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Origin and history

Castelnaud Castle, built at the end of the 12th century, was first owned by Bernard de Casnac, Cathar lord and vassal of the Count of Toulouse. In 1214, Simon de Montfort took over during the Albige crusade before he was taken over and burned by the Archbishop of Bordeaux in 1215. A new castle, under Capetian authority, was rebuilt in the 13th century, passing under English suzeraineté after the Treaty of Paris (1259).

In 1368, Magne de Castelnaud's marriage with Nompar de Caumont transferred the seigneury to this family, who chose the English camp during the Hundred Years War. The castle changed hands several times: taken over by the French in 1442 after a three-week siege, he remained in the Caumont until the Revolution. In the 16th century, Captain Huguenot Geoffroy de Vivans strengthened his defences in the face of the Wars of Religion.

Sold as a national property in 1789, the castle fell into ruins before being bought in 1965 by Philippe Rossillon. His son, Kléber Rossillon, restored him and in 1985 opened the Middle Ages War Museum, the second French collection of its kind. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1966 (enlarged in 1980), the site today attracts 245,000 annual visitors, famous for its reconstructed seat machines.

Architecturally, Castelnaud illustrates the evolution of fortifications: 13th century mâchicoulis dungeon, circular artillery tower (XVIe), barbacan and ditches protecting the entrance. Its museum, installed in the seigneurial house, exhibits 300 pieces of weapons (XIIIth-17th centuries) and reconstitutions of siege equipment, supplemented by models and immersive spaces.

Strategically located at the confluence of the Dordogne and Céou, the castle faces its medieval rival, Beynac, and the gardens of Marqueyssac. Its history reflects the regional conflicts (cathars, Cent Ans, Religions) and its role as a key place in Périgord Noir.

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