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Château de Castelnaud

Château de Castelnaud

Château de Castelnaud
4.5
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Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • familytravel4x4
    Liphook, United Kingdom726 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous castle, very well restored
    We revised after almost 20 years and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. As a child our son loved the castle and it’s weaponry and in his absence we enjoyed all the enhancements since then in terms of videos and information about the restoration and understanding of medieval warfare. Add in views which are to die for and you have an experience to remember.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 13, 2023
  • Tualie
    Varese, Italy1,601 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great medieval fortress - castle in strategic position
    As known, these medieval structures had changed so many owners throughout the years by purchasing or by conquering so common on those days. This one is strategic, incredible views of the Dordogne valley and to keep an eye the Beynac castle, rivals on those days. Abandoned after the Revolution, was looted, spoiled and was used as a quarry so this is very much a renovated fortress castle. Kudos for that family who took the interest in giving back a structure of historical importance. This fortress hosts a medieval war museum and has a collection of medieval weaponry and is displayed by armors, scale models, living rooms, kitchens, casemate and siege or defensive machinery (outdoors), is well organized. There are video games which we played (how to rescue a princess!). If wanted, can dress the medieval fashion and have a pic. Big carpark uphill so easy and nearer to reach the castle. We did the mistake of parking down in the village so we took longer to reach the castle by foot but it was an interesting uphill walk, saw interesting knickknacks around. Wear comfy shoes.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written May 24, 2024
  • arkangel67
    Market Harborough, United Kingdom279 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent value and wonderful views
    Excellent value for money, well maintained site with some breathtaking views of the valley. Lots to see and a number of informative displays by staff in period costumes. Well worth a visit.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 24, 2024
  • CaptainsWife1
    352 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A worthwhile visit for the whole family
    An extremely interesting place to visit which is essentially a military museum and very well done at that. An audio guide would have been helpful though; not just a leaflet in English. Lots of military style demos and activities take place on most days, less at the weekend though. The history of the restoration of the castle is very interesting too. The whole family will enjoy this place.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 1, 2024
  • Louise8866
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates111 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting castle
    Access to the castle is down a very steep street. Going around the castle there are lots of steps and uneven surfaces - make sure you are fit enough to visit! During summer there are lots of activities for young children. Tours are conducted in both French and English. The castle itself is very interesting with good displays of weapons. I expected more displays inside though. The views are incredible. The entry price feels a little steep if you are engaging in the activities. Children under 10 are free though. Overall, I enjoyed my visit and would recommend it to others.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 7, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,895 reviews
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Meliiina
Basse-Normandie, France1,814 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
Much too touristy in high season.
Fortunately we arrived at the opening and enjoyed the early morning without too many people.
Enjoyable guided tour with a guide who masters his subject to perfection 👏🏻!
Castle with many weapons dating from the Middle Ages.
11:30 a.m. play: very poor organization, almost no seats (arrival 40 minutes before the start to be seated)! Far too many people for the limited space, people just pass in front of you during the performance to go to the 🚾 rather than going through the back. Very unpleasant and ruins the show.
In the castle we step on each other because there are so many people. Lack of signage.
Beautiful view of the castle.
Google
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nils G
Vienna, Austria10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Family
The castle is high up so you have a nice view over the Dordogne. In the distance you can see the castle of Beynac, both castles played an important role in the 100 years war.
You walk from the car park through the adjacent village up to the castle. Can be quite spicy for small children and those with walking difficulties.
The castle has been nicely restored and inside you will find a lot of information about weaponry and attack and defense methods from the Middle Ages. In the summer months it will be demonstrated how catapults were used in attacks, how weapons were forged, there is a medieval spectacle, etc. In addition, you can watch videos about the siege of the castle.
What really made our visit worthwhile was the very extensive and fascinating explanation (25 min) about the hygiene in the Middle Ages given by a very enthusiastic storyteller in medieval costume. In addition, there was the Dutch-speaking Guide who gave a very knowledgeable and inspired explanation (30 min) about warfare in the Middle Ages and the weapons used. Very interesting, also for children. Congratulations to both guides!
We had provided 2.5 hours which was actually a little too little. As far as we are concerned, this is an absolute must in the region, also with children.
Automatically translated
Written July 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

flyingporcupine
Oxford, UK234 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
We visited here on a recent trip to Dordogne.

