Wherever you are in the Dordogne, you will be near a Museum
Contained within the Castle of Varaignes, this working weaving museum and the museum of the Bandiat - Tardoire valleys offers a glimpse of local life in the 19th century. Located at Varaignes.
Tel: 05 53 56 35 76
A mineral and gem stone museum found at the foot of the Castelnaud Castle. Located in Vezac.
Tel: 05 53 28 35 78
The Beynac and Cazenac Castle occupies a dominant position on the rocky cliffs overlooking the Dordogne river. Reconstructed by Lord Beynac it's architecture dates from the 13th century.
Tel: 05 53 29 50 40
The Biron Castle dates from the 12th century. It was one of the 4 Perigord baronies and owned by the Gontaut-Biron family for 8 centuries. Located in Biron near Monpazier.
Tel: 05 53 63 13 39
Features a fortress from the 13th - 15th centuries. Offers an interesting collection of cupboards, carpets, wardrobes from the 16th and 17th centuries. Open throughout the year. Located near Brantome.
Tel: 05 53 03 73 36
Chateau de Bruzac
The ruins of the Bruzac Castle can be found between st Pierre de Cole and St Jean.
Tel: 05 53 03 70 74
This reconstructed castle overlooks the Dordogne and faces the Chateau Marqueyssac. Built in the 12th century the Castle experienced British rule from 1259 -1273. See website for more details (in French).
Tel: 05 53 31 30 00
The Chabans Castle has been owned by some of the most prominent families of Dordogne. The castle dates back to the 15th century. It played a role in the Resistance movement when Jacques Chaban-Delmas took his "nom de guerre" from the castle.
Tel: 05 53 51 70 60
Castle dated from the middle age offers an architecture mixing middle-age and the 18th century. Located in Duras, Lot et Garonne (47).
Tel: 05 53 83 77 32
At Ste. Mondain between Sarlat and Soillac (24). An opportunity to visit a furnished Chateaux with it's antique furniture and historical architecture. Pets are not permitted.
Tel: 05 53 29 81 45 Fax: 05 53 29 88 99
The Fratteau Castle dominates domain of the new prison. Built in the 12th and 17th century it has preserved chimneys from the 15th and 16th century. Now also home to potters. Located at the exit of Neuvic sur l'Isle.
Tel: 05 53 81 11 02
A classical castle built in the 9th century on a rocky spur. It once belonged to the viscounts of Limoges and features the Long Tower, The Palm Tower and The Prison Tower. Located in Hautefort. See website for more details.
Tel: 05 53 50 51 23
The castle was originally built in the 13th century and used to act as a line of defence during many incursions. Well known for its unique roofs that were built around the 1600's. Located at Jumilhac Le Grand.
Tel: 05 53 52 42 97
The Herm Castle was built at the end of the 15th century but was abandoned. Today it is going through a period of restauration. See website for details. Located at Rouffignac Saint Cernin de Reilhac.
Tel: 05 53 05 46 61
A combination of architectural styles from palatial renaissance to a medieval fort created this elegant chateau. Well know for its chimneys. Open all year except from 15 January to 15 February.
Tel: 05 53 63 65 00
The Mareuil Castle formed one of the four baronies of Perigord. Owned by the Talleyrand family, it comprised an effective defensive system. A visit to the castle takes one back to the 100 year war and is an excellent tribute to Napoleon. At Mareuil.
Tel: 05 53 60 99 85
This 26th century chateau is home to a museum dedicated to wine-making, arts and local traditions, 17th century perigord furniture and protestanism. The 4 ha parc is open to the public. Open throughout the year. Call for times.
Tel: 05 53 63 65 00
The Montfort castle has been razed to the ground 4 times. Once in 1254 by Simon of Montfort, once during the 100 year war, once under Louis the 11th and finally under Henry the 4th. Restauration work has been underway since the 19th century.
Tel: 05 53 28 57 80
The Neuvic Castle was built in 1520 along the banks of the Isle. The architecture shows the transiton from Medieval Time to the Renaissance. Located at Neuvic sur l'Isle.
Tel: 05 53 80 86 65
The Puyferrat Castle was built in the 16th century and features a totally covered walkway that offers a panoramic view onto the neighbouring countryside. A chapel that hosts the family vault was built in 1825. Located near St Astier.
