Europe / France / The Dordogne and the Lot / Dordogne River Valley / Best Attractions

Château de Beynac

Remarkably intact, this 12th-century fortress peers out over the Dordogne Valley from a rocky crag that overshadows the tiny town of Beynac-et-Cazenac. The castle played an important role in the Hundred Years’ War and at one point was seized by Richard the Lionheart. The Grosso family, who live on site, have been restoring the monument for over 40 years, and they’ve done an amazing job; the castle has served as a backdrop in several movies, including Luc Besson’s Jeanne d’Arc. The view alone is worth the hike up the hill; fans of knights in shining armor will surely appreciate the visit.