Beynac/Beynac castle

The little village of Beynac, with just 500 residents, was within a 10 minute walk along the river from our campsite, and has been officially classified as one of the 152 "les plus beaux villages de France" (the most beautiful villages of France).

It really is typical of the charming villages of the region, and with all the buildings made of the locally found, soft yellow-coloured stone, looks like it has literally grown out of the earth itself. Full of winding, narrow, cobblestoned streets there is a surprise around every corner - a hidden courtyard garden, a sunny terrace, a romantic looking water fountain, and rising above it all the imposing and austere Chateau de Beynac.

The medieval chateau is perched atop a steep limestone cliff and dominates the entire village and the north bank of the Dordogne river below. It was originally constructed in the 12th century by the Barons of Beynac to defend this strategically important location. Facing across the river the cliff, at more than 150 metres high, provided a perfect natural defence. The rear of the chateau has man made defences to match, based around a double wall of fortifications and a natural gully, making the chateau virtually impregnable.

In 1189 it passed briefly to the English King Richard the Lionheart, when the owner incumbent died without a natural heir. However the transition was shortlived, with Richard dying not long after, as did Richard's companion, Mercadier, who was entrusted with the chateau. It was then returned to the Beynacs; and at the time of the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) was still in French hands. During that time the Dordogne river actually formed the border between France and England, and not far away, on the opposite bank of the river, the English held the formidable Chateau de Castelnaud.

As the centuries passed, and Chateau de Beynac changed hands, it slowly fell into decline and disrepair. It was not until 1961 that significant money and effort was spent to renovate this important landmark and it now remains open to the public.

The chateau also serves a commercial purpose, having been utilised as a location in several films, including the 1999 film "Jeanne d'Arc" by Luc Besson; and the streets of Beynac itself appeared in the film "Chocolat" by Lasse Hallstrom! Just think, not only have we eaten breakfast in the same cafe (Cafe Einstein in Berlin), but we have also walked the same streets as the one and only Mr Johnny Depp :-)

Alli xxx