The small, medieval commune of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is located on the southern bank of the meandering Dordogne River in the Region of Aquitaine in south-western France, just 9 kilometres west of Domme. The village lies close to the confluence of the Dordogne and Ceou rivers, and is dominated by the medieval Chateau de Castelnaud which stands on a rocky bluff high above a large curve in the Dordogne River. Home to approximately 450 residents, the picturesque village of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle runs down the hillside from the Chateau and offers a number of shops including a small general store, butchers shop, bakers shop and a post office. In addition the village offers accommodation and a number of cafes and restaurants which provide refreshments not only to the local village but also to the large number of visitors who descend on Castelnaud-la-Chappelle to explore and enjoy the magnificent Chateau.
The impressive Chateau de Castelnaud was built between the 12th and 16th centuries during the period of conflict between France and England, and today survives to reflect its heritage through its many rooms, dungeons, stairways and passageways. Home to an extensive and fascinating Museum of Medieval Warfare, the Chateau de Castelnaud has been painstakingly renovated and today ranks as the most popular Chateau in south-west France. From the ramparts of the Chateau it is easy to enjoy uninterrupted views of the river and the surrounding countryside and to view the Chateau de Beynac which lies on the opposite bank of the Dordogne River.
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