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Castles of the Dordogne: Chateau de Puyguilhem

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The Chateau de Puyguilhem is located in the northern part of the Dordogne department, near the town of Villars (north-east of Brantome and west of Saint-Jean-de-Cole). The castle is set in an enchanting landscape, with an open valley in front and oak woods, typical of the Perigord region, in the back.

Unfortunately, the lake that was once in the valley below the castle, no longer exists, but the view remains very picturesque.

Chateau de Puyguilhem
Chateau de Puyguilhem

Chateau de Puyguilhem
Chateau de Puyguilhem

It was Pierre Mondot de la Marthonie, a wealthy magistrate from the region and first president of the Parliament of Paris, that acquired the stronghold of Puyguilhem, around 1510. The house was to be the family's second home, as well as a hunting lodge. Thus, he transformed it into a Renaissance residence by deploying a decor of great finesse on popular themes.

Abandoned and looted in the 19th century, at the beginning of the 20th century the castle began to fall into ruins. It was then acquired by the State in 1939, and restoration began after World War II. After a 30 years long and meticulous project led, in an exemplary manner, by the chief architect of historical monuments, Yves-Marie Froidevaux, the castle is today back to its ancient splendor, aided by period tapestries and furniture.

Chateau de Puyguilhem
Chateau de Puyguilhem


Chateau de Puyguilhem
Chateau de Puyguilhem


Chateau de Puyguilhem
Chateau de Puyguilhem

Puyguilhem is a beautiful castle for the most part of a Renaissance style (more typical of the style of the Loire castles than those in the Dordogne) except perhaps for the lack of symmetry in the design, which owes more to the old Gothic style of architecture.

The round tower which dominates the left side of the front facade of Puyguilhem is influenced by previous medieval defensive castles.

Chateau de Puyguilhem
Chateau de Puyguilhem


Chateau de Puyguilhem
Chateau de Puyguilhem

The Renaissance decorative elements such as the magnificent spiral staircase, the sloping roofs, the monumental fireplaces with their intricate details and the elegant window frames are the highlights of the visit. 

Worth a mention also the fine carpentry work on certain ceilings and the rich furniture and tapestries (17th and 18th centuries). 


Chateau de Puyguilhem
Chateau de Puyguilhem



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: Puyguilhem, 24530 Villars, France

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