beynac — LOHI

GUIDE / BEYNAC-ET-CAZENAC / VERTICAL HAMLET

FAST GUIDE TO SLOW BEYYNAC-ET-CAZENAC

What is a home?

For some, it’s a physical place; four walls with a roof and floor.

For others, it’s a feeling, a memory or a general sense of belonging, perhaps connected to other people rather than one particular place.

There have always been tensions between nomads and those who prefer to stay in one place.

The restlessness of the nomadic heart doesn’t understand love of the land.

Throughout the history of humanity, and particularly in the West, the attachment to a place has gradually increased with time.

The 11th century was a period of particular importance in this timeline, as this was medieval rulers began to expand their homes, turning their mansions into castles.

It was no longer sufficient to only have walls that served as protection from the wind, or a roof that offered shelter from the rain.

In addition to operating as protection, they also wanted to use their homes to demonstrate power and wealth.

“In medieval times, a castle would not be built anywhere.”

In medieval times, a castle would not be built anywhere. The location had to be strategically selected; near a river crossing or by passages through hills, mountains or frontiers.

At times, they were planned as a permanent home for a ruler and family, at other times they were built with the intent to only be temporarily inhabited.

Wooden structures were restructured and turned into larger stone buildings, with the addition of advanced architectural structures and fortification, such as round towers and strong gates.

An excellent place to build a caste was on a natural hill, near a cliff, on the bend of a river. If there had previously been Roman walls, these stones could be reused in the building process.

Often, the building process would take years to complete, requiring enormous wealth, at least one architect, as well as hundreds of skilled workers, from carpenters to blacksmiths.

“During the Hundred Years War, the castle was one of the strongholds of France, as the river marked the border between England and France.”

The fortified Château de Beynac ticks all of these boxes: built in 12th century on the foundation of Roman ruins, perched on a cliff, overlooking the Dordogne River, at times operated as a gateway to the valley.

During the Hundred Years War, the castle was one of the strongholds of France, as the river marked the border between England and France.

Its tall silhouette dominates the surrounding town of Beynac-et-Cazenac, today one of the main attractions of the region, known for its historic beauty.

The first historical mention of Beynac dates to 1115, when Maynard de Beynac made a donation to the nuns of Fontevrault. The family, the village and the entire region of Périgord Noir are closely interlinked with one another.

For a brief time, in 1197, Richard the Lionheart lived here, along with his army, but the original owners fought back and could soon retake possession of their fortress.

In 1827, the municipalities of Beynac and Cazenac were joined, changing the name of the town to Beynac-et-Cazenac.

The picturesque stone houses and cottages descent down, towards the riverbank that lies at the feet of the town. Narrow streets ascend from the castle, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The reason to come here is not only for the beautiful village, but also to explore and experience the verdant Périgord nature.

Many who visit prefer to also rent a canoe for travelling along the river, but there are also 45-minute river cruises – in traditional “gabarre” riverboats, available for those who are less athletically inclined.