Although the cave cannot be visited, an informative video projected in the keep describes and depicts the ancient artifacts. Ruins of a fortified village, including a knight's tower, a chapel and houses covered with vegetation for more than 350 years, have also been discovered.Ī natural spring brought prehistoric man from the Magdalenian era to this valley where they carved animals and created over 150 images in a cave beneath the castle. In 2001, following archaeological research and restoration work that continues today, the castle was opened to the public by the last member of the family, Hubert de Commarque. In 1972, the Count of Commarque bought the ruins, the historical cradle of his family for six generations.
Yes, with stamina, one can climb to the top of the fortress for a panoramic view of the countryside. In the clearing of the Beune valley, the ruin of the fortified tower rises high into the sky around the ruins of the village. The Chateau de Commarque, is located high up, after the parking lot, you walk down a long rough dirt road, the sign indicates 600 meters. Since 1943, however, the site has been a historical monument, a designation granted by the French Ministry of Culture. The importance of the castle gradually faded and the once vital complex was abandoned in the early 17th century. In the mid-14th century, the castle was taken by the powerful Beynacs family, and then occupied by military forces during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) and the French Wars of Religion (1562-1598). A stone keep replaced the original wooden structure and the castle grew into a larger complex, a point of protection around which a small village formed. The abbot of Sarlat chose the site, at the intersection of two important arteries. Located near the camping Dordogne, visit this listed site that is worth it for its location on a rocky spur.Ĭhâteau de Commarque began as a simple wooden tower in the beautiful Dordogne region of southwestern France in the 12th century. In its green setting, the Château de Commarque is a timeless site that has many surprises in store for you just 25 km from your Le Temps de vivre campsite. The continuity between the prehistoric and historical occupation of the site is palpable here. The richness of the site is multiple: if the defensive architecture of the fortress never ceases to interest medievalists, its ornate cave is also still a mecca for paleontological research. Stroll the famous medieval fortress in the DordogneĪ must-see medieval fortress in the region, the castle of Commarque lends its silhouette to many postcards.