The cliff-clinging Chateau de Beynac soars 150 meters straight up above the Dordogne river.

As part of its long and eventful history, Chateau de Beynac played an important role during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453). The Dordogne was the border between France and England. Beynac was in the French hands, but not far away, on the opposite bank of the river, the Château de Castelnaud was held by the English.

Apart from the impressive location, Chateau de Beynac is also a fascinating castle to visit and explore. You can see many of the ancient rooms, dungeons, kitchens and living quarters. In 1189 Richard the Lionheart, the king of England, seized the castle by scaling the cliffs below and entering through the toilet holes that are suspended out over the cliff. They are still there today and can be visited.

The 330 degree views from near the top of the castle across the surrounding Dordogne countryside are the highlights of the visit. The castle can be reached by parking at the bottom and walking up, but it is probably better to park near the castle and then all except the driver could walk back down through the village of Beynac.

Beynac has served as a location for several films, including Jeanne d'Arc by Luc Besson, in 1999.