The Chateau de Castelnaud is a medieval fortress over looking the Dordogne River at Castelnaud la Chapelle. Parts date from the 13th century and it has had a very mixed history. It was part of the Cathar heresy which was put down by Simon De Montfort in the early 1200's when he took the castel and killed all the inhabitants. During the Hundred Years War (or 114 as Penny knew) it belonged to the Plantagenets while the Chateau across the river belonged to the French king. By the time of the French Revolution however it had become a ruin. It was restored in the last decade and is a great place to visit and the restoration continues. More walking and climbing but an interesting collection of weapons and reconstructed big throwy things, trebuchets and such.
Later in the afternoon we tried to have a look at the rival Chateau Baynac but it wasn't open, more climbing for nothing......
Chateau de Castelnaud
Climbing, climbing
Collection of crossbows
View of the Dordogne and Le Roque Gageac
Throwy Things
Baynac on route to the Chateau
more climbing
Twelve barrelled Organ gun
Painting of the Nine Warriors of History
Baked Beaners
Mortar
Lunch