What was immediately apparent was the lack of social distancing. Although everyone wore a mask, there was queuing on the spiral stairs with people inches from you, and on a hot day it gets very claustrophobic. We ended up rushing our visit just to get out of there.

There seems to be some impressive sights at the castle, but they need to get the safety aspects better to stay open at the moment.
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madam, Sir Be assured that we sincerely consider your comment and we regret that your visit was not the moment of pleasure and discovery that we seek to offer for visitors throughout the year. Safety is our priority during this special period! Our goal is to give you the best conditions to visit, but everyone should be responsible, respectful and have common sense in this exceptional context. Our staff reminds visitors about safety measures as often as they can, to make sure people respect social distance and wear the mask as well. Especially before entering in small rooms and climbing stairs. The direction of the visit is indicated inside the museum, so visitors should not come into contact with each other in the stairs. Moreover, safety measures are clearly indicated. We invite you to come back again to visit when it is calmer. Best regards.
Written August 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Di & Scott
Saint-Cyprien, France405 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Friends
Very interesting castle! They cater to children & school groups during the holidays with employees in period costumes, roll playing and describing how life was back in the day. Guided tours are available in French, English & Dutch. Pamphlets are also available in several languages of tours aren’t available. Good video (English subtitles) telling the story of the residents of the castle under siege. And don’t miss the trebuchet & other demonstrations! Also very good display of armaments. Beautiful views of the valley and Beynac Castle. Warning-Like all of these medieval castles, lots of steep staircases, worn steps, , and uneven surfaces. I highly recommend!
Written July 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

loulouchris1080559
Lille, France6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
The visit to the castle is very informative and very lively.
However, we got a parking fine because we stayed longer than we had planned in the village: we had lunch there and did some shopping. Given that you have to pay when you arrive, I advise you to pay for as many hours as possible or not to wander around and not to make purchases in the village after visiting the castle. It's a shame, the fine is not very high but it doesn't make you want to go back.
Google
Written October 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ChrisCaro59
Allennes-les-Marais, France31 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
Castle which is full of weapons from the Middle Ages, including the famous trebuchets. Please note that demonstrations, particularly of trebuchets, take place at atypical times, call the castle directly to avoid disappointment. Very nice outdoor scene but few places to sit (10) and little shade. Visit which does not require a guide, the parts are well explained and clear and demonstrative mini videos are well suited.
Unfortunately, too many people with very little know-how and respect for others.
Google
Written August 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sylvain
Issoire, France3 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Family
Very beautiful restored castle, in a magnificent village. Family visit with children aged 5, some activities are very fun for children. Very beautiful view. To do outside peak hours because some rooms or corridors are small and narrow and it is difficult to pass each other. The flow of visitors needs to be improved. Congratulations to the castle teams.
Google
Written May 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JMGenevrier
Rumes, Belgium206 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
I am not a fan of castles, but this one more than deserves to attract so many visitors.
The restorations carried out were titanic, but restored much of its original appearance. The castle has a very nice collection of weapons very well displayed during the visit.
The activities and thematic tours offered are interesting and varied. You can spend most of the day there without being bored.
I recommend going in the morning to enjoy the freshness as the ascent can be challenging.
Automatically translated
Written August 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

robus1
Aurora, IL26 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Family
The castle is in great shape after a restoration. It also has many military artifacts and multimedia presentations throughout. Most have English subtitles and one rotated between English and French. However, most of the text throughout the castle was solely in French. We visited the last day of June and found out towards the end of our visit that English tours would start on July 1st (apparently there will be 1 per day). I wish we had know that upon entry. We joined a French tour and it was interesting but my wife was translating for us. A great castle overall with lots of fascinating history and great views across the Dordogne valley.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Roundhaylady
189 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Family
I’m giving this 3 stars because if you picked a quiet day, then I’m sure it would be amazing. Sadly, In the height of the Summer holidays it was extremely busy and I haven’t felt as uncomfortable in a long time.
We had to queue the entire way around the castle . Queue and wait in confined spaces for example, the twisty turret stairs, queue for every bit of the castle in extreme heat with people who just push in front of you. No hand gel anywhere despite thousands of people holding the handrails around the castle.
The views at the top are amazing and you can’t fault them but again, you can be queuing to take a picture and some people just push in front of you to get their pictures. Not for me I’m afraid .
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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