Beynac : nested between cliff and river

Medieval streets of Beynac

Inside the fortified walls of the Chateau de Beynac

A stroll around Beynac's country side

View from the steep streets of Beynac

Village of Beynac-et-Cazenac

View from upstream on Beynac-et-Cazenac and Beynac Castle
The village of Beynac is set in the "Grand Site of Aquitaine" area, together with 6 neighboring villages awarded for their peculiar architecture. But Beynac has a character of its own: more defensive that Roque Gageac though more open than Domme, each step rewinds the time machine and offers a glimpse of a true simple medieval village life.
Nested between cliff and river, the walk up on tiny paved streets to the Château's doors is steep but truly rewarding.

Located ten kilometres from Sarlat, the village of Beynac-et-Cazenac is easily recognisable with its impressive castle.
This was the site of a number of fierce medieval battles between the lords of the fortress, who were the allies of the king of France, and the lords of Castelnaud castle who were allies of the Plantagenets, the English royal family.

This village, built on the cliffs along the Dordogne River, is today listed among the 'Most Beautiful Villages of France'.

The river, village and castle form the triad has always made Beynac so special.
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With its unique character, Beynac castle is one of the best-preserved and most renowned of the region. This 12th-century medieval building towers over the Dordogne River and overlooks the village, built up on its right bank.

The village center is at 5 minutes walk from Balcon en Forêt Bed and Breakfast


Food Market : from mid-june to mid-september. On Monday morning


Shops :

Antiquity
:: Francine Bennati (+ 33 5.53.28.17.79)

Butcher's
:: Boucherie de l’abbaye, Le Capeyrou (+ 33 5.53.30.34.93)

Baker's
:: Les Délices de la vallée, Le Capeyrou (+ 33 5.53.59.24.11)
:: Lacombe, La Balme (+ 33 5.53.29.50.48)

Hairdresser
:: Coiffure Mixte, La Balme (+ 33 5.53.29.41.13)

Enamels
:: BAJ Alexis, rue sol de bonela (+ 33 5 53.29.59.07)

Grocery/Press
:: Vival Epicerie, le Capeyrou (+ 33 5.53.59.18.11)

Art Gallery
:: Galerie d'Art Pierre, Chemin du château (+ 33 6.85.98.23.49)

Boarding kennel
:: Le Parc (+ 33 5.53.29.57.17)

Chemist's
:: Constant-Rey, La Balme (+ 33 5.53.29.58.18)

Regional product
:: Le Terroir de Beynac, La Balme (+ 33 5.53.29.42.12)
:: Maison Lembert, La Capeyrou (+ 33 5.53.29.50.45)

Taxi
:: Taxi Corinne, Bourg de Cazenac Route de l'église (+ 33 5.53.29.42.07)

Clothes shop (adults & children)
:: Ziggi, La Balme (+ 33 5.53.59.62.66)


Services :

Primary school - La Grange (+ 33 5.53.59.62.41)

Post Office - La Balme (+ 33 5.53.29.57.45)

Townhall - La Balme (+ 33 5.53.31.34.00)

Community nurse - LOULLIER Pascale, Le Double (+ 33 5.53.59.12.82)

Physiotherapist - HEBRARD Stéphanie, place d'Alsace (+33 5.53.29.96.32)

General medicine - MIGNIOT Jean-Philippe, 3hlm La Balme (+ 33 5.53.29.37.13)

Chateau de Beynac


View of the Chateau de Beynac from the hillsThe Château de Beynac is one of the most beautiful example of medieval castle in France. Never taken but temporarily "occupied" by Richard Lion Heart in the 12th century, it once was defensively facing the english territories across the river.
Property of the Lords of Beynac until 1962, it has since been undergoing a 100 years renovation plan under the direction of the new owners. 50 years later, it is engulfing the visitor in a tale of war, crusade and architecture.
If you only have a couple of days in Dordogne this is the Château to see absolutely.
Open everyday of the year.


Find out more on http://chateau-beynac.com

2012 Opening Hours

Every day of the year: 10 am to 6 pm
Last admissions 1 hour before closing.


2012 Ticket Prices

Adult: 7,50 €

The Château de Beynac is at 10 minutes walk from L'Orée de Beynac.


