Castles of the Dordogne: Château de Fenelon

Château de Fénelon

The Château de Fénelon is a listed historic monument, located in the Dordogne department on the heights of the town of Saint-Mondane from where it dominates the valleys of the Dordogne and Bouriane.

The castle was the birthplace of François de Salignac de la Motte Fénelon (much better known by his name of writer Fénelon) who lived during the reign of the Enlightenment of Louis XIV and became Archbishop of Cambrai.

The castle draws up its powerful architecture behind three fortified enclosures whose defensive system has been kept intact. The front door was defended by a first gatehouse.

The attackers then had to bypass a second defensive wall which left them uncovered and led them to a second 'chatelet' defending access to the foot of the castle. The fortress played a strategic role during the Hundred Years War and was besieged on numerous occasions.

Château de Fénelon

Main courtyard, Château de Fénelon

Well (90m deep), Château de Fénelon

The castle was then transformed into an elegant Gothic residence in the 15th century and was fortified again during the wars of religion. The last modifications took place in the 18th century: the castle was then decorated with a vaulted gallery supporting a huge terrace offering visitors one of the most beautiful panoramas over the Dordogne valley.

For lovers of old stones, this castle is a must: the serenity of the place, the calm and the splendor of the surrounding landscapes transport the visitor to another time.

Château de Fénelon

Château de Fénelon

The interiors of the castle include the Louis XIII style bedroom where François de Salignac de la Mothe Fénelon was born, the mysterious cabinet of curiosities and its mermaid from the Chinese seas and the impressive weapons room with more than 300 pieces from the 15th to the 18th century. But the most remarkable feature of the castle it's the original slate roof (toiture en lauze) typical of the region style. 

For more info about the Dordogne region, check out our posts. 

If you are planning a visit in the Dordogne Valley here are our suggestions for a 3 or 5 days itinerary