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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Neuvic Castle, located in the Dordogne department in New Aquitaine, is an iconic historical monument to the Périgord. Built between 1520 and 1530, it illustrates an architectural transition between the Gothic and Renaissance, with elements such as corbelled turrets, a round road on mâchicoulis, and typical 15th-century sled windows. Its plan includes a main body bordering the terrace overlooking the Isle River, connected to a wing by a pavilion containing the staircase.

In the 18th century, the castle underwent notable changes: a chapel was added to the end of the river wing, and a polygonal lounge in central forebody was built. The original door, decorated with initials connected by ropes, is blocked and replaced by a new entrance decorated with pilasters and a circular pediment. These arrangements reflect an adaptation to the tastes of the era while preserving the medieval structure.

Neuvic Castle belonged to the family of Mellet de Fayolle for centuries, from John I (†1562), first known lord, to Louis-Charles (†1882), last Earl of Mellet. The seigneury then passed by alliance to the families of Gourcy and then the Counts of Hay de Netumières, before being sold in 1924. In 1933, Renée Saffroy briefly became its owner. The monument was protected as early as 1927 (partial inscription and picturesque site) and classified in 1952 for its facades and roofs.

Today, the castle houses a botanical park and remains a major architectural testimony of the region. Its history reflects the social and stylistic evolutions of the Périgord, between the late Middle Ages and the modern era. The successive protections for historic monuments underline its heritage importance, both for its building and for its landscape environment.

Located 350 metres from departmental road 39, on the left bank of Isle, the castle is accessible via Avenue Talleyrand Périgord in Neuvic. Its official address in the Mérimée base (24190 Neuvic) confirms its anchoring in the Dordognese territory, marked by a rich seigneurial history and preserved architecture.

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