I think that Castelnaud is more interesting than Beynac. You can also visit it at your leisure; Beynac can only be seen with a tour guide.

Castelnaud, for sure, as it's a museum of medieval warfare, not just a castle.

Castelnaud.

Beynac can only be seen with a tour guide.

Is this new? In 2007 we walked all thru it for about 2-1/2 hours. All told, there were maybe 10 other people there that afternoon, not counting the ticket seller, who said nothing about a tour.

Haven't been to Castlenaud. Beynac had almost no furniture, just a few medeival weapons. But our imagination worked well.

Castelnaud.

We had a guided tour of Beynac - but that was about 6-8 years ago.

Stu Dudley

We were there in 2003. Maybe the policy has changed.

In 2009 we just bought a ticket and went through ourselves.

Might it be different according to seasons-high or low? I now think that I saw Beynac much more recently than 2003.

We went in September, about the 12th or so.

It could definitely be by seasons, Michael. As you for sure know, stuff in the Dordogne changes in the high season.

Found on the web, for what it's worth:


Take a Tour of the Castle (1)

The castle can only be seen via a guided tour (7 euro fee) in French (although special groups can get it in other languages). The first room entered is the Hall of State with a tall slightly pointed modified barrel stine vaulting. It has a fine carved fireplace and some decorative ancient banners and sparse furnishings.

* Related to: Seniors
* Written Jun 2, 2009

Michael

When we took the tour of the Beynac chateau, the guide pointed out a tapistry that was a replica. She said that the "original" was hanging in the DeYoung. This was about '03 - so it may not be there now.

Stu Dudley

We were in Beynac castle in mid July 2010 and were able to go without a guide. There were no guides in sight. I haven't been to Castelnaud for a while, but I remember there being more there than there is inside Beynac.

But for each of them the site is as much the reason to go as what's inside. Each of them has wonderful views from up top.

Most times we go to Beynac we just park, walk around the outside, check out the views,perhaps have an ice cream, and skip the inside of the chateau.

Either would be wonderful and memorable.

Thanks to you all. Dinner at Beynac, visit at Castelnaud!

Michael-which (Castlenaud or Beynac) website are you quoting from?

>>Thanks to you all. Dinner at Beynac, visit at Castelnaud<,

IMO, Plume d'Oie & Belle Etoile in Roque Gageac are better restaurants than any in Beynac. In fact, after staying for 10 weeks neary Beynac, I have never encountered a restaurant there that intrigued me. Roque Gageac is just as interesting as Beynac, and the parking is easier.

Stu Dudley

In all my years in the Dordogne, I've never found any restaurant in Beynac to be worth a stop - except the tabac to pick up a sandwich before a gabarre or canoe trip. The British-owned tea room is a particular horror, unless you're fond of jello.

"The British-owned tea room is a particular horror, unless you're fond of jello."

Oh. My. Word. Thanks for the tip-off...

The reference to the guided tour is a quote about Beynac.