Where in France is Beynac?
Dordogne department
Beynac-et-Cazenac is a village located in the Dordogne department in southwestern France. The medieval Château de Beynac is located in the commune. The village is classified as one of Les plus beaux villages de France (most beautiful villages of France).
What is beynac-et-cazenac known for?
The village of Beynac is a must in the Périgord Noir. Its 12th century castle is one of the best preserved and most authentic in the region, and offers breathtaking views of the valley of the 5 castles and the Dordogne river.
What is there to do in Beynac?
Chateau de Beynac. 2,439.
When was Chateau de Beynac built?
12th century
It is the highest tour of a feudal castle. It was built in the 12th century, in order to control the Dordogne river and the surrounding lands. The architecture is massive, square shaped and defensive. Few openings are visible and walls are thick.
Where is the village of Beynac in France?
Beynac is a small village on the Dordogne River, eight kilometres south-west of Sarlat in the Dordogne department. The village is more correctly called ‘Beynac-et-Cazenac’, Cazenac being its close neighbour, although the full name is not used very often).
Who was the leader of the Chateau de Beynac?
Beynac, a fortress with nine centuries of history. The heavy defensive walls were once guarded by some of France’s most illustrious figures: King Richard I “the Lion-Heart” of England, Simon de Montfort, leader of one of the crusades, the Lords of Beynac and the four baronneries of Périgord that presided in the castle’s room of state.
What was the history of the Beynac Castle?
The Château de Beynac was a French stronghold, while the English had to make do with the equally magnificent Chateau de Castelnaud on the other side of the river. The castle has a suitably colourful history, dating from the Hundred Years War and the Albigensian Crusade, and is a very interesting chateau to visit.
How did Beynac and Cazenac get their name?
The family de Beaumont du Repaire added “Beynac” to its name and took the courtesy title of “marquis de Beaumont-Beynac” One of the descendants sold the château in 1961. In 1827, the communes of Beynac and Cazenac were merged under the current name.