Time to the Renaissance. Located at Neuvic sur l’Isle.
  Tel: 05 53 80 86 65
• Chateau de Puyferrat
  The Puyferrat Castle was built in the 16th century and features a totally covered walkway that offers a panoramic view onto the neighbouring countryside. A chapel that hosts the family vault was built in 1825. Located near St Astier.
  Tel: 05 53 07 86 26
• Chateau de Puyguilhem
  The Puyguilhem Castle was built during the First Renaissance and is a fine example of a Francoise 1st castle. Located near the village of Villars.
• Chateau de Puymartin
  The Puymartin Castle is be found between Sarlat and Les Eyzies. Occupied by the English in 1358 the castle has managed to preserve its furniture, carpets, paintings and other works for over 5 centuries. Tel: 05 53 59 29 97
• Chateau de Sanxet
  Located 3km west of Monbazillac, they offer a prestige car museum. They also rent rooms for receptions.
  Tel: 05 53 58 37 46
• Chateau de Sauveboeuf
  16th Century castle, classified as a national monument. Displays a Louis the 18th style. Located in Aubas near Montignac.
  Tel: 05 53 51 89 46
• Chateau des Bernadiers
  Built on the side of a rocky slope around a high tower with views dominating Nizonne. This castle was no stranger to the 100 year war. The counts d’Aydie increased the castle and built terraces. Located at Champeaux et la Chapelle Pommier.
  Tel: 05 53 60 38 59
• Chateau des Bories
  Constructed on the banks of a river, the Bories Castle is an example of pure classical Perigourdian architecture. The castle dates from the 15th century. Located at Antonne et Trigonant near Perigueux. Tel: 05 53 06 00 01
• Chateau des Milandes
  At Castlenaud-la-Chapelle. A French chateau located in the heart of the Dordogne countryside with an exhibition relating to the life of Josephine Baker. There is also wildlife to discover on the castle grounds. 
  Tel: 05 53 59 31 21 Fax: 05 53 29 17 33
• Chateau et Jardins de Losse
  At Thonac (24). An opportunity to discover this 15th century castle and gardens of Losse.Take a tour around the moat and renaissance hall, which exhibit fine 16th & 17th century tapestries.
  Tel: 05 53 50 80 08 Fax: 05 53 50 80 08
• Chateau l’Eveque
  Located on the D939 north of Perigueux. The Bishops Castle was where Saint Vincent de Paul was ordained priest in the 1600’s.
  Tel: 05 53 04 66 84
• Chateau Saint Michel de Montaigne
  The Montaigne Castle dates back to the 15th century. This is where Saint Michael wrote his famous essays from. Located at Saint Michel de Montaigne.
  Tel: 05 53 58 63 69 Fax: 05 53 58 63 93
• Chateau Varaignes
  It’s facade boasts a mix of Medieval and Renaissance styles from the 13th and 16th century. The village bought the castle in 1965 and won an award for the restoration of the castel. Located in Varaignes.
  Tel: 05 53 56 35 76
• Cloiture des Recollets
  The House of Wine on Quai Salvette in Bergerac. This 17th century “Cloiture” exhibits the historical link between Bergerac wine and the history of Bergerac. Open June to September.
  Tel: 05 53 63 57 55
• Eco-musee de la Noix
  Walnut farm and museum located in the heart of the Perigord noir region. Documentary film in English shown. There is also a shop selling the local farm produce from walnut cakes to walnut wine.
  Tel: 05 53 59 69 63 Fax: 05 53 28 59 34
• Ecomusee de la Truffe
  Contains plenty of information regarding truffles. Located at Sorges.
  Tel: 05 53 05 90 11
• Institute du Tabac
  A tobacco research institute that has an extensive collection of different types of tobacco products. The institute opens its doors to the public in the summer. Located at Domaine de la Tour on route de Sainte-Alvére in Bergerac.
  Tel: 05 53 63 66 00
• Le Musee Costi
  A collection of works by the Greek sculptor Constantin Papachristopolous. Exhibited in a 12th century crypt in the Saint Jacques presbytery in Bergerac. Ask at the Mayor’s office for more details.
  Tel: 05 53 74 66 66.
• Le Musee du Perigord
  On Cours Tourny, Perigueux. An interesting presentation of fine arts and french archeology. There is also a zoological section. 
  Tel: 05 53 06 40 70 Fax: 05 53 06 40 71
• Le Musee du Thot
  The Thot Museum comprises an animal park and an exhibition centre. In the park one can see species of animal that closely resemble those that historically could be found there. Located at Thonac.
  Tel: 05 53 50 70 44
• Musee Atelier du Trompe-L’Oeil et du Decor Paint
  The Trompe-L’Oeil and Decorative Paint Museum is unique in Europe. It is possible to see demonstrations of work in progress. Located at 5 rue Emile Combes in Perigueux.
  Tel: 05 53 09 84 40
• Musee d’Histoire Locale
  The local history museum in Villefranche de Lonchat contains portraits, costumes and more. Located at Villefranche de Lonchat near Saint Michel de Montaigne. 
  Tel: 05 53 81 21 39
• Musee de Cognac
  A museum dedicated to manufacturing Cognac. The process is clearly explained and the tools clearly displayed. Located in St Aulaye.
  Tel: 05 53 90 81 33
• Musee de l’Or
  Located in the basement of the Castle of Jumilhac le Grand. The museum takes one back to Gaul times when gold was mined in the region.
  Tel: 05 53 52 55 43
• Musee de la Carte Postale Ancienne du Perigord
  The Historical Postcards Museum of Perigord offers more than 33 000 exhibits. Founded by Henry Brives. Located at Saint Pardoux la Riviere.
  Tel: 05 53 60 76 10
• Musee de la Ferblanterie
  Offers more than 1000 white & galvanised iron exhibits dating from the 18th century till today. At La Tour Blanche near Riberac.
  Tel: 05 53 91 11 98
• Musee de la Medicine
  This medical museum in Hautefort, is housed in what was known as a poorhouse that housed local destitutes. The building was finished in 1740 and now hosts the tourist office, a weavers workshop and the medicam museum. See website for more details. 
  Tel: 05 53 50 40 27
• Musee de la Paleontologie et de la Vie Sauvage
  Includes 3000 articles of paleonthology covering 700 million years. The Musee de la Vie Sauvage boasts more than 1000 stuffed exhibits. Open June to September. Located at 9 rue de la Republic in La Bugue sur Vezere. 
  Tel: 05 53 08 28 10
• Musee de la Pierre Taillee
  This sculptured stone museum displays stomes from the Paleothique and Neolithique periods. 
  Tel: 05 53 60 99 85
• Musee de la Prehistoire.
  Offres visitors an original projection room amongst the rocks. Offer various examples of sculptured rocks and Magdalenian art. Located at Teyjat. 
  Tel: 05 53 56 30 29
   
