Thanks for the tip to eat at Roque Gageac sted of Beynac.

We visited both castles in May 2010. My vote is for Castelnaud! I had read the book: A Castle in Our Backyard: The Dream of Owning a House in France - and that convinced me to visit the Dordogne (lots of info in the book about the region, plus my husband always had the dream to visit the prehistoric caves). We actually visited Castelnaud twice, which was a good thing since we somehow went the wrong way inside and missed some areas our first visit. A trip highlight was a hot-air balloon ride which had us drifting overhead of Castelnaud around 7:00 pm. Beautiful with the sun shining on the walls and turrets! Beynac: Visited there and did a self-guided tour. We did see a group led by a guide, so perhaps this was something you could pay extra for.

I will be staying next door to the castle at Beynac for a week in June, so some interesting information, particularly on the restaurant scene.

twk, my thread from last year on the restaurant scene: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...uested-svp.cfm

About half way down the thread is the updated list, which was still current last August.

Also, my MIL went to Cabanoix et Chataigne and Bistrot d'Epicure in the last year and found them both fantastic. My favorite is still Belle Etoile.

I'm partial to Beynac Castle, but Castelnaud is more of a destination.

I think that's the Jardin d'Epicure, no? And not in Beynac, though on the road to it.

StCirq you would know better than I. The name changed about a year ago, so it's one or the other but I can't remember which.

Castelnaud has more to see - weaponry - but I loved the views from Beynac. I think I really liked Beynac better, but it is true there is not much in the way of furnishings. It really feels authentic though and of course there is no competition for its architecture.

Castelnaud also has a kitchen section which describes medieval kitchens and foods.

The restaurant that USED to be called the Jardin d'Epicure is now the Bistrot d'Epicure
http://stcyprien-perigord.com/fr/fic...AQU0240008221/

It is technically in the hamlet of Castels, but is on the main road (D703)into St Cyprien, coming from Beynac.

It is very good, with imaginative, and somewhat lighter food than in many of the other local restaurants. The couple who own it are also charming - Marina comes from our village, and looks after the front of house, while her partner does the cooking.

Thanks to you all.Printed the Christycruz thread on restaurants.