The Château de Beynac




Chateau de Beynac view from street along the river Dordogne


Chateau de Beynac Staircase



Chateau de Beynac main hall





Chateau de Beynac and village of Beynac-et-Cazenac

La Vinothèque de Beynac

 



Vinothèque de Beynac

Le Bourg

24220 Beynac-et-Cazenac

W : http://www.vinothequebeynac.com

E : enrique@vinothequebeynac.com

Enrique : +33 6 19 72 10 28

L'Orée de Beynac - The Cabin

 L'Orée de Beynac


The Cabin for 2 has grown sheltered in its sunny clearing, a 5mn walk from the village. Perfect observation spot for nature, it is a quiet and romantic accommodation, comfortable and air-conditioned. The terrace is furnished with chairs, table and deck chairs, and an extra shower. Indoors, armchairs and wood burner await you for cooler evenings. The kitchen, typical of a forest cabin, is fully equipped. The Dordogne river and the restaurants are simply down the path… 5 minutes away on foot. The Cabin is a personal dream of a secret spot in the woods, coming entirely from our own hands, from the foundations to the roof, from the wood paneling to the curtains.. a great adventure… visit the website here >>













e : bonjour@ladordogne.info

Bed and Breakfast Balcon en Foret

Bed and Breakfast Dordogne suite
Balcon en Forêt is set among walnut and fig trees on the hill of Beynac, with a direct access to the village in a 5 mn walk, down a path above the Beynac cliffs with views on the river and 3 castles set behind the château de Beynac. The entire medieval heritage around is accessible within a 10mn drive (Sarlat, Marqueyssac, Castelnaud, Roque Gageac, Commarque, Puymartin…).

Bed and Breakfast Dordogne suite




Authentic Bed and Breakfast Dordogne
Bed and Breakfast Dordogne Balcon en Foret


W : http://www.ladordogne.info

2016 Prices: 165 to 185 euro per night

NOTE : This establishment has permanently closed - the owners have opened vacation rentals in Beynac-et-Cazenac : L'Orée de Beynac


Within 10mn drive from Beynac


Most of these experiences are within 10 minutes drive from Beynac-et-Cazenac





Videos provided by the Comité Départemental du Tourisme de la Dordogne

Balloon Flights over Beynac and the Châteaux Valley

Hot Air Balloon Dordogne
Montgolfière et Châteaux

You will fly above the most remarkable landscapes of the region... A rich and manifold natural environment where classified sites, castles and some of the most beautiful villages of France follow one another along the river Dordogne.

Flights are scheduled at sunrise or shortly before sunset, when the winds are calm and the conditions are the best for ballooning. In the winter, it is possible to fly during the day because the sun is low in the sky and consequently the surface of the Earth does not receive enough heat to create wind turbulence.


W: www.montgolfiere-chateaux.fr
T: (+33) 06 71 14 34 96
E: lionel@montgolfiere-chateaux.com



2012 Opening Hours

All year - flights only in favorable weather conditions


2012 Ticket prices

Discovery rides
with the family, on a romantic gateway, or on your own....
To each one their own first flight! An exceptional time for everyone!
Toast with the balloonists or breakfast after landing.
Flight duration: approximately 1h
From 180€ per person
Children under 12: 120€

Corporate rides
Invite them to take the high road…
Take your seminars and other corporate events a little bit higher...
Toast with the balloonists or breakfast after landing.
Flight duration: approximately 1h
From 180€ per person
Ask for a quote

Prestigious ride
Bubbles in a balloon…
Travel in your own basket, reserved for you and your loved ones only! A flight above some of the gems of the Black Périgord region, followed by a tasting of regional produce served with a glass of champagne or local wine.
Number of participants: 2 minimum / 6 maximum.
Flight duration: approximately 1h
From 230€ per person
Children under 12: 140€

Photographic ride
Your studio in the sky…
Enjoy perfect photograph stability, optimum sharpness and a 360° panorama. You will first determine with the pilot what are the conditions required for your shooting (location over which you wish to fly, type of light, altitude, etc.), and he will get back to you as soon as these conditions are met. Flight organized for one photographer and his or her assistant.
Flight duration: between 30 minutes and 1h30.
From 700€
Ask for a quote


Departure from river front at 5 minutes drive from Balcon en Forêt

Rick Steves in Beynac-et-Cazenac



The feudal village of Beynac is a perfectly preserved medieval village, with the Dordogne River at its doorstep. In villages like this, there's nothing to really "tour." It's just plain pretty.

La Roque-Gageac

In Périgord Noir, at the foot of a south-facing cliff, the creamy stone houses with their "lauze" stone
slab or brown-tiled roofs are mirrored in the waters of the River Dordogne where the famous "gabares" (traditional flat-bottomed boats) laden with goods used to pass in the 19C.

10 mn drive from Beynac-et-Cazenac and Balcon en Forêt

Dining in La Roque Gageac : La Belle Etoile

Château des Milandes


The visit takes you into the heart of life as it was when the extraordinary Josephine Baker lived there; she left her mark on the chateau where 14 of her rooms are now on show.
15th century castle.

10mn drive from Beynac-et-Cazenac.


