The small, medieval village of Beynac-et-Cazenac stretches along the northern bank of the meandering Dordogne River in the Region of Aquitaine in south-western France, just 10 kilometres south-west of Sarlat-la-Caneda. Beynac-et Cazenac, which is home to only 500 residents, is classified as one of France’s ‘Most Beautiful Villages’ and is dominated by the renovated Chateau de Beynac which stands 150 metres above the river on a rocky limestone outcrop. Besieged by Richard the Lionheart, and later sacked by Simon de Montfort in 1214, the chateau was taken many times during the 100 years war and eventually left in ruins during the revolution. Restoration of the chateau began in the 1960’s and is today the major attraction of Beynac although visitors are attracted for the natural beauty of the Dordogne Valley, the picturesque honey-coloured stone buildings of the village, its steep, narrow winding streets and tranquil atmosphere, plus the interesting Archaeological Park where typical Neolithic buildings have been created.
The stunning Chateau de Beynac with its towers and turrets is considered to be one of the best preserved castles in the region and was built from the 12th century by the Barons of Beynac. Formed around a large central Romanesque keep, the castle has natural defenses on the riverside due to the near-vertical stone cliff, and has double surrounding walls, two moats and two barbicans on the plateau side. Visitors are able to tour the castle, seeing the 17th century stone staircase, bedrooms, salons, kitchen and dungeons, and enjoy the rare frescoes and tapestries. On the cliff edge can be found the stone-roofed Romanesque Chapel, but probably the highlight of a visit to the chateau is the magnificent view of the Dordogne Valley and the spectacular surrounding landscapes which can be enjoyed from the ramparts. Here it is possible to see the Chateaux of Castelnaud, Fayrac and Marqueyssac.
The village of Beynac-et-Cazenac was created in the early 19th century when the medieval villages of Beynac and Cazenac were merged, although today they are commonly known by their own names. The village of Beynac runs along the shores of the river and up the hill where it reaches the chateau, while Cazenac is a separate neighbouring commune.
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