BOURGEOIS CASTLE
Château with several terraces offering remarkable panoramic views, including the seigniorial mill.
The double fortress, now a listed monument, looks out over Bourdeilles and the Dronne, perched on a rocky outcrop. The first traces of these castles date back to the 12thcentury . In the Middle Ages, this fortress was the object of much envy. Bloody epics and conflicts between France and England raged; Bourdeilles passed from the kingdom of France to the crown of England, before finally being liberated by the knight du Guesclin. During the Renaissance, aesthetics and comfort of life gave rise to a new, richer and brighter building adjoining the fortress. Through the fortunes of history and inheritance, the châteaux were bequeathed to the Département de la Dordogne in 1962. The latter entrusted the restoration of the site to a couple of patrons until 1972. Passionate about their work, they adorned the rooms of the dwelling with an exceptional collection of furniture, including over 700 works of art - one of the finest in France. The architecture of the13th-century château is clearly military: a high enclosure set with machicolations, loopholes, crossbows and a defensive châtelet are dominated by a 35 m-high octagonal keep. The keep has 4 vaulted levels and a panoramic terrace. The elegant16th-century Renaissance dwelling resembles an Italian palace. Inside, the gilded salon is a marvel. The sumptuous terraces offer a remarkable panorama and a view of the17th-century seigniorial mill below, with theatrical evening tours in summer.
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