Castles of the Dordogne: Chateau de Castelnaud
In the heart of the Dordogne Valley, the Chateau de Castelnaud , built in the 12th century on a rocky outcrop, is one of the most visited castles in the South-West of France . Chateau de Castelnaud Standing opposite to the Château de Beynac, its rival during the Hundred Years War , it has a troubled and eventful history, made up of successive battles for its possession and numerous reconstructions. It was first owned by the Cathar lord Bernard de Casnac, then it was taken by Simon de Montfort in 1214, during the crusade against the Albigenses. The fortress was then taken and retaken seven times during the Hundred Years War, but the French won it definitively in 1442. When the conflict was over, the castle was returned to the Caumonts, owners since 1368. They reinforced the defensive system: the low enclosure and the new barbican were equipped with gunboats and the artillery tower was built. The various works of fortifications, however, will only have a dissua...