Best Dordogne Châteaux  The Dordogne boasts as many as 100 châteaux ranging from ruins to châteaux that are still inhabited.  Many have dramatic settings with splendid views over the river.  The best are a few miles to the west of Sarlat at Castlenaud and Marqueyssac.  The history is fascinating, dating back to the hundred years war where the French and English faced each other from their respective sides of the river!

Commarque Castle

Location: Follow the D47 from Les Eyzies to Sarlat, turn left onto the D48 and follow the signs for Commarque Castle.  This is a bit out of the way but if you follow the signs you will eventually reach it!
General Info: There is a nominal entrance fee.
Description:  Stunningly situated romantic ruins of a 12th century castle.  There is a small car park which rarely gets too busy and then a short 10 minute walk down through the woods to the castle ruins themselves.  The main tower of the castle is reasonably intact and you can climb to the top of it - not for the faint-hearted!  Above you can see a picture of the view from one of the windows in the main tower.  There is lots of natural shade under the trees around the castle as well as a drinking spring for those really hot days.
Our recommendations: Ask for a set of English notes on the castle.
For the children: There is plenty of space for the children to run around (see above left).

          - Château de Beynac
          - Château Biron
          - Château de Castelnaud
          - Commarque Castle
          - Chateau de Hautefort
          - Château Marqueyssac
          - Les Milandes

There are some excellent websites on châteaux in the Dordogne including:
          - Casteland.Com
          - Best of Perigord

     - Top Attractions in the Dordogne
     - Top ten Holiday destinations in France