Tel: 05 53 07 86 26
The Puyguilhem Castle was built during the First Renaissance and is a fine example of a Francoise 1st castle. See website for more details. Located near the village of Villars.
The Puymartin Castle is be found between Sarlat and Les Eyzies. Occupied by the English in 1358 the castle has managed to preserve its furniture, carpets, paintings and other works for over 5 centuries.
Tel: 05 53 59 29 97
Located 3km west of Monbazillac, they offer a prestige car museum. They also rent rooms for receptions.
Tel: 05 53 58 37 46
16th Century castle, classified as a national monument. Displays a Louis the 18th style. Located in Aubas near Montignac.
Tel: 05 53 51 89 46
Built on the side of a rocky slope around a high tower with views dominating Nizonne. This castle was no stranger to the 100 year war. The counts d'Aydie increased the castle and built terraces. Located at Champeaux et la Chapelle Pommier.
Tel: 05 53 60 38 59
Constructed on the banks of a river, the Bories Castle is an example of pure classical Perigourdian architecture. The castle dates from the 15th century. Located at Antonne et Trigonant near Perigueux.
Tel: 05 53 06 00 01
At Castlenaud-la-Chapelle. A French chateau located in the heart of the Dordogne countryside with an exhibition relating to the life of Josephine Baker. There is also wildlife to discover on the castle grounds.
Tel: 05 53 59 31 21 Fax: 05 53 29 17 33
At Thonac (24). An opportunity to discover this 15th century castle and gardens of Losse.Take a tour around the moat and renaissance hall, which exhibit fine 16th & 17th century tapestries.
Tel: 05 53 50 80 08 Fax: 05 53 50 80 08
Located on the D939 north of Perigueux. The Bishops Castle was where Saint Vincent de Paul was ordained priest in the 1600's.
Tel: 05 53 04 66 84
The Montaigne Castle dates back to the 15th century. This is where Saint Michael wrote his famous essays from. Located at Saint Michel de Montaigne.
Tel: 05 53 58 63 69 Fax: 05 53 58 63 93
It's facade boasts a mix of Medieval and Renaissance styles from the 13th and 16th century. The village bought the castle in 1965 and won an award for the restoration of the castel. Located in Varaignes.
Tel: 05 53 56 35 76
The House of Wine on Quai Salvette in Bergerac. This 17th century "Cloiture" exhibits the historical link between Bergerac wine and the history of Bergerac. Open June to September.
Tel: 05 53 63 57 55
Walnut farm and museum located in the heart of the Perigord noir region. Documentary film in English shown. There is also a shop selling the local farm produce from walnut cakes to walnut wine.
Tel: 05 53 59 69 63 Fax: 05 53 28 59 34
Contains plenty of information regarding truffles. Located at Sorges.
Tel: 05 53 05 90 11
A tobacco research institute that has an extensive collection of different types of tobacco products. The institute opens its doors to the public in the summer. Located at Domaine de la Tour on route de Sainte-Alvére in Bergerac.
Tel: 05 53 63 66 00
A collection of works by the Greek sculptor Constantin Papachristopolous. Exhibited in a 12th century crypt in the Saint Jacques presbytery in Bergerac. Ask at the Mayor's office for more details.
Tel: 05 53 74 66 66.
On Cours Tourny, Perigueux. An interesting presentation of fine arts and french archeology. There is also a zoological section.
Tel: 05 53 06 40 70 Fax: 05 53 06 40 71
The Thot Museum comprises an animal park and an exhibition centre. In the park one can see species of animal that closely resemble those that historically could be found there. Located at Thonac.
Tel: 05 53 50 70 44
The Trompe-L'Oeil and Decorative Paint Museum is unique in Europe. It is possible to see demonstrations of work in progress. Located at 5 rue Emile Combes in Perigueux.
Tel: 05 53 09 84 40
The local history museum in Villefranche de Lonchat contains portraits, costumes and more. Located at Villefranche de Lonchat near Saint Michel de Montaigne.
Tel: 05 53 81 21 39
A museum dedicated to manufacturing Cognac. The process is clearly explained and the tools clearly displayed. Located in St Aulaye.
Tel: 05 53 90 81 33
Located in the basement of the Castle of Jumilhac le Grand. The museum takes one back to Gaul times when gold was mined in the region.
