Discover the castle of Commarque near the campsite La Fage in Dordogne

 

Only a few kilometers from our campsite in the Dordogne, the castle of Commarque is built between the Dordogne valley and the Vézère valley, classified as a world heritage site by Unesco.

AN EXCEPTIONAL SITE

This castle in Dordogne is located on a rocky spur at the bottom of the Beune valley. It is located in a wooded environment, and dominates the surroundings near Sarlat la Canéda.
This building is a typical example of the occupation of the valley by man since prehistoric times. It is indeed built on a cave containing numerous traces of occupation during prehistory. Around it are several troglodytic habitats used throughout the Middle Ages, first alone and then with the castle. This tour is a journey through the ages from prehistory to the 18ᵉ century!
This cave includes about thirty engravings, nine of which represent equids and eleven anthropomorphic figures, as well as a spectacular bas-relief representing a pregnant woman lying down.
The building at the top of this spur is a “medieval castrum” grouping around the castle a chapel and noble houses.

THE HISTORY OF THE CASTLE OF COMMARQUE

Its origin goes back to the XIIth century, it was built by the abbots of Sarlat to counter the powerful barons of Beynac, who became the masters a few centuries later.
Its role was to ensure the security of the valley where the trade routes to Périgueux, Cahors, Brive la Gaillarde and Bergerac crossed.
Over the centuries, stone replaced wood, the keep, the fortified enclosure and the seigneurial dwelling appeared.
The cliff on which Commarque is built is hollowed out with numerous natural caves, some of which, called Cluzeaux, are integrated into the castle’s defensive system
The castle played a major role during the Hundred Years War and the Wars of Religion.
The last lord, Guy de Beynac, died in 1656.
It was abandoned in the 18th century.
In 1962, Hubert de Commarque undertook the rescue of the Château, which was now covered in vegetation.
In 1972, he bought this family cradle and obstinately led, with the help of the administration of the Historic Monuments, consolidation and restoration works.
It saves a large part of the walls in elevation which was in great danger of collapsing.

 

VISIT OF THE CASTLE OF COMMARQUE

A few minutes from our campsite, discover the charm of this major historical monument of the Dordogne heritage.
Through the ruins of the castle of Commarque and the ancient forgotten citadel, cross the different periods of our history.
Enter the world of the castle, and travel through 15,000 years of history for all ages.
The site is built in a preserved environment of the Beune valley, in the Vézère valley and near Sarlat la Canéda.
Its Keep as well as the ruins of the dwellings implanted around this one, overhangs a splendid panorama.
At the same time, he is conducting an archaeological excavation program.
The visit is oriented in 3 main axes

  • the prehistoric cave of Commarque through a photo exhibition (with the help of the National Museum of Prehistory and the International Pole of Prehistory) and a video projected in the large room of the dungeon
  • developed cave dwellings
  • the medieval castrum and the Romanesque keep which dominates the valley of the Beune.

During your visit, the site offers many services, including free wifi access, picnic tables…
Dogs are allowed.
If you come in a group, there are special rates.
Numerous family activities are offered during the summer:

  • guided tours
  • old-fashioned games
  • a 3D presentation of the troglodytes

In the vicinity of this castle, do not miss the visit of the classified villages of Dordogne like Sarlat and La Roque Gageac which are among the most beautiful villages of France!