Built in the 12th century this now ruined castle lies in the Dordogne department of Aquitaine between the towns of Les Eyzies and Sarlat. Although ruined the Chateau de Commarque is still a very beautiful castle which evokes an air of intrigue, romance and duelling knights and it has inspired many authors including Ridley Scott and Robert Merle.

There is a small car park at the foot of the castle and your journey begins as you ascend through the woods up towards the castle keep. At the top there are fabulous views across the surrounding country side and of course the castle to explore. The main tower is mostly intact and visitors are allowed to climb to the top.

Within the castle keep archaeologists have uncovered the ruins of a fortified village complete with knights towers and houses carved straight into the rock as well as bubbling natural springs. The castle is now a listed monument and its archaeology is a work in progress which makes a visit even more interesting as each month more and more new things are discovered.

History
Commarque was originally owned by the abbots of Sarlat but came in and out of possession by the Beynac family over the centuries except for a period during the hundred years war when the castle was taken over by the British. Finally in 1656 the last castellan of Commarque, Guy de Beynac died. Not long after the castle fell into ruin until 1968 when an ancestor Hubert de Commarque decided to buy the ruins and has spent the last few decades gradually restoring some of its former glory.

Opening Times
April and all saints holidays: 10:00 am- 6:00 pm
May, June, September: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
July and August: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Last admissions 1 hour before closing.

Admission Prices (2009)
Adults: 6,40 €
Children 10-17 yrs: 3,20 €
Children under 10: free

Free parking
Parking located 600 m from the site.
A specially fitted forest path leads to the entrance of the site.

Getting There
From Les Eyzies take the D47 towards Sarlat, then left on the D48, until you see signs for the Chateau de Commarque.

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