The Dordogne River is known for its castles. We visited Beynac this morning, climbing to the top for beautiful views in both directions of the Dordogne. Beynac Castle was carved and built out of the cliff rock in the 12th century, then expanded and rebuilt over several centuries.
We went to the Sunday market in Saint-Cyprien, where we bought fresh cherries, croissants, and cashews. We visited Eglise de Saint-Cyprien, started in the 12th century, with cloisters adjoining the church, founded in the 6th century. We had plat de jour at a little restaurant in Saint-Cyprien.
Next, we drove to Castelnaud-la-Chapelle Castle, where we took a tour of the castle and its war museum. Castelnaud Castle was started in the 1100’s. It saw war over and over through the centuries, and was purchased privately in the 1960’s and has been in a state of restoration since. It too, has beautiful views over the Dordogne and toward Beynac.