W: www.milandes.com
T: +33 (0)5 53 59 31 21
E: josephin-les-milandes@wanadoo.fr


2012 Opening Hours

April to October: 10am - 6:30 pm


2012 Ticket Prices

Adult: 8,50 €
Children: 5,60 €

Canoeing through

Shuttles depart every hour from Beynac to an upstream destination (15 or 22km). The Dordogne river has pure waters (allowing a production of local caviar) and a gentle current. The canoe trip, individual and at your own rhythm, is taking you along the chateaux of Montfort, Roque Gageac, Castelnaud, Fayrac and Beynac. It is possible to stop anywhere on the way for a picnic or a gastronomical lunch.

Departure from Beynac-et-Cazenac center.

W: www.canoe-copeyre.com
T: +33 (0)5 53 28 95 01


2012 Prices

From 15,00 € to 30,00 €

Château de Commarque

Linked by marriage to the lords of Beynac in the 14th century and abandoned 300 years later, the Château de Commarque is finally back into the caring hand of its last family member, Hubert de Commarque. Slowly retrieved from the overgrowth, the settlement is now open to the public.
If half the site is in ruins, it only adds to the fabulous experience of visiting this very special place hidden into an isolated valley without sight of any modern life.
Probably the only Château where the daring visitor can climb the wind beaten highest tower or seat on the stone bench by the window and reflect peacefully on medieval daily life, as the view unrolls onto fields once busy with ploughmen, and cliffs carved out to shelter artisans.

20mn drive from Beynac-et-Cazenac.

W: www.commarque.com
T: +33 (0) 553 59 00 25
E: contact@commarque.com


2012 Opening Hours

April: 10 am – 6 pm
May, June, September: 10 am – 7 pm
July and August: 10 am – 8 pm
Last admissions 1 hour before closing.
Half term holiday: 10:30 am – 6 pm
(Saturday Oct 27th – Wednesday Nov 7th)


2012 Ticket prices

Individual prices
Adults: 6,50 €
Students and Children
(12 to 17 yrs): 5,00 €
Children (6 to 10): 3,50 €
Children (under 6): free

Group price
(for 20 or more persons)
Adults: 5 €
Children: 2,50 €

Candlelight Concerts

Every thursday night of july and august, 2000 candles are lit in the gardens of Marqueyssac, enticing the visitor to explore the 44 acres in search of the musicians, bands, or actors scattered on the property.
At the piano bar, the peacocks often join their voice in at sun down...

5 mn drive from Beynac-et-Cazenac.
1 hour easy walk along the Dordogne river.

W: www.marqueyssac.com
T: +33 (0)5 53 31 36 36
E: jardins@marqueyssac.com


2012 Opening Hours

July, August every Thursday: 7 pm - midnight


2012 Ticket Prices

Adult: 12,00 €

Sarlat covered market

Open mosts days of the year, this church has been converted by famous architect Jean Nouvel to host the covered market of Sarlat. Local specialties and fresh produces are to be found at any time.

10mn drive from Beynac-et-Cazenac.

Visiting Sarlat




Strolling freely through the small maze of 15th century buildings that seem to have grown in an organic way is taking you back in time. The multitude of architectural details is fascinating.
Guided visits are also organized, some at night, as the heart of city is lit with old fashion gas public lanterns.
Many cafés and restaurants await the tourist.


10mn drive from Beynac-et-Cazenac.

Restaurant La Belle Etoile - La Roque-Gageac

Hotel Restaurant La Belle Etoile - La Table
Classical gastronomical french restaurant set in awarded village of La Roque Gageac, popular for a chic lunch or dinner. The dinning room is elegant and the terrace is astonishing under the vines.

7mn drive from Beynac-et-Cazenac.

W : www.hotel-belle-etoile-dordogne.fr
T : 00 33 (0)5 53 29 51 44
E : hotel.belle-etoile@wanadoo.fr

10 minutes drive from Balcon en Forêt.

Terrace on the Dordogne River - La Belle Etoile

Gardens of Eyrignac

Classical french gardens in a peaceful setting.

30mn drive from Beynac-et-Cazenac.

W: www.eyrignac.com/
T: +33 (0)5 53 28 99 71
E: contact@eyrignac.com









2012 Opening Hours

The gardens are open every day whole year without exception.
from 1st January to 31st March : from 10.30 to 12.30 and from 14.30 to dusk.
from 1st to 30th April : open all day from 10.00 to 19.00 (*).
from 1st May to 30th September : open all day from 09.30 to 19.00 (*).
from 1st to 31st October : from 10 to dusk
from 1st November to 31st December : from 10.30 to 12.30 and from 14.30 to dusk.


2012 Ticket Prices

Adults: 12 €
Children: 8,50 €