Discover the castle of Fénélon, located near the campsite La Fage in Dodogne
The castle of Fénelon is located only 30 km from the campsite La Fage in the Dordogne, more precisely in the south of the Périgord Noir.
It dominates the Dordogne valley and the eponymous river, classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Today, this private property is open to the public.
A LITTLE HISTORY
The construction of a first castle in the Dordogne began in the early XIᵉ century and evolved over the eras, most notably between the XIV and XVIIᵉ centuries.
It first belonged to an English family before becoming French property again.
It plays a strategic role during the Hundred Years’ War and the Wars of Religion; and is several times besieged.
In the XVIIᵉ century, François de Salignac de la Mothe Fénelon, known as Fénelon, and future archbishop of Cambrai during the reign of Louis XIV, was born there.
He is the precursor of the philosophers of the Enlightenment.
The building still bears this name today.
It is at this time that the castle undergoes architectural modifications inspired by the Renaissance and the Gothic
THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE CHÂTEAU DE FÉNELON
The particularity of the Château de Fénelon is that its roofs are made of “lauzes” (stone roofs built from relatively hard rocks).
The feudal castle is built behind three fortified enclosures, providing a perfect defense system.
The access is by a drawbridge. Inside the courtyard is a chapel.
A 90-meter deep well, dating back to the Merovingians, supplied the castle until the mid-20ᵉ century.
At the beginning of the XXᵉ century, the medieval castle of Fénelon was listed as a historical monument and would eventually be classified as a historical monument in the second half of the XXᵉ century.
VISIT THE CASTLE OF FÉNELON
Through your visit, you will discover, among other things, a magnificent collection of armor and weapons, furniture and art objects ranging from the XV to the XVIIIᵉ centuries.
You will also be able to see a vaulted cellar cut into the rock, various rooms and cabinets with period furniture, a framework dating from the XVᵉ century, the kitchens and the large Renaissance hall…
The site is open to the public from Easter to All Saints Day. The visit of the medieval fortress and its ramparts, unguided, lasts about 1 hour and a half for a fee ranging from 3€ to 9.50 € (payment by credit card, cash, checks or vacation checks).
The parking is free and shaded with a picnic area.
Pets are allowed on a leash.
The site is located 15 km from the medieval city of Sarlat, classified among the most beautiful villages of France, and 20 km from the Abbey of Gourdon in the Lot.
