Chateau de Castelnaud is not technically in Dordogne. It is however so impressive as well as so close, that it is worth the visit. Sitting directly across the Dordogne River from Chateau Beynac, Catlenaud splits that river and Céou River, it is also nearby Domme and Beynac, both of which are worthy destinations in their own right.

Chateau de Castlenaud has not always been as popular in the area as it is now. During year 100ad the castle sided with the English and was used as a base of operations for harassing the locals in the area who supported the French.

The Chateau is impressive not only for its history of warfare, but for its physical history. With all of the defenses that make you think of castles, the perimeter wall and the inner keep. The Chateau also houses a museum of the history of war and the middle ages. The museums collection of small arms and artifacts is worth the visit alone.