Journey through time: an immersion at the Château de Castelnaud

IN BRIEF

Discover the Castle of Castelnaud in Dordogne, a true medieval fortress of the Black Périgord
Knight battles and demonstrations of war machines (trebuchet, counterweight, siege crossbow) animating the visit
Historical immersion: children in costumes, museum of warfare in the Middle Ages, reconstructions and live animations
Highlighting textile armor and original presentation of 13th-century defense techniques
Discovering medieval plants used for dyeing, cooking, and healing throughout a thematic tour
Stroll through an exceptional natural setting and extend the experience with the nearby Marqueyssac Gardens
Practical information: open year-round, variable hours, accessible by car or train, paid entry depending on the season

At the heart of the Dordogne valley, the Castle of Castelnaud offers an extraordinary experience for all history and adventure enthusiasts. With knight battles, war machine demonstrations, medieval costumes, and botanical secrets, the fortress stands as a true open-air history book. An authentic immersion into medieval daily life, punctuated by playful discoveries, meetings, and enchanting landscapes, awaits visitors. This exceptional day promises families, enthusiasts, or the curious a genuine journey through time.

Immediate plunge into the medieval era #

As soon as the first steps towards the Castle of Castelnaud are taken, visitors leave the turmoil of the 21st century to immerse themselves in the captivating atmosphere of the Black Périgord. Overlooking the Dordogne valley, this massive fortress rises like a sentinel of the past, watching over centuries of history and legends. Children, often in costume and armed with wooden swords, roam the halls, embodying little heroes of olden times under the knowing gaze of their families.

This unique setting transports every visitor to a time where architectural grandeur and chivalric tales intertwine. The museum of warfare in the Middle Ages, located at its heart, opens the doors to a fascinating world where battles are told through objects, armors, and iconic machines.

Encounter with medieval war machines #

A must-see moment of the visit is undoubtedly the discovery of the impressive war machines that reign in the castle’s courtyards. Life-size reconstructions of the trebuchet, the counterweight, and the stone thrower transport the collective imagination to the siege fields. Here, no need for history books: the machines demonstrate their operation during spectacular shots, fascinating both young and old.

During the demonstrations, the majestic and colossal trebuchet reveals all its power by launching enormous stone balls — or, for the sake of safety and enjoyment, simple water balloons — over 200 meters. These unique moments, specially offered during school holidays, are highly anticipated by children: the show is both educational and entertaining, providing everyone with a concrete perspective on the art of medieval warfare.

Experience the chivalric epic #

The Castle of Castelnaud is also the stage for remarkable reenactments of knight battles. Here, there are no carefully choreographed routines like in the movies, but real confrontations true to tradition, framed by passionate history enthusiasts. Guided by costumed animators, such as Nathanaël Dos Reis or Gilles Martinez, visitors discover the unsuspected effectiveness of 13th-century textile armors, made of linen and silk, capable of absorbing shocks and cuts.

On the training ground, actors battle it out in heated duels, encouraged by a captivated audience. The intensity of the fights, the accuracy of the movements, and the commitment of the mediators transform the visit into a large-scale immersion where everyone becomes aware of the reality of medieval battles.

Discovering forgotten knowledge and uses #

Far from the battles, life at the Castle of Castelnaud invites visitors to encounter medieval authenticity through the uses of plants and materials of the era. Throughout the tour “Virtues and Uses of Medieval Plants,” visitors dive into the world of natural dyes: madder for red, woad for blue, and soapwort for soap. These ancestral skills, passionately transmitted by Christine Laborde, help to understand that nature played a central role in every daily activity, from care to culinary remedies.

The discovery of these practices, far from being anecdotal, enriches the visit by shedding new light on the ingenuity of men and women in the Middle Ages. These anecdotes give depth to the history of the fortress, a living place where every stone and every plant tells a fragment of a bygone time.

An enchanting setting to extend the experience #

At the end of this immersive day, the Dordogne continues to reveal its treasures. A few kilometers from the Castle of Castelnaud, the hanging gardens of Marqueyssac invite to a magical interlude. Among sculpted boxwood, breathtaking panoramic views, and elegantly strolling peacocks, the scenery seems straight out of a tale. The region also boasts other medieval sites and gourmet destinations to explore, thus prolonging the medieval adventure in multiple facets.

For those looking to organize an unforgettable family stay suitable for the youngest, the territory offers numerous child-friendly relais and châteaux as well as an abundance of activities to discover during the holidays.

Practical information for the visit

The Castle of Castelnaud is open every day of the year, with extended hours during the summer season. Located near Sarlat-la-Canéda, it is easily accessible by car or by train. To fully enjoy the demonstrations and thematic visits, it is advisable to check the schedules and periods of animations, especially for the trebuchet demonstrations and visits on medieval plants. Preferential rates are offered for children and families, making this adventure accessible to all.