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Castles of the Dordogne: Chateau de Bourdeilles

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Dramatically built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the homonymous village, the Château de Bourdeilles, is one of the four baronies of Périgord (Beynac, Mareuil, Biron et Bourdeilles). It had an eventful history, especially during the Hundred Years War, and has seen, over the centuries, the construction and destruction of several buildings.

Chateau de Bourdeilles
Chateau de Bourdeilles

Today the site brings together two castles from different eras: a medieval fortress from the 13th century flanked by an impressive keep and an elegant Renaissance dwelling housing the richest furniture collection in Nouvelle Aquitaine, including more than 700 works.


Chateau de Bourdeilles
Chateau de Bourdeilles

The architecture of the 13th century castle is clearly military: the imposing ensemble consists of a courtyard surrounded by fortified walls, an octagonal keep and a stately home. 

In the courtyard, there is a gate tower, surrounding walls pierced with niches and machicolations as well as a rampart walk, attesting to the defensive character of the building.

The dungeon, consisting of four levels, rises to a height of 35 m: a spiral staircase with 127 steps allows the access to the terminal terrace offering breathtaking views on the site and the whole village.

Chateau de Bourdeilles
Chateau de Bourdeilles

The Renaissance house built at the end of the 16th century uses the architectural principles of Italian palaces. This house was built on the initiative of Jacquette de Montbron, widow of André de Bourdeille, Lord of the place.

Property of the Dordogne department since 1962, the Château de Bourdeilles opened to the public in 1967 after the installation of a remarkable collection of furniture, the Santiard-Bulteau collection, made of 700 pieces of European furniture from the Gothic period to the 19th century including a series of “barguenos” or Spanish cabinets whose name refers to the village of Barguas in Spain.

Chateau de Bourdeilles
Chateau de Bourdeilles

Chateau de Bourdeilles
Chateau de Bourdeilles

At the rear of the Renaissance castle, lies a labyrinth garden where boxwood is in the spotlight, surrounded by lawned areas, flower beds and trellised trees.

Chateau de Bourdeilles
Chateau de Bourdeilles

Chateau de Bourdeilles
Chateau de Bourdeilles

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

Location: 24310 Bourdeilles, France

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