Chateau de Puyguilhem

Visit Chateau de Puyguilhem, Aquitaine

Chateau de Puyguilhem is near Villars in the northern part of the Dordogne department (north-east of Brantome and west of Saint-Jean-de-Cole). The castle is in a lovely setting, with a sweeping open valley of meadows in front of the castle and the oak forests typical of the perigord region to the rear.

Chateau de Puyguilhem - a mix of architectural styles

Built in the 16th century (on the site of an earlier castle) Puyguilhem is a fine Renaissance castle, and in this respect is more typical in style of the castles in the Loire Valley than the Dordogne region - except perhaps for the lack of symmetry in the design, which owes more to the earlier gothic style of architecture.

The round tower that dominates the left side of the front of Puyguilhem is influenced by earlier medieval defensive castles.

Visiting Chateau de Puyguilhem

After a long period of neglect, by the beginning of the 20th century the castle was falling into severe disrepair. Large scale restoration began after the Second World War, and the chateau is now once again brought to life, helped by the tapestries and furnishings of the period that have now been reinstated at Puyguilhem

The setting is lovely and the views around the castle are very picturesque. Sadly the lake that was once in the valley below the Chateau de Puyguilhem is there no more - but the views down the valley from the chateau remain very attractive all the same.

It is also the decorative renaissance elements that are highlights of a visit, including the spiral staircase, steep roofs, ornate fireplaces and the intricate detail to the chimneys and window surrounds. Particular highlights include  the fine carpentry work to some of the ceilings in the castle and a monumental fireplace.

The castle is open to visitors all year round. Chateau Puyguilhem is a listed Historic Monument in France - see Chateau Puyguilhem visitor information for details and opening times.

Note: photo is copyright)

See more Dordogne castles.

Suggested places to visit near Chateau de Puyguilhem, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Bourdeilles 17km; Excideuil 25km; Perigueux 25km; Chateau de Jumilhac 25km; Marthon 32km; Chateau de Hautefort 35km; Riberac 38km; Villebois-Lavalette 38km; Segur-le-Chateau 43km; Torsac 45km; Rochechouart 45km; Charmant 45km; La Rochefoucauld 46km; Plazac 48km; Aubeterre-sur-Dronne 48km; Montignac 51km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Chateau de Puyguilhem

Chateau de Puyguilhem tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Abbaye Cistercienne de Boschaud (Villars) - religious monument (0km) : Abbaye Saint Pierre (Brantome) - religious monument (10km) : Eglise Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Thiviers) - religious monument (13km) : Perigord-Limousin - regional natural parc (21km) : Ancien Prieuré de Merlande (La Chapelle-Gonaguet) - religious monument (24km) : Abbaye Notre Dame (Chancelade) - religious monument (25km) : Cathédrale Saint Front (Perigueux) - religious monument (26km) : Eglise Saint Etienne de la Cité (Perigueux) - religious monument (27km) :

French version: see Chateau de Puyguilhem (Francais)