THE Château ROUTE
FORTRESSES, RIVALRIES & STORIES ABOVE THE DORDOGNE
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THE JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
BELVÈS → BEYNAC
23 mins · 23 km
BEYNAC → CASTELNAUD
10 mins · 6.4 km
CASTELNAUD → LES MILANDES
7 mins · 3.7 km
LES MILANDES → BELVÈS
19 mins · 14 km
TOTAL ROUTE
Approx. 47 km · 59 mins driving
Three remarkable Château · One circular route · A full day of Dordogne history
Allow a full day. Longer if you have a habit of stopping for lunch with a view.
01 — BEYNAC
A FORTRESS ABOVE THE RIVER
Few places in the Dordogne are as impressive as Beynac.
The village rises steeply from the river, its honey-coloured houses climbing towards one of the great medieval fortresses of the Périgord Noir.
At the summit, the Château de Beynac stands high above the valley — a formidable stronghold with views stretching far across the Dordogne.
Walk the steep lanes. Look back towards the river. Then climb a little higher.
The view is worth every step.
02 — CASTELNAUD
ACROSS THE VALLEY, AN OLD RIVAL
From Beynac, cross the Dordogne and the story changes.
On the opposite side of the valley stands Castelnaud.
During the Hundred Years' War, these great fortresses found themselves on opposing sides — Beynac associated with the French crown, Castelnaud held at times by supporters of the English.
Today, the Château de Castelnaud houses a remarkable collection of medieval weaponry and offers another extraordinary view across the valley.
And from its walls?
You can look back towards Beynac.
Two castles. Two sides of the river. Centuries of rivalry between them.
03 — LES MILANDES
A CASTLE WITH A VERY DIFFERENT STORY
The final château tells a more unexpected story.
The Château des Milandes is elegant rather than defensive — a Renaissance château surrounded by gardens and overlooking the Dordogne countryside.
But it is the story of Josephine Baker that makes Les Milandes unforgettable.
Performer. Resistance agent. Civil rights campaigner.
She made the château her home and filled it with an extraordinary life.
After the medieval fortresses of Beynac and Castelnaud, Les Milandes feels like stepping into another world.
Three castles. Three completely different stories.
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THE Château ROUTE
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Three Châteaux. ONE VALLEY.
Beynac guarded the river from above.
Across the valley, Castelnaud watched from the opposing bank.
Centuries later, Les Milandes became home to one of the most remarkable women of the twentieth century.
Together, they tell three very different chapters in the story of the Dordogne.
And all three can be discovered in a single day from Belvès.
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RETURN TO BELVÈS
BACK TO THE HILLTOP
As the road climbs away from the Dordogne Valley, the Châteaux slowly disappear behind the wooded hills.
Then, rising above the countryside, the bell towers of Belvès come back into view.
Return to the village for a drink, a long dinner or an evening wander through the castrum.
The perfect end to a day among castles.
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CONTINUE EXPLORING
The Castle Route is just one of several unforgettable journeys beginning in Belvès.
Discover spectacular bastides, riverside villages, peaceful forest roads and some of the most beautiful scenery in southwest France through our collection of hand-picked day trips.
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Visitor Information
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THE ROUTE
Belvès → Beynac → Castelnaud → Les Milandes → Belvès
Approximate driving time: 59 Minutes
Recommended time: A full day
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BELVÈS → BEYNAC
23 mins · 23 km
BEYNAC → CASTELNAUD
10 mins · 6.4 km
CASTELNAUD → LES MILANDES
7 mins · 3.7 km
LES MILANDES → BELVÈS
19 mins · 14 km
TOTAL ROUTE
Total Distance: Approx. 47 km
Total Driving Time: Approx. 59 mins driving
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