• Musee des Arts et Traditions Populaires
  The Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions in Mussidan assembled this collection of artifacts from yesteryear including furniture and other objects. 
  Tel: 05 53 81 23 55
• Musee des Records 
  situated in the “salle polyvalent”, it offers a light hearted history of the songs that featured for the town’s annual August festival. Located at La Tour Blanche near Riberac. 
  Tel: 05 53 91 11 98
• Musee des Rois d’Araucanie
  The Museum of the King of Araucanie celebrates Antoine de Tounens who left for Patagonia in 1860 where he declared himself king. He was expelled by the Chilean police in 1860. Medals and official documentation are on show. Located in Chourgnac near Sorge 
  Tel: 05 53 51 12 76
• Musee du Foie Gras
  Discover how geese and ducks are raised, how “Foie Gras” is processed and learn about how to prepare it. At place de Marechal Foch, Thiviers, Dordogne (24).
  Tel: 05 53 55 12 50
• Musee du Suaire
  The relic of St Suaire is to be found in the Cadouin Abbey. Built in 1115, the abbey has recently been declared a world heritage site. Located in Cadouin.
  Tel: 05 53 63 36 28
• Musee du Tabac
  A tobacco museum located at Place du Feu in Bergerac. Displays a large selection of tobacco paraphernalia. Open in season. 
  Tel: 05 53 63 04 13
• Musee du Ver a Soie
  An interesting and educational silkworm museum. Located at Saint Just near Riberac. 
  Tel: 05 53 90 73 60
• Musee du Vin de la Tonnellerie et de la Batellerie
  A museum dedicated to the making of wine barrels and related objects. Located at 5 rue des Conferences in Bergerac.
  Tel: 05 53 57 80 92
• Musee Eugene le Roy
  To be found in the old Saint Jean l’Evangeliste Hospital. It is dedicated to the writings of Eugene Le Roy who died in the city in 1907. Displays his writings, photos, clothing and other souvenirs. Located in Montignac.
  Tel: 05 53 51 82 60
• Musee Fossiles
  The Fossil Museum features a 5.5m high and 11m long metalique sculpture of a Tyrannosaurus-Rex amongst other exhibits. Located in Peyzac le Moustier near Montignac.
  Tel: 05 53 50 81 02
• Musee Gallo Romain Vesunna
  At Rue 26eme RI, Perigueux. Conceived by Jean Nouvel, this museum presents one of the most significant archeological remains in Aquitaine. 
  Tel: 05 53 53 00 92
• Musee Militaire du Perigord
  The Perigord Military Museum is at 32 Rue des Farges, Perigueux. Presents over 13000 pieces on French military history. 
  Tel: 05 53 53 47 36
• Musee Napoleon
  An opportunity to visit the Museum of Napoleon and to view his family history. Situated within the grounds of Chateau de la Pommerie in the heart of Cendrieux, Dordogne (24). 
  Tel: 05 53 03 24 03 Fax: 05 53 03 22 39
• Musee National de Prehistoire
  Offers an extremelly comprehensive and chronologically ordered exhibition covering the Paleolithic period. Located at Les Eyzies.
  Tel: 05 53 06 45 45 Fax: 05 53 06 45 55

Prehistory at Commarque

The Beune Valley has been occupied for a very long time. Around Commarque, prehistoric man has left numerous traces of his passage. Not far from the site at Commarque, Paleolithic man left two female statuettes known as the Venus of Sireuil and the Venus of Laussel.
On the other side of the valley, in the shelter at Cap Blanc, one can admire a frieze of prehistoric sculptures. Under Commarque Castle there is a cave where Magdalenian man carved animals on the wall, notably a very beautiful life-sized horse (not open to the public).

