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The Donnafugata Castle is a sumptuous noble residence located 15 kilometers from Ragusa .  Donnafugata Castle The name of this castle probably derives from the Arabic "ayn as-jafaiat" which means source of health, referring to the presence of a source of pure water. Donnafugata Castle According to others, however, the title Donnafugata is linked to the legend of Bianca of Navarre, widow of the king of Sicily, that was imprisoned within the walls of the castle by the perfidious Bernardo Cabrera, lord of the County of Modica. The queen managed to escape through the tunnels, thus becoming the escaped woman (literally translated as 'donna fugata') for all. Donnafugata Castle Originally the fiefdom included a hunting estate, and an ancient Arab-Norman watchtower, but it was the baron of Donnafugata Corrado Arezzo de Spuches, who gave the structure its present appearance: a unique mix of sumptuous halls, elegant bedrooms and playful and original architectural details. Donna...

Located on a hill, on the border between Périgord and Agenais, the castle of Biron is the seat of one of the four baronies of the Périgord (together with Bourdeilles , Beynac and Mareuil). Over the years, this primitive fortress has undergone multiple changes. Each century has left its mark there, giving a particular appeal to this exceptional architectural ensemble.  Chateau de Biron But the Biron Castle is a must-see site in more than one way: not only it is stunningly beautiful in its impressive structure, but it has a long history! It belonged for 8 centuries to the Gontaut-Biron family, which was also one of the 4 baronies of the Périgord. Indeed, the first lord of the castle was called Vital 1er de Gontaut (12th century) and participated in the construction of the building. Many lords and barons have succeeded, but Gaston VI de Gontaut (15th century) and his sons Pons and Armand de Gontaut (15th-16th century) were the most important figures. Chateau de Biron Gaston VI was th...

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 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 19...

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 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 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 defen...

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...

Built at the end of the 15th century and later transformed by François de Caumont out of love for his wife, the Chateau des Milandes became famous thanks to Joséphine Baker who acquired it in 1937. Often called a “woman's castle” because of its history and its architecture with soft and harmonious lines, it perfectly combines the spirit of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Chateau des Milandes A stately chapel to the south of the castle was built in 1503. True gem of Gothic art, this funeral chapel  chapel, mutilated during the Revolution, is now under restoration. During excavations inside the building, 16th century paintings and wall frescoes were discovered; a true unsuspected and inestimable treasure. A painting restoration project has been launched by the owner of the castle, to safeguard this heritage. Chapel, Chateau des Milandes Let’s not forget the architectural beauty of the Château des Milandes with its delicate, regular and elegant lines and its typically Gothic so...

On the banks of the Beune river, 10 km from the center of Les Eyzies de Tayac and close to the prehistoric shelter of Cap-Blanc , the magnificent ruins of the Château de Commarque are nestled in a small valley, in front of the Château de Laussel, surrounded by woods and reachable after a pleasant 800m walk under the trees, on a gentle slope. Chateau de Commarque Built in the 12th and 13th centuries. by the de Commarque family, it was, for a long time, the possession of a younger branch of the de Beynac family. It was occupied by the English, then taken again, and finally abandoned from the end of the 16th century, gradually sinking into relative oblivion, with only the powerful keep still emerging from the vegetation. Chateau de Commarque In the 1962, the castle was acquired by a descendant of the family that built it, Hubert de Commarque with the intent of restoring it. A tremendous human adventure then began, testimony to the passion and perseverance that heritage lovers can demons...