June 18 – Beynac Chateau and La Roque-Gageac

We are staying close to home today…going just up the hill to the Chateau de Beynac.  The cliff and walking paths through town are very steep so we drove up. 

This massive chateau was as center of power in the area and served as a meeting place for the four major barons of the area.  It is also closely linked to Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart. 

Views of the chateau from the parking lot. 

Exterior shots of the chateau during our visit.  

The visit started at a viewpoint that gave spectacular views of the river, 

the countryside,

a couple of chateaux across the valley,

and the town below.

And there were good views around the chateau itself.

Then we headed inside where they had a very nice video of the chateau’s history.  Then it was off to explore the chateau. 

The massive State Room where the barons met to mete out justice and plan for wars. 

The Guard Hall with it’s weapons and massive table.  

And swords that had been slid into slots at the ends of the tables.  Easy to grab your sword in case quick action is needed.

Photos of other parts of the interior.

Some of the many beautiful, old tapestries hanging in the rooms.

There were a lot of staircases in many styles and materials. 

This pretty stone one is in Renaissance style.

The Terrace with more great views.

the Dining Room,

the Banquet Room,

and the Kitchen.

There was even Richard the Lionheart’s bedroom.

The exit gate from the castle.

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More Chateau de Beynac
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We finished around noon and decided to drive into La Roque-Gageac for lunch and a look around.  After lunch we caught one of the boats for a ride on the Dordogne.  It was a bit cooler on the water.  We didn’t do much exploring because the temperatures were in the mid-90’s.  Too hot in the sun.  The town from the river.  

The cliffs along the river were very bit in some places.  

Enjoying time on the river. 

After the cruise it was more ice cream and then we headed back to Beynac.  Before parking we decided to head up to the other town of this twin set…Cazenac.  Turns out it was a bit of a drive and we discovered there wasn’t a lot there.  The church was closed and we didn’t see any shops, just a few houses and farm buildings. The drive to Cazenac.

But we did get a good view of the chateau from this high up.