The Uncertain Origins of Commarque

The most reasonable hypothesis would be to attribute the founding of a keep at Commarque to one of the two abbots of the same name who succeeded the abbey see of Sarlat during the last third of the XIIth century: Garin (1169-1181) or Randolph de Commarque (1195-1201). The building of a tower allowed them to contain the ambitions of their vassals the Beynacs, with whom they had a relationship of conflict. It was a member of their family who obtained its guard. The first Lord of Commarque, thus, was a “milites castri” or knight, who followed orders from the Abbey of Sarlat. In the XIIth century, a concentration of population existed there, made up of a keep with living quarters, a chapel and house towers: it was the castrum of Commarque.

The Beynacs, Lords of Commarque

There is mention of Commarque in archive documents from 1255 onwards. Maynard de Beynac became the lord of the château. The house towers were held by the lineages of lesser nobles, the names of several of which are known: the Commarque, the Cendrieux, the Gondrix, the La Chapelle… Each house tower had an enclosure, its own access, and ditches. The lord and knights fought over the rights of justice, land and other property.

The Rise of the Beynacs

During the course of the XIVth century, two major lineages had the first regrouping of lands by successive acquisitions. The Beynacs succeeded in constituting a veritable castellany around Commarque when they retook the rights of Marquay and of Sireuil from the Cendrieux and imposed their suzerainty on the den of Laussel. The Commarques took back the lands and rights from the descendants of the other knights, either by buying them or through alliances. From the middle of the XIVth century, the entire lower courtyard had become the noble house of the Commarques: they now disposed of a defensive parameter largely exceeding that of the Château of Beynac.

The Patrimony of the Beynacs Combined

In 1379 Pons de Beynac, Lord of Commarque, married Philippa, 12 years of age, heiress of the lords of Beynac. By this alliance, the lords of Commarque acquired the castellany of Beynac and its dependencies.

The Hundred Years’ War

During the Hundred Years’ War, the Beynacs stayed faithful defenders of the throne of France. Pons de Beynac enjoyed several political favors: he was among the clients of Beaufort-Turenne, of the Avignon papacy and of the Anjou party. The extension of Commarque Castle between 1370 and 1380 has been attributed to him. He undertook heightening the keep and the curtain wall, and had the crown of machicolations built which was inspired by the Palace of the Popes in Avignons.

The Decline of the Beynacs and the Commarques

Nevertheless, the Beynacs came out of the Hundred Years’ War badly. First of all, in 1406, the English, driven by Archambaud d’Abzac, seized hold of Commarque. The whole family was brought together and made prisoner. A tax, ordered by the king, was levied on the inhabitants of Perigord and Quercy to pay the ransom. The castellany of Commarque began to break up. In 1395, Pons lost the suzerainty over Laussel . He was unable to retain Domme. And in 1441, the Beynacs went under the influence of the Count of Perigord, a visible sign of their political weakening. During the 1500s, it seems that the resident families had already deserted the castrum of Commarque.

The Wars of Religion

During the Wars of Religion, the Beynacs were loyal to the cause of the Reform. From Commarque, which was his base of operation, Geoffroy, Baron of Beynac and Lord of Commarque, launched several attacks on Catholic hideouts in the area and even furtively took hold of Sarlat. In 1569, Commarque Castle was taken for the first time by the Catholics led by the seneschal and by the Governor of Perigord. It is without doubt following this siege that the vaulted room collapsed. As the new master of Commarque, Geoffroy installed a garrison there which, by way of reprisal, would be hanged the same year.

The Abandon and Renaissance of Commarque

Guy de Beynac, the last castellan living in Commarque Castle, died there in 1656. The site was definitively abandoned in XVIIIth century. A century later the castle was in ruins. In 1968, Hubert de Commarque bought his ancestors’ ruins. He undertook the consolidation of the most damaged parts. Since 1994 there have been successive phases of consolidation and restoration. Hubert of Commarque has given Kleber Rossillon, the creator of the Museum of Medieval Warfare in Castelnaud Castle and the Gardens of Marqueyssac, the task of opening the Commarque site to the public. A program of archeological research has been in place for several years.

Open hours

April and all saints holidays: from 10:00 am- 6:00 pm
May, June, September:
from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
July and August: from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Last admissions 1 hour before closing.

Free parking
Parking located 600 m from the site.
A specially fitted forest path leads to the entrance of the site.

2008 Price

Individual price
Adults: 6 €
Children (10 -17 yrs): 3 €
Children (-10 yrs): free

Group price
(for 20 or more persons)
Adults: 5 €
Children: 2,50 €