Tel: 05 53 52 55 43
The Historical Postcards Museum of Perigord offers more than 33 000 exhibits. Founded by Henry Brives. Located at Saint Pardoux la Riviere.
Tel: 05 53 60 76 10
Offers more than 1000 white & galvanised iron exhibits dating from the 18th century till today. At La Tour Blanche near Riberac.
Tel: 05 53 91 11 98
This medical museum in Hautefort, is housed in what was known as a poorhouse that housed local destitutes. The building was finished in 1740 and now hosts the tourist office, a weavers workshop and the medicam museum. See website for more details.
Tel: 05 53 50 40 27
Includes 3000 articles of paleonthology covering 700 million years. The Musee de la Vie Sauvage boasts more than 1000 stuffed exhibits. Open June to September. Located at 9 rue de la Republic in La Bugue sur Vezere.
Tel: 05 53 08 28 10
This sculptured stone museum displays stomes from the Paleothique and Neolithique periods.
Tel: 05 53 60 99 85
Offres visitors an original projection room amongst the rocks. Offer various examples of sculptured rocks and Magdalenian art. Located at Teyjat.
Tel: 05 53 56 30 29
The museum of potholing features a display of potholing tools, the history of potholing and information about the way caves are formed. Open June to September. Located at Tayac near Les Eyzies.
Tel: 05 53 06 97 15
The Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions in Mussidan assembled this collection of artifacts from yesteryear including furniture and other objects.
Tel: 05 53 81 23 55
Situated in the "salle polyvalent", it offers a light hearted history of the songs that featured for the town's annual August festival. Located at La Tour Blanche near Riberac.
Tel: 05 53 91 11 98
Situated in the "salle polyvalent", it offers a light hearted history of the songs that featured for the town's annual August festival.
Tel: 05 53 91 11 98
The Museum of the King of Araucanie celebrates Antoine de Tounens who left for Patagonia in 1860 where he declared himself king. He was expelled by the Chilean police in 1860. Medals and official documentation are on show. Located in Chourgnac near Sorge
Tel: 05 53 51 12 76
Discover how geese and ducks are raised, how "Foie Gras" is processed and learn about how to prepare it. At place de Marechal Foch, Thiviers, Dordogne (24).
Tel: 05 53 55 12 50
The relic of St Suaire is to be found in the Cadouin Abbey. Built in 1115, the abbey has recently been declared a world heritage site. Located in Cadouin.
Tel: 05 53 63 36 28
A tobacco museum located at Place du Feu in Bergerac. Displays a large selection of tobacco paraphernalia. Open in season.
Tel: 05 53 63 04 13
An interesting and educational silkworm museum. Located at Saint Just near Riberac.
Tel: 05 53 90 73 60
A museum dedicated to the making of wine barrels and related objects. Located at 5 rue des Conferences in Bergerac.
Tel: 05 53 57 80 92
To be found in the old Saint Jean l'Evangeliste Hospital. It is dedicated to the writings of Eugene Le Roy who died in the city in 1907. Displays his writings, photos, clothing and other souvenirs. Located in Montignac.
Tel: 05 53 51 82 60
The Fossil Museum features a 5.5m high and 11m long metalique sculpture of a Tyrannosaurus-Rex amongst other exhibits. Located in Peyzac le Moustier near Montignac.
Tel: 05 53 50 81 02
At Rue 26eme RI, Perigueux. Conceived by Jean Nouvel, this museum presents one of the most significant archeological remains in Aquitaine.
Tel: 05 53 53 00 92
The Perigord Military Museum is at 32 Rue des Farges, Perigueux. Presents over 13000 pieces on French military history.
Tel: 05 53 53 47 36
An opportunity to visit the Museum of Napoleon and to view his family history. Situated within the grounds of Chateau de la Pommerie in the heart of Cendrieux, Dordogne (24).
Tel: 05 53 03 24 03 Fax: 05 53 03 22 39
Offers an extremelly comprehensive and chronologically ordered exhibition covering the Paleolithic period. Located at Les Eyzies.
Tel: 05 53 06 45 45 Fax: 05 53 06 45 55
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Recommended accommodation in the Dordogne:
B&B Ferme de Tayac. Lovely B&B in a 12th Century former farmhouse / monastery situated ideally in the hart of the Vezere Valley and just 5 minutes from Les Eyzies, the Prehistoric Capital of the World
http://www.fermedetayac.com/
